Tomorrow is the 50th birthday of one of my best friends. I have known her since I was nine years old and to tell the truth I probably had a little girl crush on her. She was beautiful but nice. She was blond, but not from a bottle. She had the most beautiful clothes. But best of all she did whatever I told her to do. Her name is BARBIE.
Yes, you know her too. That blond bombshell who is based on a German doll from a porn store. She isn't always a blond...she is African American, Asian, European, and designer chic. She is a pop star and a punk rocker. She has a ton of hair and it always looks good. Her wardrobe is designed by famous design stars and she has a gaggle of stylists and hair consultants.
It never goes to her head though. She always has a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face. She doesn't get all grumpy and she never acts like a diva(unless you make her).
I don't know why I loved Barbie so much from the get go. I just know I saw her and I had to have her. I couldn't wait to dress her in her gold lame gown or her red velvet coat. She didn't have a boyfriend at first but that was fine...who cared about boys?
When Ken did come along, he was pretty lame. He was really just another accessory. He went through so many metamorphoses that he was sometimes unrecognizable so about 5 years ago Barbie dumped his ass. They remain friends however. He still shows up. Recently, I saw a reproduction of Ken, the football player. All I want to know is what took her so long?? He is obviously gay. He probably had a crush on Midge's boy, Alan all along. But I digress.
I started collecting Barbies around 15 or so years ago. My absolute favorites are Snow White Barbie(not a blond hair in sight but she is still beautiful) and Barbie, the Bowler(who looks more like original Barbie than original Barbie to me). She is definitely a blond bombshell even in a bowling shirt!!
I always liked the way original Barbie was kind of looking over to the side--like she didn't want to be too involved or was a little embarrassed that she let herself be used for a mannequin. She always looked like there was something more interesting than you over there.
Modern Barbie looks directly at you with her giant eyes. She hardly looks herself anymore unless you buy a collector Barbie or a reproduction Barbie. The new doll doesn't look like she stands a chance against those Bratz, who look like they carry a concealed weapon. They have a cocky look to them which makes wholesome Barbie pale by comparison.
But today I heard that every three minutes someone buys a Barbie doll. What a relief. I was afraid I was going to be the only one left.
So, Happy Birthday, Barbie...long may you reign as the queen of dolls!
2 comments:
Your Barbie pic looks JUST LIKE my first one I got in 1961. BAm, bam to Mark Allen who threw my Barbie case away (unfortunately being stored in garage shelves) Barbie, clothes and all! I still have Midge, though!
I love Barbie, too. I'm certain it's genetic. :) I loved that she could be whatever you wanted her to be. It never crossed my mind to be intimidated by her "unattainable" beauty. Sure, she's gorgeous, but she's an astronaut, a doctor, a teacher, an actress, a lawyer AND a ballerina. That was always more inspiring than her perfect hair and unrealistic body. Can't wait for my Barbie Birthday Tote Bag. I'll carry it proudly. :)
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