Barbie finally comes in different body types! Including petite! I know media are going to focus on “curvy” Barbie, because that’s what media (and body image activists) do, but it’s important to highlight other non-“standard” (whatever that means) sizing as well. I’m a short girl and as short girls know, we have our own “issues” which go far beyond “why don’t you just alter it!” Because you can’t always do that. And too many people don’t “get it.”
Of course, there are already critics. First of all, the new sized Barbies, under their Fashionistas line, won’t fit into “traditional” Barbie clothes. Thus, this is a marketing gimmick getting consumers to purchase more clothes. In addition, “petite” Barbie is slim and fairly “Hollywood proportioned” while “curvy” Barbie isn’t all that plus-sized. Curvy Barbie only comes in one height, as far as I’m concerned. However, this *IS* indeed a good start. In addition to four different sizes, there are a variety of skin tones as well as eye and hair colour – including one with BLUE HAIR (this is a “REALLY?????!!!!” thing for me, but hey, whatever floats, right?).
Unlike many feminists, I feel Barbie has positive attributes. She has had every career known to humankind, including roles which were (historically) not seen as “traditional” for women. Sure, she has been known to make comments such as “math is hard,” but guess what? It *IS* to some people, both male and female. And it’s not like there haven’t been Barbies in more STEM-related careers. Barbie is who the child wants her to be. It’s up to kids to use their imagination. Heck, one could technically have STEM/Ambassador/Have It All Barbie! Anyone who thinks otherwise truly lacks imagination. She’s not necessarily what the box says she is. Politician Barbie can also be CEO Barbie (as long as she’s not your version of Carly Fiorina).
I have to admit I was more of a baby doll/art supply kind of girl and didn’t even care about clothing/fashion until I was 12 (when my mom bought me my first issue of Seventeen). However, actually having a petite Barbie available makes me want to purchase one just for fun. Dolls are currently available to order online (in the US) and will be released to brick and mortar stores later this year. Now all we need to see is the actual FASHION INDUSTRY taking note and using similarly-proportioned models in campaigns and the runway.
