Let me preface this post by announcing that my latest work in progress is a custom-made Barbie house. And I’m obsessed.
If I want to be controversial (an urge I’m afraid I have to fight often) I should write about politics or gun control or boob jail (unfair societal pressure on females to wear bras). But I’m going to write about something I feel even more passionate about. Barbie. And just so we’re clear, I LOVE Barbie. I love her contoured cheeks and eye makeup that never washes off. I love her unrealistically chiseled waist. I even love her perky nipple-less breasts. But there is one thing I DON’T like about her. This incredibly unjustified smear campaign against her which must certainly create ripples in her utopian existence with soulmate Ken.
A few years ago, one of my neighbors unleashed her contempt for Barbie at a book club one evening. And let me just say that jealousy is not attractive. Especially when its target can’t even defend herself. Or speak. Literally. This neighbor was proud that she had banned Barbie from her home and her daughters. I should have spoken up, but I didn’t. I think I was too stunned to find words. I’ve been through lots of phases in my life, some less wholesome than others. I’ve written sonnets Edna St. Vincent Millay would have drooled over. I’ve danced in the aisles of Grateful Dead concerts. But I’ve never, NEVER been a part of a coup to bring down the pink plastic dynasty of Barbie. Blasphemy.
Here’s why, girls. I spent hours playing with Barbie while growing up. I designed elaborate houses for her, made from household objects confiscated from cupboards and drawers. It’s called interior design. I spearheaded Barbie’s emancipation when she moved into her first apartment in legendary Mary Tyler Moore style. She lived alone. She had a job. And she tossed her little Barbie beret into the air. It’s called imagination. And when Santa finally became a little more progressive, he gifted Barbie a man. And I loved plastic, hairless Ken, too.
I just don’t understand the hate. I never felt insecure because of Barbie’s perfection. In fact, I’d argue the opposite. Maybe the problem with mean girls is that they never learned to appreciate Barbie for her inner beauty. Here’s the deal. I’ve recently become obsessed with dollhouses. Have you seen all the mind-blowing ideas on Pinterest for miniature houses and furnishings? I’m pretty sure Barbie started this trend. I also just learned that I’m going to be a grandmother. (A grandmother. Not a Grammy. Not a GiGi. And definitely not a Meemaw. My title is still under discussion.) And I’m trying to embrace it. So I’ve started building a Barbie house. It’s going to be amazing. Right down to the tiny custom-made macrame wall-hanging in her living room. And when it’s completed, I might even invite my militant Barbie-hating neighbor over to celebrate the house closing. Ken will be invited, too, but the house is Barbie’s. And she’s paying cash.
Be sure to follow along with my progress on the Barbie digs and also check out my recent post on making a DIY Barbie lamp!
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Yay Barbie! Yes. I loved Barbie dolls and still have all of the dolls; Midge, Skipper, Ken. Their clothes still look new. I have zero regrets for owning them, keeping them, and loving them. Some of my best childhood days were spent playing with those dolls. Loved your account of how you feel about this TOY, that many love to hate today. But I am a fan of owning Barbies for imagination play. My Granddaughters love Barbie, too.
I’m so glad you liked the post. I definitely spent many hours playing Barbie. ❤️
I realize this article is years old – however, with the new Barbie movie coming out (2023) I’m sure the haters will be back in force. Barbie was my best friend growing up. I was thrilled to find her at a yard sale with her hair “cut and styled” by some other 7 year old. She didn’t look like any other Barbies but I loved her! She was one of the rare items that I could keep through our many moves as a child. Everyone should have such a great friend ❤
Oh Julie, you are so right! I loved Barbie, too. Haven’t seen the new movie, but maybe I should.
Great Post! Thanks for Sharing such a great post. Keep Posting!!
Great Post! This is very helpful and informative article. Thanks for Sharing such a great post. Keep Posting!!
I support you in this. Toys are what we make of them. I was 9 when the first Barbie came out. My Mother was a single mom and had little money. She bought me a Barbie whose hair was a little irregular, marked down. I was sensitive to this, other children being less than kind. No money for Barbie clothes, but I did save my allowance and was able to buy a few things. For some reason I was obsessed with the pale blue lingerie set. A very kind neighbor made me a whole set of clothes for Christmas-dresses, hats, purses, a beautiful sheer blue nightgown and robe, a coat, even necklaces. The other girls loved them too.
Later in life I bought two Barbies that are reproductions wearing the dresses I most coveted. A blonde Barbie wearing the black sequined and tulle evening gown and a brunette Barbie wearing the pink satin gown with fur cape. I love them. And..I should add that I also buck the system when it comes to women’s stereotypes. Barbie can be dressed and taken to peace rallys’ as well as dressed to go Vote out this sexist crazy president. I would love to see your whole dollhouse, is this shown anywhere?
Loved your comments! I will be posting the actual dollhouse and tutorial soon. Please keep following!
LOL, when I was young we tried to make clothes for barbie … and then …
she remained naked … ok, I was kidding, they just never turned out right, so we dumped them.
That’s funny! Glad you stopped by!
Tell me you’re NOT having Barbies in your house!
lol Yes!
OOOO! Controversial! Tell how you really feel Wendy!
I was happy for my daughter to have a few Barbies (movin’ an’ a groovin’ was her first and favourite!) she loved them and their ridiculously fiddle outfits. I then found a local lady at a craft fair who made real proper clothes that fitted and had enough fabric so they could be fastened properly – huzzah!
When I was young I had a Sindy doll instead. Sindy, bless her, had a larger head than you would expect and in our local toy shop then had a container by the till that was full of Sindy spares, heads, hands etc. Sounds weird now but at the time it made sense. I bought a spare head for my Sindy and would pretend I had 2 dolls who were best friends and who lived together in a rather fabulous cereal packet house than I made for them! I like to think my Sindy dolls were free thinking, independent women even if they did have to share a body and I loved the hours I spent making things for them. I’m looking forward to seeing your Barbie house, I’m sure it’s going to be just lovely.
“She’s paying cash”. Priceless!