Krista Mae Sebastian

Cultural Transformation of Barbie

• Harold Mattson and Elliot Handler• Ruth Handler

• Barbara and Ken Handler

Indroducing the Family

• March 9, 1959• Barbie Millicent Roberts• Leo

• Robert and Margareth

Roberts

Bild Lilli Barbie

Isn’t that… Lilli?

2009 1959

How Times Have Changed

The White Barbie• First version

• Blonde/brunette hair• Blue eyes• “American way”– Fashion, haircut, and make-up

MidgeBarbie’s best friend

• 1967• Cousin Francie• Colored Francie• Unsuccessful• Nonconforming

features– Color– Costume

The First Black Barbie

Distinguishing Features

The Real African American Barbie

• Specialists – “Ethnically correct doll”– Fuller lips– Broader noses– Wider hips– Higher butts– Culturally specific clothes– Variations in hair

Barbie in Japan• White Barbie –

unsuccessful– “The too beautiful doll”• Smiling expression

– Cover mouths

• Eyes: wide open• Confident/arrogant

– Reserved

• Clothes: striking, independent, easy money, and expensive

• Unappealing

Japanese Barbie• Mild expression• Slightly parted

lips• Brown eyes• Pale skin• Smaller breasts• Flat feet• Hair pulled

back

Mexican BarbieBright colors on a cotton printed dress and a traditional braid

Dutch BarbieBlond braids, starched cap, long striped skirt and clogs make up famous folkloric costumes

Hawaiian/Polynesian BarbieLong black hair, headdress and lei of tropical flowers, and grass skirt for dancing the hula

Ghanaian Barbie

Printed dress with bright tribal designs

Indian Barbie

Traditional sari and jewelry and a caste mark on her forehead

Malaysian BarbieAsian features and costumes add exoticism

Overview

• Mattel Inc.• Handler family• Lilli• Barbie Millicent Roberts (1959)• First Barbie = White Barbie• First Black Barbie• Distinguishing Features

Works Cited

• Chin, Elizabeth. "Ethnically correct dolls: toying with the race industry." American Anthropologist 101.2 (1999): 305-21. OmniFile Full Text Mega. Web. 2 Nov. 2010.

• Ducille, Ann. "Dyes and Dolls: Multicultural Barbie and the Merchandising of Difference." Differences: A Journal of Feminist Cultural Studies 6.1 (1994): 46. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 2 Nov. 2010.

• Flickr.com• Honigsberg, Peter Jan. "A Barbie doll story." Phi Delta

Kappan 77.3 (1995): 252. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 2 Nov. 2010.

• Tosa, Marco. Barbie : Four Decades of Fashion, Fantasy, and Fun. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1998. Print.