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- October 10, 2015
- 11:00 am
Take a look at the most outrageous Barbie dolls to have ever hit the shelves.
Prior to the digital savvy kids of today, who find pleasure in playing with electronic devices, the Barbie doll reigned supreme in the land of toys. She’s fun, she’s got style and she has over 150 different careers on her resume. But, Barbie has always been a source of controversy, ever since her blonde haired, long-legged body hit the store shelves in 1959. She was the first kids toy with an adult body and parents were worried that her unrealistic tiny waist and perfectly proportioned boobs would give their children skewed perceptions of female beauty. Almost 60 years later, she’s still one of the most loved and most controversial dolls in America.
While Ballet Barbie and Architect Barbie were some of the most popular girls in the toy store, other creations (whether by original “Barbie” brand Mattel, or other knockoffs) received some major flack. From racial stereotypes that surfaced from the likes of Oreo Barbie and Mexican Barbie, to the skewed beauty ideals that are emphasized in Makeup Head Barbie, parents and women’s organizations have had some words for Mattel. Since dolls, and especially Barbies can be one of the first influential interactions kids have with appearance, it’s no wonder that some of the values that Mattel has come up with are questioned in their tracks. And with the age demographic of Barbie dipping from three to nine years old, to three to six, it’s clear to see why customers have brought them to a halt.
In what ways can toy companies like Mattel promote positivity and inclusivity through the dolls they create?
When it comes to dolls, Barbie has been a household name for decades. She has been a constant presence in the toy industry, with new releases and reissues every year. However, not all of them have been received positively. In fact, some Barbie dolls have caused quite a stir due to their controversial nature. In this article, we will be discussing the 10 most controversial Barbies ever.
1. Oreo Fun Barbie (1997)
In 1997, Mattel released the Oreo Fun Barbie, which came with a pack of Oreo cookies. This was seen as problematic, as it seemed to perpetuate the stereotype that Black people love eating fried chicken and watermelon.
2. Growing Up Skipper (1975)
Growing Up Skipper was released in 1975, and it caused quite a stir due to its gimmick. The doll had a mechanism that allowed her breasts to grow when her arm was turned. The controversial message behind the doll was that women’s bodies are something to be played with, and the notion that women should aspire to have larger breasts.
3. Totally Tattoo Barbie (1999)
Totally Tattoo Barbie was released in 1999, and it came with a set of tattoos that could be placed on her body. Parents were outraged, and critics accused Mattel of promoting tattoos to young girls.
4. Pregnant Barbie (2002)
In 2002, Mattel released Pregnant Barbie, which had a removable belly with a tiny fetus inside. Parents felt that this doll was inappropriate, as it promoted teenage pregnancy.
5. Drag Queen Barbie (2019)
In 2019, Mattel released a limited-edition Drag Queen Barbie in honor of World Pride. This caused a divide in opinions, with some people praising the move towards inclusivity, while others felt it was inappropriate for children.
6. Native American Barbie (1994)
The Native American Barbie was released in 1994, and it was widely criticized for its cultural insensitivity. The doll was seen as disrespectful to Native American culture, as it perpetuated the stereotype that all Native American women were scantily clad, and wore feathers in their hair.
7. Black Canary Barbie (2008)
Black Canary Barbie was released in 2008, and it caused a backlash due to its overtly sexual nature. The doll was clad in a tight-fitting black bodysuit, fishnet stockings, and stiletto heels. Critics felt it was inappropriate to market a doll with such a sexualized image to young girls.
8. “Diet” Barbie (1965)
In 1965, Mattel released a Barbie doll called “Slumber Party Barbie”. The doll came with instructions on how to lose weight written on the box, and came with a scale that was permanently set to 110 pounds. This doll perpetuated harmful messages about body image and dieting.
9. Midge with “Happy Family” (2003)
In 2003, Mattel released Midge with “Happy Family,” a doll with a removable stomach featuring a newborn that could be taken out of the womb. The doll was criticized for sending an entertainment-centric message about giving birth and promoting the idea of young girls having babies too soon.
10. Tokyo Fashion Barbie (1988)
Tokyo Fashion Barbie was a customized Barbie that was sold only in Japan in 1988. The doll featured a nearly all-black outfit as well as a hat that looked similar to an equestrian helmet. The helmet was later called out for resembling a symbol of the Imperial Japanese Army, leading Japanese sales of the doll to halt.
In conclusion, Barbie dolls have been a source of controversy for decades, and these dolls reflect how cultural and societal norms have shifted throughout the years. Many of the dolls on this list were criticized for promoting harmful stereotypes or for sending the wrong message to young girls. It is important to continually evaluate such practices and ensure that the toys we provide our children promote positivity and inclusivity.
