Friday, August 19, 2011

If Barbie were anatomically correct

I read a small article today about this.  I get so tired of the PC anymore.  Some people think that Barbie perpetuates an unattainable stereotype and body image for women.  Maybe I'm weird but I've never had an issue with Barbie and how she looks.  I grew up playing with Barbie, as well as some of the "boys" toys.

I didn't start having body issues until I wanted to wear what other people wear, and I was "too fat"  or "too short"  or "too whatever."  Trying to find many things in my size, off the rack, has been hard since I hit puberty.  Try finding a bra my size (34 F) at your regular clothing store.  Try finding pants that make you look right.  Long legs with a short torso makes me look like I go from boobs to pants with nothing in between.  Try finding anything for a woman who actually has curves in the hips, or maybe the belly.

I don't think Barbie is the issue here.  I think it is the fashion designers.  I'm glad some places have banned models who are too thin.  I'm sad that the women who modeled in the various Dove campaigns caught so much flack for not being sticks.   I'm happy that some places are reducing the amount of airbrushing allowed in ads.


When I look in the mirror, I don't think "wow, I'm never going to look like Barbie."  That has never been a thought, nor will it ever be.  I look at myself in the mirror and think, "I'm never going to get back into a size 9.  I'm never going to look like a Victoria's Secret model.  I'm never going to be able to buy a bra at Target/ Walmart/wherever without surgery.

I think we need to re-evaluate a few thing.