Stephanie H. Susan Gilman, "Klaus Barbie and Other Dolls I'd like to See"

Stephanie Herrick
WGS 220-05
September 24, 2007
Susan Gilman, "Klaus Barbie and Other Dolls I'd like to See

Description:
• Dolls give children their first lessons in what a society considers valuable and beautiful. The Barbie Doll sends out a negative and unrealistic message to young girls about what is popular and the desired body image. (74)
Analysis:
• Author played with "Dawn" dolls, which were smaller than the Barbie Doll, had different skin tones and hair colors. (72)
• All girls live in this false world of greatness, until they hit a turning point one day (72)
• Looks become the criteria in which we establish our own self-worth and status; stop believing in the power of our bodies and our minds (73)
• Barbie, with her unrealistic body proportions, long blonde hair, and fair skin establish what young American girls think is the ultimate vision of beauty (73)
• Because Barbie was always the best selling and most desired doll, it made anyone who didn't look like her feel like they didn't fit in (73-74)
• Message is still around today, example: Young Latina girl who draws herself and her family with long blonde hair (74)
• "Barbie is the only toy in the western world that humans try to mimic" (73)
• Provides a list of different Barbie's that Gilman feels should be created because they better represent real women. (74-75)
Vision:
• Dolls will one day teach young girls what is truly beautiful, rather than constrict it to one unrealistic image (75)
• Dolls will be positive role models in young girls lives (75)
Strategy:
• Have young girls learn and understand the effects of toys like "Barbie" that send out unrealistic messages about what they should look like and aspire to be (implied)
• Teach young girls to love and accept everyone regardless of ethnicity or culture (implied)
• Teach young girls to be themselves, use their imagination, and to not mimic the looks of their toys such as the Barbie Doll (implied)