In “Barbie, the Bitch Still Has
Everything,” Steinberg argues that Barbie’s image and lifestyle sends a message
to young girls about beauty and success. This message is that you can do it
all, while wearing heels. Barbie is a pilot, a chef, an astronaut, a doctor, a
professor, and so on. She also owns a hot pink sports car, a boat, and a Malibu
mansion.
I think the biggest issue with
Barbie is that “Barbie” is blonde haired, blue eyed, and perfectly proportioned.
Her looks remind me of the photo-shopped models in Jean Kilbourne’s “Killing Us
Softly” documentaries. The African-American, Hispanic and Asian Barbies are
considered the “other.” They aren’t portrayed as being as successful or popular
as blonde Barbie is. The company is making that Barbie the “normal” Barbie,
which sends an extremely negative message to children about what is considered
beautiful.
I think that young boys are also negatively affected by the media's portrayal of what should be. For example, G.I. Joe is supposed to be what a young boy aspires to be like. G.I. Joe is strong, unemotional, brave, etc.. When boys do not live up to what G.I. Joe is, they me feel worthless or weak. This also affects men. When ads continually show men with muscles and a lot of money, most men will feel weak also. This could also lead to eating disorders and depression.
ReplyDeleteGreat point Jeff! Similarly to what you just said, Ken is also a very influential figure that influences boys. Ken is this white, good looking, fit, tall man that has his beautifully smart and talented girl barbie. It almost screams "In order to get the girl, you have to look like me". If Barbie's image says something about beauty to girls, then her counter part would naturally have the same effect on bys.
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