Negative Effects Of Barbie On Beauty

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Myranda Ogles Ms. Rollins English III 7 May 2014 Barbie’s Negative Effects on Girls’ Self-Esteem and Body Image The first Barbie introduced was an 11-inch tall and curvaceous adult figured doll. It was debuted on March 9, 1959 by a California toy company. Ever since then, Barbie’s body has been critiqued for her voluptuous frame. Parents first claimed she had “to much of a figure” and children started idolizing her for that reason. Soon after, Barbie was advertised strictly just for children through mass media. Although the Barbie doll is supposed to symbolize the various job opportunities for females, she has become the idea of what the country now sees as the “perfect woman” and is criticized around the world for her negative effects on girls’ self-esteem and eating habits. The average girl in America is raised up surrounded with images of Barbie’s body image. An overwhelming 99% of girls between the ages of three to twelve own at least one Barbie doll. Constantly surrounded by Barbie’s perfect body image can take a toll on one’s self-esteem and body perception. According to psychiatrists worldwide, “Barbie is the number one most destructive force on the self-image of women all over the globe.” (Lieberman) Girls started thinking that if they did not have the Barbie body physique they were unattractive and needed to change themselves in order to become beautiful. Attempting to become perfect is a long and unattainable goal that can be stressful and lead to depression and body dissatisfaction. Girls and women don’t realize that Barbie is unrealistic so they sometimes resort to drastic measures to achieve her look. In fact, if Barbie were real, she would be 5’9’’ and only weigh 110 pounds. She would have an 18” waist ... ... middle of paper ... ...painting and drawing on them, or cutting off their hair. Boys often initiated this type of play, but the girls witnessing it joined them or supported them in their destructive actions. Many children who executed torture play on a Barbie doll found it humorous and entertaining. Other girls admitted they played with Barbie when they were mad or frustrated as they felt it helped them let out their contained emotions, which is stated as anger play. Anger play is when children pretend the doll is someone they’re upset with, or themselves, and cause “pain” to the doll by stabbing, burning, or even throwing it against the wall. Some girls even become enraged when they play with Barbie because they’re constantly handling a perfect shaped doll. Jealousy starts to take over, and to release the aggression built up about their insecurities they physically harm the doll.

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