The Barbie Doll as an Artifact of Suburbia

Who can remain a fashion model for thirty seven years and still be beautiful and look no older than twenty? The Barbie Doll. The Barbie Doll is an eleven and one half inch doll made of vinyl and plastic. Barbie is one of the most common things in the lives of American girls between the ages of three and ten, 90% of that age group own one in America. Her narrow waist, slender hips, and voluptuous chest have become the ideal body for many women since her release. Barbie's attractiveness is accentuated by her freckle and blemish free skin. Her bright blue eyes always have the right amount of makeup and her blond hair is usually tucked back in a neat ponytail or cascading over her shoulders. Barbie has become a symbol of beauty for American girls and women that grew up with her influence.

After Barbie was released, basements of suburban houses no longer were places just for storage, but havens for the imagination. Young children dream of having Barbie's figure, her sports car, dream house, and Barbie's "Ken" when they grow up. Barbie took on any role in her house that was made out of a box, sofa, or desk. She played outside and swam in pools made of blue construction paper. To add to her life of leisure, she has dated Ken, her boyfriend, for thirty five years.