Is Barbie a bad influence?
undergo | empowering | implications | deny | role
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Do the Math
Do the Math
In 1965, the “Slumber Party” Barbie doll came with several accessories. Among them were a pink bathroom scale showing a weight of 110 pounds and a diet book containing only the advice “Don’t eat!” Some people were angry. They said these toys were disempowering to girls and could play a dangerous role in girls’ lives. The scale implied that 110 pounds was a good weight for a woman with Barbie’s height and shape. Girls who believed this might undergo dangerous dieting to be skinnier.
However, at the time, many people denied that this toy had negative implications for a girl’s body image. Instead, they said Barbie empowered girls by reflecting their real-life concerns. But can Barbie be a good role model if she’s too thin to represent a healthy person?
Option 1:
Option 1:
Doctors deny that 110 pounds is a good weight for a woman with Barbie’s height and shape. They say she should weigh at least 145 pounds. How many pounds should Slumber Party Barbie gain?
A. 30
B. 35
C. 40
D. 5
Option 2:
Option 2:
Mattel, the makers of Barbie, say that the doll has evolved a lot since the “Slumber Party” Barbie came out in 1965. For example, Barbie has undergone multiple changes in design. Mattel announced in 2016 that Barbie would be available in 4 different builds, or body shapes: tall, petite, curvy, and original. They were also offering 24 hairstyles, 7 skin tones, and 22 eye colors.
If every possible combination was made of build, hairstyle, skin tone, and eye color, how many different Barbies would Mattel be offering?
Discussion Question:
Discussion Question:
Mattel sells about 58 million Barbie dolls each year. Some people suggest that, since Barbie is a popular and famous brand, it is important that the doll set a positive example for children. They worry that Barbie will set unrealistic expectations for children and that this will have negative implications for their self-image. Others deny that a toy company should be responsible for empowering children. They point out that both children and adults see unrealistic images of models and Hollywood stars every day in ads, shows, and social media. They argue that children need to learn to tell what is real, what is edited, and what is just imaginary, like Barbie. Some argue it is the role of family and teachers to help children navigate what they see and to promote positive self-image. What do you think? Should Barbie be forced to undergo changes to set a more realistic example? Or is it up to the adults in a child’s life to empower them and help them understand what they see?
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