Barbie is one of the most iconic toys of the 20th and 21st centuries, and her influence on popular culture shouldn’t be underestimated.
However, there’s been a lot of controversy over the influence the ‘perfect’ doll has had on young fans self-esteem, because of her frankly impossible beauty and body standards.
Many people have said that the blonde, unfeasibly thin, white Barbie is in fact, a very narrow view of what real women actually look like.
We proudly add three new body types to our line. Meet the new dolls. https://t.co/JDeqzI59nX #TheDollEvolves pic.twitter.com/IJVcVhfPkL
— Barbie (@Barbie) January 28, 2016
Parent company Mattel have decided to try and remedy Barbie’s lack of diversity by launching a campaign #TheDollEvolves, adding many more skin tones and body shapes to the doll line this year.
Petite Barbie and Curvy Barbie from the new Barbie Line (Source: Mattel)
“By introducing more variety into the line, Barbie is offering girls choices that are better reflective of the world they see today. The new 2016 Barbie Fashionistas collection includes 4 body types, 7 skin tones, 18 eye colors, 18 hairstyles, and countless on-trend fashions and accessories.”
The new body types include Tall Barbie, Curvy Barbie, Petite Barbie and Original.
Upon closer inspection though, it doesn’t look like there’s much difference between Curvy and Original Barbie, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
