Totally Stylin' Barbie is Totally Tasteless

Published April 30, 2009 @ 09:47AM PT

The Daily Telegraph reports that Mattel has given Barbie an extreme makeover for her recent 50th birthday.

The doll now comes with a set of sticker tattoos so children can make her look like their heroes, such as Amy Winehouse.

Barbie and her brunette version Nikki are now marketed as "Totally Stylin", and makers Mattel said the tattoos give children the chance to be creative and express themselves.

"Customize the fashions and apply the fun temporary tattoos on you too. Choose from Barbie or Nikki dolls, both include additional fashions, tattoo stamper and tattoos."

Read the rest of the article here.

While I am not a parent, I question the message we send to our girls when Barbie has a lower back tattoo and midriff-baring tops. As if the body and hair politics behind Barbie wasn't enough, we now also have to break down to our 8-year-old daughters, sisters, and nieces that trashy tattoos aren't the epitome of female empowerment or beauty for that matter. Again and again, the media--including toy companies--oversexualizes our girls, telling them that the goal is to be sexy and "edgy," not smart, confident, and comfortable in their own skin.

Am I saying that young people shouldn't be able to express themselves outwardly through clothes, hair, and even body art? Of course not. My mother allowed me to grow dreadlocks at 16. When my sister turned 16, she asked my mother if she could get a tattoo. They talked over what was okay, and not okay (lower-back was deemed "not okay"). My mother then took my sister to a safe, licensed tattoo parlor to get a pretty blooming rose on her foot. The difference is that we were older teens. She let us express ourselves throughout our teenage years but also made sure we weren't "acting too grown."

I would love to hear comments from parents who are aware of this story. If you have or had a daughter, would you buy her a Totally Stylin' Barbie?

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Comments (23)

I seriously thought this was a joke...or you feel for a joke. OMFG! *big sigh*

Posted by Veronica Arreola on 04/30/2009 @ 10:17AM PT
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I have a 8 year old daughter, and I would not buy or let alone let her play with a Barbie like that...What are we teaching them to go and get their boyfriend's name put on their body permanently...????? As a christian I think that is wrong..

Posted by J H on 04/30/2009 @ 10:39AM PT
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Oh and I forgot to say, the clothes go perfect with the tattoo. The clothes that they are putting on these dolls are ridiculous!! And we are showing our daughter's that it is alright to dress like that when we let them play with them.

Posted by J H on 04/30/2009 @ 10:42AM PT
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This is a joke and a perfect example of the way that the media, consumerism, and commerce is destroying our country one toy at a time. This is as ridiculous as these cartoons on now with sexual innuendo, violence, and watching ten year olds play Grand Theft Auto... Will it ever stop? Nope.. So long as sex sells, they will market it to ever 5 and 8 year old they can... Then she can play with her new hip barbie in her yard at home, probably next door to a sex offender.

America is pathetic.

Posted by Robert Rupp on 04/30/2009 @ 10:46AM PT
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is it the media that is pathetic?

or is it the consumers that are pathetic?

consumers have the choice not to buy certain things

just because they're selling thongs for tweens doesn't mean we have to buy them.

just playing devil's advocate.

Posted by Loryn Wilson on 04/30/2009 @ 11:01AM PT
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Never. I would never let my children play with a toy like that. I don't think I'd even let her play with another girl who was playing with a doll like that. I wish they didn't make them. Because now when my child sees it I have to explain again, at this early age, why tattoos are bad, why wearing clothes like that is wrong, inc.

Posted by J jamiesolome on 04/30/2009 @ 11:43AM PT
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I don't get your idea of a girl dressing sexy can't have a mind. As a parent of a daughter and uncle to several nieces, I would not buy anything that inappropriately promoted their sexuality. But being confident with their bodies does not exclude them from being smart or being intellectually empowered. My daughter is very pretty (based on others opinions), is a good athlete and is on the honor roll at her school. This even though she was allowed to dance and cheerlead where many of the steps and outfits have sexual enduendo.

Its up to the parents teaching where the line is and how their children (boys and girls) should act in social and private situations. So let Mattel manufacture the doll and the consumer reject it. The only ones to profit will be the collectors. We shouldn't stop the stupid people from being stupid. That has caused our government to become bloated already.

Posted by Ron Leedy on 04/30/2009 @ 11:46AM PT
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Ron--

Wasn't trying to imply that a girl dressing sexy can't have a mind...I believe my point was that too many times we emphasize a girl's looks over her other qualities...and that girls are often oversexualized.

I absolutely think girls should be taught to be comfortable with their bodies--I've written about this on the blog before. But I simply don't agree that we should be buying our daughters dolls such as this one. cheerleader uniforms are much different from this.

That said, I absolutely agree....it's up to the consumer to reject it.

Posted by Loryn Wilson on 04/30/2009 @ 12:05PM PT
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It sounds like there are two very different issues here: Barbie dressing sexy and Barbie having tattoos. The super tight and short Barbie outfits do go way too far with young girls, but why is a tattoo necessarily an extension of that? I have tattoos, and I am a professional woman who dresses appropriately at work and in public. I love my tattoos, and happily display the ones that are on appropriate-to-display parts of my body. They are tasteful and beautiful art which is meaningful to me.

We are entering an era when tons of moms will have tats they got when they were younger. Does this mean a tattooed mom is a bad role model for a little girl? Will I be a bad role model simply because of my body art?

In short, yes, Barbie should not be so sexualized, but I don't think it's the body art that's to blame.

Posted by Amanda Kloer on 04/30/2009 @ 12:08PM PT
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nothin wrong with tattoos--i mention that my sister has a great one in my article.

it's not the tattoos per se, it's the midriff paired with the tattoos...also, amy winehouse is not the same thing as a mom with a tattoo.

i think the concern is who/what the girls are being told to model after.

Posted by Loryn Wilson on 04/30/2009 @ 12:18PM PT
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The problem is not tattoos, but the kind of tattoos, and their location. Also, tattoos being marketed to 8-year-olds.

Getting a tattoo because it's a beautiful piece of body art and/or because the tattoo represents something meaningful to you is great; getting a tattoo because that will make you sexy is... pretty dumb.

Posted by Criss Cox on 05/01/2009 @ 07:55AM PT
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Regrettably, I find this article a bit silly. Tastless will always be around as long as there's a demand for it, and clearly it's on the rise. i.e kids pageant aka child abuse
In this country, women have a choice. I encourage american women to get a grip, stop giving their power away. Allowing celebrities, mag. and now, dolls to dictate anything in their lives. Seriously, it's plain absurd.

Posted by Etrangere M on 04/30/2009 @ 12:36PM PT
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the point is to be good parents and NOT buy things like this...and instead, teach our daughters about healthy body image, etc...

but, the fact that things like this are still on the market is worth noting as well

because somebody will buy it.

Posted by Loryn Wilson on 04/30/2009 @ 12:45PM PT
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I definitely agree. It isn't strictly personal/parental responsibility that governs how a child learns to reason. But a kid being bombarded by this stuff would have to have some incredible reasoning and critical thinking skills to not be a bit effected by it...

With the emergence of the 'Bratz' dolls and others like them, I certainly agree that girls are being taught to exploit their bodies sexually at a younger and younger age through such innocent things as toys. While it is true that a parent does not have to buy something innapropriate for their daughter, a parent can't stop their little girl from seeing it on the shelves, or at a friend's home, or advertised during a children's television program.

You can't shelter a child from this onslaught of hypersexualized imagery. All you can do is teach her to have respect for herself and for others. Tattoos, piercings, hair styles, manner of dress, these things can all be methods of self expression, or they could be simply a cry for attention.

The point really? Self respect has to come from example. If a little girl seems to be outgoing or artistically talented or something, point her to role models that have impacted their industry without sacrificing their own dignity or integrity. Teach her to see the lines between self-expression and shameless self-promotion.

To answer the question, no. Not in a million years would I buy that for my daughter.

Posted by sarah karp on 04/30/2009 @ 10:01PM PT
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There where alot of good points, as well as bads one, since when was all the teaching of our children left to toy makers and whether or not a your child thinks that the barbie with the tatoo's raised our children? They teaching starts at home, no matter what we say and do eventually our children will decided for them selves whether or not they will tattoo their bodies. Lets not sit here a pretend that when we were told not to do something we listened all the time, because that would big and even bigger Lie than the Lie's the former President told.

As a mother of 2 daughters, 1 son, and the community(their friends); I know for a fact that our children are individuals and whether we want them to or not, somethings they will learn own their own with or without our permission. As far as the barbie is concerned if we teach our girls self esteam, self worth, and not to judge a book by it cover, then we maybe begin to kill the sterotypes this world has put on women that dress "sexy", or if your your smart then you most be ugly, which neither is true. Basically don't get in the habit of blocking you children's individuallity, it will only make them rebel to the point of no return in the future. All those on here who are complaining about the stupid doll will not buy them and your children may not even want the doll in the first place.

I have tattoo's that I'm proud of; and if an when my children do decide they want a tatoo, I'm going to show them the unconditional love and support, and take them to get it making sure they don't their boyfriend name on their bodies. And guess what I will be invited to go with them, unlike some of you on this blog passing judgement. Just remember you were young too once....nobody made a big stink about the pregnant Barbie, or the gum we have back in the day that had a tattoo in the wrapper....

For all those who hide behind the church and their belief's why don't you go back and read some more because the last time I check the Bible it told you not to judge, and unless your name is Jesus Christ or who ever you believe in....

Posted by JANELL LIGHTNER on 05/29/2009 @ 12:25PM PT
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Lower back tattoos.. are called 'slut stamps' by those in the business.

Posted by Lee Dorsey on 04/30/2009 @ 01:05PM PT
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I've heard another name for them... less complimentary than that.

Posted by Criss Cox on 05/01/2009 @ 07:56AM PT
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This is pathetic. I'm glad you posted this article. When are we as a society going to stop glamourizing sexuality in products that are being designed for children?

I have a 2-year-old granddaughter who loves to play with trucks and cars, and whatever toys are handed her. Someone got her a Barbie for Christmas, and I was disappointed. She hasn't shown a lot of interest in it, and I'm glad.

What message are we sending to little girls? Is there a Ken doll that has a Barbie tattoo? Of course not. And we are just as ridiculous when we buy little boys these stupid action figures that look like they're on massive steroids. Is this what "real men" are supposed to look like? If you haven't checked out G.I. Joes in the last 20 years or so, you may be in for a surprise; it's gotten out of hand, these gender expectations.

Just when you think Barbie can't possibly sink much lower...

Posted by Romy Carver on 04/30/2009 @ 01:24PM PT
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Exactly!

Not only is it a lower back tattoo, but it's got Ken's name on it! ARGH!!!

And I agree completely on the steroids-happy action figures. Some of those superheroes look disgusting! BODIES DON'T LOOK LIKE THAT!!!

Posted by Criss Cox on 05/01/2009 @ 08:08AM PT
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This is very sad. But as others have already said, if consumers don't demand it, then companies won't produce it. I definitely would not allow my daughters, if I ever have any, to play with a toy like that. You have no idea how upset I got when someone gave my little sister a "Bratz" toy for her birthday. Ugh. I loathe those, also.

Bottom line: American consumers have to wake up, and stop passively accepting to buy anything they are presented with without taking the time to reflect what they are supporting, allowing, or advocating with their purchase. Dollars are like ballots; buying is like voting. And in cases like this with toys and children, it is the parent's job to reflect, and to act ethically. We can't raise anyone's children but our own. It's no use really to send letters to Mattel saying "shame on you." All we can do is lead by example and not buy crap like this.

Posted by Michelle Bak on 04/30/2009 @ 08:08PM PT
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This is a great post, thanks!
I had high hopes for Barbie's big 50th Anniversary makeover. It was Mattel's chance to make Barbie look like a real woman. But I was disappointed.
Now I'll never buy Barbie for a daughter of mine. Mattel could put a Girl Scout uniform on her, that would help, but that body is always gonna be there, and ew.
When I was a girl, my mom didn't allow my sister and I to have Barbies because of her extreme body shape. She told us Barbie was unrealistic and she didn't want us to have a poor body image because of the doll. I didn't understand for years what that meant.
But I think Mom's policy worked. My sister and I are well-adjusted women, successful in our careers with happy marriages. I can't say it's because we didn't have Barbie, but...
A relative that didn't know about Mom's no-Barbie policy did give my sister and I Barbie dolls one year. We were psyched! Mom was annoyed, but let us keep them. After years of whining how we wanted Barbie, and we wanted a Dreamhouse and the pink car and all that... We ended up giving the Barbies mohawks and designing our own outfits for them. We were pre-teens by then, I think. Then Barbie's head went missing. And that was the end of her story at our house.

Buy your daughter a puppy instead.

Posted by DC Grrl on 05/01/2009 @ 06:55AM PT
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Actually, given Mattel's current line of thinking, I'm frightened of what they'd do with "Girl Scout Barbie"... itty-bitty short shirt, inhuman boobs bursting the buttons on the blouse... "Catholic School Barbie" with a different uniform.

*shudder*

Posted by Criss Cox on 05/01/2009 @ 07:51AM PT
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I believe women (and men) should be allowed to get tattoos whereever they so desire without people saying they are whores or sex objects.

There are barbies out there with women in work uniforms, A LOT of them. There are Barbies of all different types out there, dear God you see a Barbie in a Bikini and you scream sexism, but Ken can wear a Spedo and there's nothing sexist about that?

Seriously?
If they made a housewife barbie with full clothes on and no middrift showing you would be raving about how it under mines women and teaches kids that women should be in the home and not working. It's a Barbie with Tattoos, if you don't like it don't give it to your kids but it's not sexist.

Feminists always say that they should be able to wear what they want without being looked at as sex objects and without being seen as "whores", yet you kind of create that whole stereo-type by saying these Barbies are portraying sex objects because of their clothing.

Men aren't creating that stereo-type.

Posted by Connor D. on 05/03/2009 @ 05:40PM PT
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Loryn is a native of Los Angeles, California. While attending The George Washington University, she founded the Black Women's Forum, a discussion series for African-American female students. She is pursuing a career in media relations and has worked on media and communications campaigns for Microsoft, MGM MIRAGE, and the Service Employees International Union. Her personal blog, Black Girl Blogging, explores women and girls' advocacy, black society and leadership, and the 2008 presidential election. Loryn is passionate about public service, women and girls' rights, hip hop, and Womanism. A self–proclaimed foodie, Loryn loves to cook and to try new restaurants. She also enjoys music, art, basketball, and reading.