When asked what our favorite childhood toys were, many of us, without hesitation, will be able to say “Barbie.” The Barbie dolls were beautiful toys that came with various accessories. Barbie became a role model for young girls when she started appearing in her own movies, displayed as a girl who is kind, brave and completely gorgeous.         

However, the doll started receiving a negative image when people started complaining about the disproportionate shape. In fact, the word “Barbie” was used synonymously with fake. Girls all over the world felt like they had to blonde, white, skinny and tall to be considered beautiful.

All of these things combined changed the reputation of Barbie to a horrible role model for girls.

After years of negative comments, Mattel responded by creating a new line of dolls. These Barbies are different, not just different in terms of hair color and clothing. On January 28, the new Barbies were available in tall, curvy, petite and have new face shapes.

Sophomore Allegra Cheung supports the change when she says “I think the new image of Barbie is a healthy message to young girls who are insecure about their outer image.”

The new change has made the dolls seem more realistic. Prairie Ridge freshman Angelina Gasparav says, “It’s a good example for kids. Old Barbies only reflect the ideal and unattainable body image.”

These new dolls should be role models to girls because of the beauty they exhibit without being stereotypical.

“I wish they did this when we were younger because I never fit the typical Barbie description,” said Halle Baldwin.

The Barbie makeover means so much more than just a new toy. Barbie is redefining beauty for younger generations. With this transformation Barbie is showing that every girl is beautiful in her own unique way.

Read More:

Barbie Just Got a Very Body Positive Makeover – People.com

Wait, is That a Curvy Barbie? – Glamour.com