In March 1959, the Barbie doll appeared at the American Toy Fair in New York. Created by Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler, Barbie is a 28 cm plastic figure. A real revolution in the doll industry, which previously only produced babies; A way to prepare little girls for their future role as stay-at-home mothers. Success would be resounding from the first year, with 350,000 dolls sold and regular restocks.
An absolute intergenerational icon, gifted with absolutely extraordinary measurements, Barbie was the first adult doll to whom the marketing geniuses of Mattel gave a whole world, a series of accessories and a constantly updated wardrobe, which made young girls dream, thus becoming the author of the first fashion influencer.
The documentary program is very oppositional Arte.tv After Greta Gerwig’s Barbie Perfect Woman hits theaters July 19? Cleverly follows the thread of creating an iconic toy that has been able to change over time, keeping up with all the trends.
Thus, Mattel releases its first black doll in 1968, a friend of Barbie named Christy, in the American context of the fight against racism and in full motion. Black is beautiful. And if the doll has never been associated with religion, the firm will still launch the first Barbie in hijab in 2018.
Long condemned for her thin silhouette and completely unrealistic proportions, today she embodies the form of diversity: depending on her avatars, she is presented in a wheelchair or even carrying Down syndrome. Astronaut, pilot, surgeon, politician, researcher, career in fashion (definitely able to know everything…) especially a trade that has long been the preserve of men.
The credo is so deeply ingrained at Mattel that the company has developed a program called Dream Gap ProjectIt is summarized as follows: “Girls believe they can be anything, but the world?” – “Girls believe they can be anything, but does the world think so?”
“The Barbie Dream Gap Project is a global mission dedicated to bridging the gap By challenging gender stereotypes and breaking down the biases that prevent girls from realizing their full potential.” specifies the firm On his website, on the page dedicated to the project.
Real desires for inclusivity that clearly don’t mask Mattel’s well-conceived interest: to sell as many dolls as possible; The Barbie brand is a financial boon for the companyMore than 700 million dollars a year.
Barbie, the perfect woman? The 52-year-old’s documentary, which can be viewed on arte.tv, is available until October 14, 2023. It will be broadcast on Arte TV channel on August 4th at 5:05 (yes yes…), it will be broadcast on August 25th at 22:40.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
