Of all the forces against which resistance is futile, Barbie ranks right up near the top. This article from our archive explores why
, it’s fantastic” and “I’m a blonde bimbo girl, in a fantasy world.” Earlier this year, a judge in San Francisco ruled against Mattel, upholding the group’s right to freedom of expression. Nobody, added the judge, would have assumed that Mattel had authorised the lyrics: “Nor, upon hearing Janis Joplin croon ’Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes-Benz’, would we suspect that she and the car maker had entered into a joint venture.
Ultimately, it is impossible to prove whether Barbie is a more potent force than any other product of western consumer culture. Indeed, if anything, sociologists have spent more time examining the weird sub-cultures and behaviour that Barbie seems to have provoked than the role she has in gender stereotyping.
Academics have even tried to theorise about another less-publicised, but apparently widespread, feature of the doll: Barbie mutilation. “Barbie torture”, according to one researcher, “commonly involves tearing her head off, ripping her limbs out, and burning her hair off.” One male interviewee in a study confessed that “When one day I was mad at my sister, I grabbed her Barbies and burnt all of their hair off and cut their bodies with sharp knives.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Margot Robbie transforms into real-life Barbie with classic gown for UK premiereThis Barbie continues to slay the red carpet - round of applause for Margot Robbie everyone 👏
Read more »
Margot Robbie is a real-life Barbie as she changes into mini dress post-premiereMargot Robbie has been dubbed a 'real life Barbie' by fans as she wowed in a red corseted dress at the photocall for Barbie, following the film's London premiere
Read more »
Margot Robbie Transforms Into Her Most Regal Barbie YetMargotRobbie chose Vivienne Westwood for London’s Barbie red carpet premiere.
Read more »
Where to buy Molly Mae's 'gorgeous' Barbie premiere dressMolly Mae attended the UK Barbie movie premiere in a 'beautiful' pink dress Curiously
Read more »
Glasgow toy shop to host special Barbie event - with free giveawaysA Glasgow toy shop will host a special Barbie event ahead of the film's release.
Read more »
Margot Robbie was a beautiful boho bride in top-secret Byron Bay weddingThe Barbie star opted for understated glamour at her intimate nuptials with Tom Ackerley
Read more »