Barbie’s Last Will and Testament
You probably have watched the Barbie movie dozens of times now.
Probably cheered on America Ferrera when she made her speech.
You probably played with Barbie as a child and took your daughter out to see the movie.
Did you by any chance know anything about the history of Barbie? Her legacy on young girls? Her creator’s hopes and dreams for the younger generation?
No? Then read on to find out.
The History of Barbie
Barbie is the beloved doll that many of us grew up spending hours playing with. Barbie could be anything: there was the stereotypical blonde archetype, the astronaut archetype, the chef archetype, and so on. She was an icon for millions of girls who grew up playing with her. The much-loved doll, was created in 1959 by Ruth Handler, has left a long-lasting legacy for those who grew up playing with her. The iconic doll has become a symbol of empowerment for generations of young girls.
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Diversity
One of the notable aspects of Barbie’s last will and testament is her emphasis on diversity and inclusion. In recent years, Mattel has made significant strides in diversifying her brand by introducing dolls of various ethnicities, body types, and abilities. Barbie’s legacy will not only endure but will also adapt to the evolving needs of a diverse and ever-changing world.
STEM
Barbie’s legacy also includes allocated resources to fund educational initiatives to encourage girls to explore fields such as: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By promoting education and inspiring curiosity, Barbie aims to equip young individuals with the tools they need to shape the future.
Technology
Since Barbie’s conception in the late 1950’s, there have been rapid changes in media, technology, and entertainment. Barbie reflects these technological changes: there is an online game that girls can play Barbie’s legacy is not confined to physical dolls; it extends into digital platforms and virtual experiences. One Barbie App, for instance, is Barbie’s Dreamhouse. It’s a downloadable game that girls can play with on their phones.
Want to know more about the iconic doll and the woman who created her? Ruth Handler? Click here to find out about Ruth’s intentions for Barbie.
