Barbie's Flagship

Hang the wreath on the door and drape the pall over the plastic mansion: Barbie's Flagship Store in Shanghai--that temple to pink and excess and barely 2 years in business--has closed. Where, now, can Barbie fans go for a pedicure or latte? Japan, maybe? http://shanghaishiok.com/2011/03/07/shanghai-barbie-flagship-store-closes-today-a-k-a-it-finally-gives-up/

What's it worth to you?

From time to time, and out of curiosity (and perhaps a mild streak of cupidity), I pop into ebay to see what Barbies are selling for and was shocked to see a brunette, pony-tailed Barbie selling for $1600! And a rare mink coat for $1500! Egad. More dollars than sense, as they used to say. But, I wondered, is she worth it?



What would you pay for your favorite doll?

I love Barbie

I love Barbie. I did from the moment I met her, and always will if only because she's the girl I always wanted to be. And, honestly, what's not to like?

She's young, pretty, wholesome, in good shape and participates in a variety of physical activities such as swimming, skating, skiing, dancing and cheerleading. She's tastefully made-up, well-coiffed, well-groomed, has great clothes and a rather daring taste, and while I wish some of those outfits weren't quite so skimpy, I'm aware that lots of teenagers push the boundaries. (I recall with a blush a time when I rolled my skirts a little higher than was seemly after leaving the house...)

Barbie is a family girl--she's a wonderful big sister, a responsible and accomplished babysitter, and cheerfully believes in marriage and taking the kids to Disneyland. She even loves animals, bless her, and makes them as much a fixture in her life as the colorful furniture in her fabulous homes.

And was ever a girl so talented? Barbie has a wide range of interests and succeeds at anything she puts her mind to: she sings and plays several musical instruments, she knits, sews, cooks, bakes, participates in plays, is a whiz at the computer, rides horseback and is a good driver--and pilot. Frankly, we expected no less from a girl who rates education and self improvement a high priority--over the years she's been a veterinarian, doctor, nurse, pediatrician, dentist, realtor, teacher, flight attendant, photographer, soldier, astronaut, traveler, rock star, ballerina, lifeguard and race car driver. Is there nothing the girl can't do?

But probably the best thing about Barbie, though, is her long-term and inclusive friendships. Barbie has close friends of both sexes and of many cultures and colors--some even in wheelchairs--and with them she participates in wholesome activities such as carnivals, picnicking, costume parties, camping, boating, shopping, dancing and a variety of sports to list but a few. Who wouldn't like to be Barbie? Or better still, one of her friends!

My first doll, given me in the mid-60s, was a Skipper, the younger sister of Barbie (the doll of choice for my older sisters), and it began a life-long love affair with the dolls. They sparked my imagination and creativity, and for them I created homes, clothes, furniture and accessories as I learned to paint, build and sew, and through them I could dream for myself a life filled with glamour, excitement, exciting jobs, travel, tasteful surroundings, beautiful clothes and great friends. I wanted to be like her! Not look like her, mind, but be kindly, friendly and successful. I've never understood people who blamed Barbie's proportions for eating disorders and unrealistic attitudes toward body size (she is a doll, after all)--completely missing the great example and role model she was then and still can be today. When I see the highly sexualized dolls currently available with their garish makeup, revealing clothes and pouty lips, believe me, Barbie looks pretty darn good.

Barbie was blessed (or cursed, for good or ill) with a beautiful body--so get over it and look beyond the obvious: she's more than her breast size. As, thank heaven, are we all.