Barbie gets a makeover

The worldwide sensation, Barbie is back and better than ever. As of March 1, 2016 Mattel will be releasing 33 Barbie dolls available in 3 body types, tall, petite and curvy with a variety of skin tones, eye colors and hairstyles.

This is the first time since Barbie's 1959 debut that the doll will be available in body types besides her stick figure frame. Barbie has been undergoing Mattel's transformation for the past two years. The new Barbie dolls have realistic body types that relate to the diversity of girls playing with them.

New Barbie will broaden kids perceptions of what's considered “good” when it comes to body image.

Senior Caroline Braun expressed her liking for New Barbie. Braun said, “Barbie will forever be looked up to by little girls. I wish they had Barbie with different body types when I was younger to help me understand people's differences.”

Jordan Podojil who is also a senior talked about how she likes the original Barbie. “To be honest I like the original Barbie, I think she is iconic and that the broadening of her features takes away from the focus of the “it girl” company, but it does help their business and keep up with our society,” said Podojil.

Although there are many pros to the release of new Barbie there are cons that can be controversial. For example, giving the curvy Barbie to a “chubby” child will do more harm than good. Little girls may feel they need to play with the Barbie that matches their body type which would lower self esteem. Another example is will children feel obligated to play with a doll that matches their skin tone.

Katie Cymanski senior explained that Barbie's changes will help girls feel more comfortable with their bodies. “I like that there is now a Barbie doll available in different body types because girls will not feel insecure and they can be themselves,” said Cymanski.

Senior Emily Keller expressed that one body type does not define someone. Keller said, “I think it’s a great idea that Mattel made a Barbie doll in different body types. The tall one is like me. It is good for little girls to not only have one image of “beautiful” in their head, it doesn't matter what you look like. Everyone is beautiful and unique in their own way.”

No matter what her body type, skin tone, hair color or eye color is Barbie will forever be an iconic toy loved by many. Hopefully new Barbie will help girls realize that everyone is beautiful in their own way.