The Anthropometry of Barbie by Jacqueline Urla and Alan C. Swiedlund
In the article, The Anthropometry of Barbie: Unsettling Ideals of the Feminine Body in Popular Culture, authors, Jacqueline Urla and Alan C. Swiedlund, expound on the plastic phenomenon known as Barbie. The article begins by shining a light on the widespread negative self-image that women have in the United States. It presents staggering statistics that display some shocking and frightening realities such as the fact that a sense of inadequacy has and can begin quite early – with approximately 80% of 9 year old girls being concerned about their bodies and weights.
The article then transitions into the origins of the doll Barbie and how the doll and the ensuing/resulting trend has changed and impacted Western/American culture since Barbie’s introduction. However, the doll represents a conflicting view one that concerns a “good girl” who is sexy but doesn’t have sex and conforms to middle-class conservative views but is in no way conservative (at least spending wise).
The authors of this article also provide insight into how the doll, Barbie, feeds into hyper femininity and the dolls counterpart/opposite “He-Man” contributes to the idea and progression of hyper masculinity. Primarily, the doll’s existence promotes “leisure and consumption” rather than meaningful contributions to society and one’s community which can fuel harmful ideals in young children. Lastly, the authors compare how the doll’s original “form” so-to-speak promoted Eurocentric beauty standards and unrealistic body goals up until the creation of a wider selection of dolls.
This article serves as a wonderful starting point for studies upon the importance and necessity of feminism in the media and Western culture.
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