So, what do I think about this whole fiasco? Let me say, first of all, that I love Barbie dolls. I've adored them since I was a little girl and I still have my whole collection, packed away with their tons of clothes and many fond memories of hours spent playing with my sisters. And whenever I go into a toy store, guess which aisle I head to? :)
Secondly, I think that when Barbie was first created, her figure was more accurate to the beauty standard of the decade than it is now. In the 1950s, the "Marilyn" look was what women wanted. Basically, it was a full figure with a tiny waist, nipped in by the ridged girdle of the era. (I still hear grandmother's talking about them. Sounds like a real love/hate relationship. ;) Obviously, times and styles have changed since then and her figure probably comes under harsher criticism these days.I am also of the opinion that Barbie is not to be blamed for the current issues with eating disorders and young women being unsatisfied with their bodies. Think about it; we've had the same Barbie shaped doll for all these years, but it's only recently that these issues have become the hugely publicized affairs that they are and thrown us into international turmoil.
So what is the real problem? It's not Barbie, people, it's sin. "Man is born to trouble, as sparks fly upward." (Job 5:7) Take a look around you - there's no denying it. And this will continue, until Christ comes again and makes all things new.That said, I do believe that there have been contributing factors to the current weight mania. It's hard to see just where these things start, but the swarm of superthin supermodels that (un)grace runways, advertisements and magazine spreads have certainly had effect on everyone who flips through a copy of Vogue. This is not unlike the revolution that Twiggy caused in the 1960s. I wish I could say how it all began, but there are so many contributing factors - fashion, the media, Hollywood - that you can't really point your finger in one direction or another. But I think it's fair to say that Barbie is not to blame. (Personally, I find the popular images going all over the internet - featuring an overweight Barbie at 50, Barbie with wrinkles, an anorexic Barbie - rather disturbing. :P )
So, how do we take steps to solve this problem is our society? Obviously, it's complicated. But I do think that we need to get back to who we are as women and embrace what we were created to be. It's OK to be naturally thin. It's OK to have a full figure. When you are content to accept yourself as you were made, it's the most amazing experience. We need to stop seeing ourselves through the world's critical, never-satisfied microscope and enjoy how God sees us - as beautiful, strong and courageous women, unafraid to stand apart in order to make a difference and never accepting compromise.
Barbies and their modern look-alikes
All of this said, "accepting yourself" should not be taken as a license for obesity and laziness. Because our bodies are the temple of the Lord and we want to reflect the beauty of Jesus, I believe that we should be eat moderately, exercise regularly, and be disciplined, in order to keep ourselves healthy. This does not mean that we need to fit into those size 4 skinny jeans. This DOES mean that we need to be able to live our lives to the fullest (after all, we only get one!) so that we may truly glorify God and enjoy him forever.
So now; what are your thoughts? Please feel free to share away and ask any questions - I love your input! I never would have guessed that something so lengthy could come out of a simple post about Barbie... ;)
DISCLAIMER - The comments section of this post contains some discussion of mature topics and is not appropriate for all audiences. Please use discretion. Thanks! :)
Images: business wire commercial photo / barbiecollector.com / telegraph.co.uk
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