Over the years, dolls meant to appeal to young boys and girls have received scrutiny for the body image messages they promote.
It’s no secret that the original dimensions of the Barbie doll are near impossible for the average woman to meet. For example, if Barbie were a real human being, her head would be two inches larger than the average American woman’s while resting on a neck twice as long and six inches thinner.
In addition, her 16-inch waist would also be four inches thinner than her head, leaving room for only half a liver and a few inches of intestine. 6-inch ankles would also prevent her from lifting anything heavy, or even walking upright.
No wonder 3/4 of American women have some form of eating disorder or suffer from body dysmorphia.
Recognizing the need for change, the makers of Barbie have done something monumental and worth celebrating. Reports Harpers Bazaar, Barbie dolls will now be manufactured in new body types to reflect real-life girls and women.
There will be four new Fashionista dolls, each with their own body type: the original, plus tall, curvy, and petite. Seven skin tones, twenty-two eye colors, thirty hair colors, 24 hair styles, and 14 face sculpts will also be featured.
This might complicate production, as not every piece of Barbie clothing will now fit every doll, but the move is being applauded by parents and activists everywhere.
In fact, the decision has earned a more shapely Barbie doll the cover of TIME Magazine.
The magazine reports that “the move is meant to cater to millennial moms, who are the future of their consumer base.”
An executive shared with TIME the seriousness of the issue and reported that it took months to figure out how to translate tall, petite, and curvy into dolls without offending the general public.
Said Evelyn Mazzocco, the brand’s senior vice president and global brand manager:
”These new dolls represent a line that is more reflective of the world girls see around them – the variety in body type, skin tones, and style allows girls to find a doll that speaks to them.”
Starting today, the dolls are now on sale at Barbie.com and Shop.Mattel.com. They will be available for purchase in stores this spring.
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