American Icons: Barbie
A posed Barbie doll.
Whether you’ve dressed her up in ball gowns or chopped off her hair, everyone has something to say about the all-American doll. Since her creation in 1959 — based on a sexy novelty item sold to German men — the best-selling doll in the world has charmed girls, lured collectors, made billions and stirred controversy.
Is Barbie a negative female stereotype? Or is she a toy that encourages imagination? Countless artists have played with Barbie’s image, sometimes defiling the doll as a form of commentary, and the Mattel company has at times responded with lawsuits. Leital Molad looks into how Barbie has endured and what her future may hold.
(Originally aired March 30, 2006)
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!