Barbie – A symbol of womanhood?

‘How better to ensure a constant supply of decorative women than to train little girls…than by giving them a sample, in the form of a Barbie-type doll…as a constant reminder of the look and attitude they are expected to achieve.’

The Barbie doll is the ultimate symbol of our oppression, the bane of our existence! It has long been my conviction that those who would keep women in their places invented a toy, a doff, which embodied the look of their “ideal woman,” the perfect “arm charm.” She was tall, extremely thin, with body proportions that occur extremely rarely in actual women’s bodies, with thighs that never rub together, “big” hair, feet deformed from constantly wearing high heeled shoes, and outfits and accessories that glorify and promote self-absorption, primping, exhibitionism and materialistic behavior.

When I see these dolls, I think of those stereotypical bubble-headed blondes that many apparently successful, mostly middle-aged men seem to prefer: a decoration to accessorize their custom-made suits and fancy cars. There seems to be little expectation that their companions could possibly engage in any meaningful thought or conversation; they would look up to those men and give and stroke their egos simply by their very presence.

An Islamic version of Barbie, Razanne, has become very popular in the Muslim world. This new Muslim lifestyle doll is marketed over the internet as a role model for Muslim girls living in the West. While the doll is presented as an alternative to hedonistic Barbie, it bears a striking resemblance to her and participates in the same consumer culture. In contrast to Barbie, Razanne’s sexuality is downplayed and she has a headscarf (hijab) and full-length coat (jilbab) for outdoor use, which are designed to encourage modesty and emphasize her Muslim identity whilst at the same time allowing space for following the latest fashions for indoor wear. The doll participates in the creation of a normative visual stereotype of women and creates a similar presentation of Barbie.

What better way to ensure a constant supply of these decorative, non-feminist, non-activist women than to train little girls to emulate this look and attitude from a very early age? And how better to train these young arm charms than by giving them a sample, in the form of a Barbie-type doll and all her attendant accessories, to serve as a constant reminder of the look and attitude they are expected to achieve.