Not many toys have been able to maintain their popularity throughout multiple generations, but Barbie is different. Since 1959, this fashion doll has delighted girls (and boys!) around the world with her hair, makeup, and fashion-forward clothes. But in recent years, this iconic toy has come under fire for setting unrealistic expectations for young girls thanks to her tiny waist, large bust, and constantly tip-toed feet. It seemed that girls would never be able to have a Barbie doll that looked like them, but earlier this month, Mattel made an announcement that might be the biggest news in Barbie's history.
Barbie has always communicated to girls that they should follow their dreams. She's had hundreds of careers throughout her 57 years of life, ranging from ultra-feminine roles like strutting the catwalk as a supermodel to more traditionally masculine jobs such as fighting in the Army. But it's important for young girls to be able to play with dolls that not only celebrate who they are on the inside, but also what they look like on the outside. This eight-year-old who has cancer is taking a big step towards that goal by trying to convince Mattel to create a bald Barbie for their Australian customers, and we're all hoping they're hearing her pleas!
The latest and greatest change for Barbie has been the surprise addition of more body types, hair styles, skin colors, eye colors, and facial structures to the doll's collection. Now, she is finally looks more like the girls who play with her… and gathering from the response so far, they love the doll's multiple new looks!
Barbie might be "just" a toy, but the diverse fan base she's had for decades shows that she's also been our companion as we've grown up. Her makeover isn't going to solve all the body image issues that girls unfortunately develop as they age, but it's certainly a step in the right direction. Take a look at all the changes she's undergone throughout the years, all the way up to the new and improved dolls of 2016!
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Barbie's early years saw her as a stylish fashion editor...
... and a glamorous singer.
Just a year later, she was helping patients feel better (with the help of some seriously cool glasses).
Midway through the '60s, Barbie decided to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.
And later that year, her aspirations were out of this world!
In the '70s, Barbie got a makeover. But more importantly, she became a surgeon.
At this time in American history, only 10 percent of surgeons were female.
In 1980, Barbie started making an effort to be more physically active.
By the time 1989 rolled around, she could play any sport she set her mind to.
In 1990, Barbie got a makeover... which included a spray tan for her and Ken.
1991 was a big year for Barbie — not only did she join the Navy, but she was also put in a leadership position!
This outfit embodies a LOT of what we all loved and hated about nineties' fashion.
Barbie returned to saving lives as a firefighter in the mid-'90s.
She soon became one of the 14 percent of dentists in 1997 who were female.
Barbie soon followed in the footsteps of soccer superstar Mia Hamm, telling her fans that they could do the same.
As we approached the end of the millennium, she was put in charge of an entire company.
But she didn't stop there — in 2000, she ran for president!
2016's new introductions offer curvy, tall, and petite versions of the world's most famous fashion doll.
And with 22 hairstyles, 18 eye colors, 14 facial structures, and 23 hair colors, it's safe to say that Barbie is finally starting to become as diverse as the people who love her.
Barbie has always told us that we can do whatever we set our minds to...
...And now she's telling us that we can be beautiful no matter what we look like, too.
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