For over six decades, the Barbie doll has been a staple in children’s playrooms worldwide. Since her inception in 1959, Barbie has become an iconic symbol of fashion and fantasy for many girls and boys, navigating an extraordinary range of professions from astronaut to presidential candidate, portraying more than 200 careers over the years. She has also sparked her fair share of controversy, facing criticism about her body image, career choices, and her role as a role model.
In this article, we delve into 25 fascinating and controversial facts about Barbie that will either make you appreciate her more or question her existence.
1. Barbie’s Full Name: Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, named after the creator Ruth Handler’s daughter, Barbara.
2. Ken’s Full Name: Similarly, Ken’s full name is Kenneth Carson. He was introduced in 1961 and was named after Handler’s son, Ken.
3. First Barbie: The first Barbie doll was launched in 1959 at the New York Toy Fair. She wore a zebra-striped swimsuit and a ponytail, modeled after a popular European doll named Bild Lilli.
4. Barbie’s Professions: Barbie has held over 200 different careers since her creation, ranging from a school teacher and a doctor to an astronaut and even a presidential candidate.
5. First Black Barbie: The first Black Barbie named Christie was introduced in 1968, and in 1980, Mattel released the first Black Barbie doll with the same name, Barbie.
6. Banned in Saudi Arabia: Barbie dolls were banned in Saudi Arabia in 2003, because they did not conform to Islamic codes of dress and modesty.
7. Barbie’s Proportions: If Barbie were a real woman, her unrealistic proportions (a reported 36-inch chest, 18-inch waist, and 33-inch hips) would render her unable to walk upright or have children.
8. Teen Talk Barbie Controversy: In 1992, “Teen Talk Barbie” stirred controversy for saying phrases like “Math class is tough!”, reinforcing negative stereotypes about girls and education.
9. Barbie’s Pets: Barbie has owned a menagerie of pets, including dogs, horses, a panda, a lion cub, and even a zebra.
10. Barbie’s Dream House: The first Barbie Dream House was introduced in 1962, made entirely of cardboard, except for the plastic hangers in her closet.
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11. Barbie’s Influence: Barbie has been credited with helping girls envision themselves in roles beyond the traditional ones, thanks to her myriad of careers.
12. Oreo Fun Barbie Controversy: In 1997, Mattel partnered with Nabisco to produce the Oreo Fun Barbie. However, it was recalled after it was deemed racially insensitive because “Oreo” is a derogatory term in the African American community.
13. Disabled Barbie: In 1997, Mattel introduced Share a Smile Becky, a Barbie doll in a wheelchair. However, it was withdrawn from the market after customers complained that the doll’s wheelchair didn’t fit through the doors of Barbie’s Dream House.
14. Astronaut Barbie: Barbie went to space in 1965, four years before man landed on the moon.
15. Barbie and Sports: Barbie has participated in nearly every Olympic sport, including skiing, gymnastics, fencing, and ice-skating.
16. Number of Barbies Sold: Over a billion Barbie dolls have been sold worldwide in over 150 countries.
17. Barbie and Art: Artist Andy Warhol created a portrait of Barbie in 1985, further cementing her status as an American icon.
18. Barbie’s Body Changes: In 2016, Mattel introduced a range of Barbies in various body types – petite, tall, and curvy, and seven different skin tones to better reflect societal diversity.
19. Barbie’s Failed Marriage: Barbie and Ken broke up on Valentine’s Day in 2004, after 43 years together. They got back together on Valentine’s Day in 2011.
20. Barbie’s First Pregnancy: In 2002, Barbie’s friend Midge was sold pregnant with a tiny baby in her removable stomach, sparking controversy among consumers who felt it promoted teen pregnancy.
21. Tattooed Barbie: In 2011, a Barbie with tattoos ignited controversy among parents who believed it was inappropriate for children.
22. Most Expensive Barbie: The most expensive Barbie ever sold was a version adorned with diamonds, designed by Stefano Canturi. It was auctioned for $302,500 in 2010.
23. Bald Barbie: In 2012, Mattel released a bald Barbie doll for children who had lost their hair due to illness or medical treatments.
24. Computer Engineer Barbie Controversy: In 2010, a book titled “Barbie: I Can Be a Computer Engineer” faced backlash because Barbie needed the help of male colleagues to fix her computer.
25. Average Number of Barbies: On average, a child in the U.S owns seven Barbie dolls.
Barbie, as a global cultural icon, has come a long way since her debut, reflecting the evolution of societal norms and attitudes. However, her journey has not been without controversy, illustrating the diverse perspectives on what she represents. Despite these debates, Barbie’s popularity endures, highlighting her significant impact on children’s toys and the broader cultural discourse.
