So Can Barbie Get a Different Car Now?
The introduction of Barbie dolls with diverse body types is causing quite a stir.
Sheryl Sandberg, Beyonce, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and Malala Youafzai have all been on the cover of TIME Magazine. Barbie made her own breakthrough as a cover girl this week, looking more like women many of us know—or perhaps see in the mirror. At 57, Barbie is no longer just the thin “bad role model” type with her feet perpetually poised for high heels. She’s curvy, petite or tall and has a range of skin shades and hair types.
Evelyn Mazzocco, general manager of Barbie, says it was soft sales and a cultural notion that B was “out of touch” that prompted the remake. It matters that young girls playing with the iconic doll did not see their mothers, friends or people on the street reflected in Barbie’s image and it was more than a little confusing. The reason Barbie gets so much flak, says Kim Culmone, head of design for Barbie, “is the same reason women get so much criticism.” Now, if only we can get a few more Ken types out there, and maybe a different car—one with a top would be a start.
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