Barbie Looking Good For Turning 50!
Posted: Monday, March 09, 2009
by Laura Trahan
This month marks Barbie's 50th birthday. It is hard to believe that on March 9, the American Icon will celebrate her 50th birthday.
Barbie Millicent Roberts was first displayed to the world in 1959 at the New York Toy Fair. She was named after her creator Ruth Handler's daughter Barbara.
She has seen a half-century of changes during her life, but not a winkle or grey hair to show for it. She has endured criticisms over stereotypes, boyfriend choices, etc. She has done every career imaginable from astronaut to president to a gymnast.
Her debut year, Barbie was sold over 300,000 times for a mere $3 each. Even today, her price is relatively close to the original cost. Some Barbie runs from $4 to an extravagant $15. There is a Barbie for every economic status.
Ruth Handler had stated in the past that Barbie was all about giving girls choices. That she has done. We now have the Barbie doctor kit, Barbie houses, Barbie vet kits, cars, dogs, pools, mansions and the list is endless.
Believe me I know. My daughter's room looks like a Barbie factory threw up in it. I can't tell you how annoying it is to step on one of those high-heeled shoes in the middle of the night. That is an entirely different story, however.
It is ok. I was the same way. I think I cried when I had to pass down my Barbie vanity to a cousin. I still don't comprehend why my mom thought I was too old for it?
I know other parents have criticized allowing kids to play with Barbie. I don't see it. My daughter plays with a toy. She doesn't hope to one day be Barbie. That is absurd. Do you think boys hope to one day grow up and Darth Vader?
Kids play with toys because they are fun. It is fun to dress Barbie. It is fun to comb her hair. It is even fun to watch the Barbie dog pee on unsuspecting Mimi's, PawPaw's and brothers. It is fun to put her in her car and drive her to the beach. It is a fantasy toy.
But don't take my word for it. Take my four year olds word.
"Why do you like Barbie so much," I ask.
"Because I just like playing with her," she said.
"But why? What is so fun about it?"
"Because it is girl stuff!" she yells.
Every girl needs a toy not to look up to be like, but just to play with. My daughter will spend hours playing with her Barbies. She dresses them, she drives them around in their car, she brushes their hair, puts on pretend make-up and pretends they are going shopping/working, etc. I love that she is able to pretend and entertain herself. She is a kid and has no clue about stereotypes or anything else. She just wants to play.
Happy birthday Barbie! Here is to another 50 more! And I do hope you never get a wrinkle or turn grey haired. I want my toys to be invincible! Have a great celebration!
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)I think Mom's who are obsessive about their young children (toddlers on up) becoming models and movie stars do more harm than Barbie. Thanks for the article.Linda Dthanks for commenting Linda! I couldn't agree more!
I dunno Laura, when I was single, I used to have this urge to wear a cartigan sweater around my neck, hoping to meet a Barbie.....it never happened, maybe it was the Darth Vader costume I wore underneith the sweater? Perhaps. hahahahaha, I want to know, what it is like, to walk into a room, where it looks like a Barbie factory threw up in it? What a visual!!! hahahahahahahha, love the article, and I know the ole gal still looks great, life would be grand if it could just stay the same way huh? Well this was another great of yours...and it made me laugh and smile....as usual. Good read.....Your pal, and friend in pen.......Gary.LOL Gary! I love the Darth Vader image!!HAHA!The room is a scary site. . .maybe I will upload a pic sometime. ..it is like a Barbie horror movie! ;)thanks so much for commenting and being a great friend!My pleasure Laura, you are one funny gal, and it is always a treat to read your work and I ALWAYS can be assured, that I will laugh my rear end off reading your great articles. What I like about your writing is you write about real life. And in that, is a series of humorous most folks tend to overlook, but you catch them all. You were meant to write, and I will always read your wonderful, and lighthearted work....Your fan, and friend in pen.......Gary
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