YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY, BARBIE! BY MARIA C. FERRER

  

Barbara Millicent “Barbie” Roberts is an icon, a trendsetter, a mirror of women’s history for the last 50 years. 

I had a Barbie.  I was not obsessed with her boobs and tiny waist; I actually was fascinated by the arches in her feet since I have flat feet.  But what I remember most are her professions.  They ran/run the gamut from superfluous to serious; from child-like to adult. 

Barbie has influenced and been influenced by all sectors of our society – fashion, art, music, medicine, even politics.  For example, did you know that Barbie has been a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader, a Baywatch Life Guard and even a Street Rapper? And, did you know she was also a UNICEF diplomat in 1990; a presidential candidate in 1992; and U.S. President in 2000? Barbie can probably give Hilary, Bernie and Trump lessons on winning over voters.

Check out some of Barbie’s careers:

1959—Fashion Model (launch)

1961—Ballerina
1961—Nurse
1961—Stewardess
1965—Astronaut
1973—Flight Attendant
1973—Cheerleader
1973—Surgeon
1981—Cowgirl
1985—Teacher     
1990—Princess
1990—Pilot Air Force
1992—Street Rapper
1993—Police woman
1994—Life Guard  
1995—Fire fighter
2001—Spanish Language Teacher
2008—Hair Dresser/Makeup Artist
2008—Chef / TV Chef
2010—Computer Engineer
2010—Actress
2011—Architect

And Barbie knows a lot about diversity too.  No #BarbieSoWhite claims on her.  Christie was her first African American friend (1968); followed by Brad (1970) and Curtis (1975). Teresa was her first Spanish friend (1988), and Marisa her Latina friend.  Twins Raquelle and Ryan were her Asian American friends (2007); and Nikita and Sunny were friends from India (1993).

Many may doubt Barbie’s power as a role model, but think.  Barbie showed girls that they could be nurses, teachers, surgeons, astronauts, engineers, beauty queens, fashion models, Olympians, and even President. All I can say is: Thanks, Barbie.  Thanks for celebrating women and showing us what we are capable of.♥

Maria Ferrer loves Barbie dolls. She didn’t have many growing up, but she loved the potential and the power behind the doll.  Maria believes in empowering and inspiring girls and women of all ages and races, and if one doll can do that, then more power to her.  Go, Barbie!  Visit Maria at www.marializaferrer.blogspot.com or visit her alter ego, Del Carmen, at www.mydelcarmen.com.