I'm not sure if there's any toy as fraught with controversy as Barbie. The doll is blamed for everything from decimating girls' self esteem to encouraging them to dress like hookers.
The whole debate is enough to give any mother of a girl a serious case of agita before each and every birthday party, lest one of the little gift givers comes walking in with a doll box. But with a 7-year-old in my house who has played with the occasional Barbie (none of which I purchased) and still seems to have a pretty hearty self esteem, I was curious: how much is the Barbie debate in our heads? Do little girls really think what we think they think when we see a Barbie?
I decided to find out.
I went online and found 10 Barbie dolls that range from slutty and skanky to pretty run of the mill. I found the tattoo Barbie who started the whole debacle last year. I found some designed to encourage girls to aspire to big careers (even president), and some that are decidedly not for kids.
More from The Stir: Little Girl's Reaction to Disneyland Surprise Will Put Biggest Smile on Your Face (VIDEO)
And then I placed the photos one by one in front of my 7-year-old daughter and asked her what she thought. I didn't coach her beside telling her that there were no wrong answers and she wouldn't be in any trouble ... and asking her a question or two (would you play with this doll? would you dress like this doll?).
What she said made me feel a lot better about letting her play with Barbies ... not to mention my parenting. Take a look ... it might surprise you.
What's your take on little girls and Barbie?
Image via Flavio (back for awhile)/Flickr
Offensive Toddler T-Shirts
'Teen Mom' Style Evolution
Celebrities With Smallish...
Top 10 Best Sex Positions...
Ashley Is a Widow Who Stays Strong...
This Hot Dad Wants to Vacuum Your Rug
This Hot Dad Wants to Do Your Ironing
KStew Refuses to Shower
Comments 187
Man, I miss playing Barbies. I don't know how I thought of the stories I did when I was a little kid, because when I tried to play Barbies/My Little Ponies with my niece a few months ago, my mind drew a blank. She had a little car and dream house and all that but all that was running through my head were how much her car and mortgage payments would be for a home of that size. Oh, to be that young again.
I don't think the dolls influenced my self esteem growing up, it had more to do with my parents and the kids in my classes that thought it was funny to mock me. Barbie was my escape.
I don't think Barbie (or any toy or movie) for that matter is to blame for low self-esteem. I think a lot of parents just don't want to take responsibilty for raising their kids. It's easier to pass the buck. I played with Barbies and watched Princess movies and I was also raised with parents who instilled good values and high self-esteem in me. That is what makes the difference.
Although Barbie itself did not affect my esteem, I found myself not being able to wait to grow up and look like various Disney Princesses. Needless to say, I was disappointed when I didn't.
Her answers are adorable! her comment that she would wear the architect outfit except with a hat really made me laugh, And it was refreshing to see that she does not look down on people with tattoos it seems too many parents put it into their children's heads that people with tattoos are deadbeats or criminals... she is totally right about that vest too, it ruins the outfit.
Odd replies. My 7 year old DD wouldn't comment on "all the skin" or "tight" clothes. I assume this childs parents have lectured her extensively on clothes.
personally I think this mom didn't say all the truth.... plain and simple there dolls I plaied with barbie when I was a little girl and I never looked at the clothes as "Slutty" or "Trashy" I was 6 I didn't know the meaning of them words I just liked taking the clothes off and changeing her outfits and making her and ken kiss and get married. I never wore anything like barbie.and now in my late 20's still won't never had. If you have a daughter then until she is old enough to understand your the one that buys the clothes so I hope no moms are letting their daughter dress in short skirts. but at the same time you don't want to make her daughter feel like she can express herself. that will mess with her self esteem and when they get to be 14 15 16 there is peer pressure and if her girl friends are dressing that way then your daughter will want too you can't blame a doll
Cute comments! When my DD was 6, she got a TON of Barbies (2 duplicates), clothes galore. She came right home from her party (at a pizza place) and played for a LONG time with.....a balloon. Over & over, the balloon.