I'm a Barbie Girl.... In a Barbie Worlddddd

   
        Barbie has been a blonde icon, a model, a cashier, a ballerina, the president of the U.S., and a half-human half video camera, you name it. But now, her latest look is a tattooed BA. "This 'cutting edge' Barbie rocks a pink bob, a slouchy crossbones top — and a swath of retro-themed ink that climbs across her shoulders and up her neck." (Williams). 'A little different' would be the understatement of the year. There are mixed emotions among parents- some feel that the doll is "sending out the wrong message" and turning into a "terrible ugly fad" (3). I think it's the parents responsibility to decide whether the doll is appropriate for their child and to ensure that it doesn't act as a "bad influence". Personally, I think that this edition of the doll is in a way announcing to the world that tall, thin, tan, and blonde is not the only form of beauty. With that said, do I want to dye my hair pink and cover my body in tattoos? No; but somebody else might, and that's their own choice. I don't think that they should be criticized for their not cookie-cutter appearance. That cookie-cutter image is something Barbie once helped support with her perfect proportions, bleach blonde hair, and straight white smile. Kids don't seem to mind the new look, Barbie's on back-order until the end of the month.
        This articles author is Mary Elizabeth Williams. She makes the article humorous and playful because she refers to Barbie as some living woman going through a mid-life crisis, who she doesn't seem to like. She explained other Barbie doll models that involved body art, specifically one which allow children to tattoo the doll and themselves with hearts and the Barbie silhouette logo. She then writes, "Because Barbie’s such a big narcissist that she needs her own face on her body." (Williams 5). She discusses her and Ken's "ill-advised butterfly tattoo phase" and follows with the statement, "Oh, didn’t we all, Barbie and Ken?" (Williams 5).Williams informs the reader of opinions of the doll, positive and negative. At the end she has no problem voicing her own opinion, which is that the idea of the unique doll is "a step forward". Not only does she take a few personal stabs at Barbie, but also middle aged parents! "The truth is that the sleek, pink-haired female with leopard leggings only needs a Starbucks in her hand to look like plenty of the moms you can see any day at the local playground. And that’s a nice image for little girls to see there in their dolls. It reflects the contemporary reality of their experiences." (Williams 6).  Barbie doesn't look so bad for 53 years old, but maybe next year they will increase her torso size to properly fit all the vital organs- because there is no way they can all be there the way she's designed now.

http://www.salon.com/2011/10/19/barbie_gets_a_tattoo_makeover/singleton/