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Surgeon. President. Air Force Captain. Barbie Doll has led quite the exciting life since her introduction in 1959. Barbie's perky personality and bright smile has captured the heart of children the world over for many reasons. Yet what of all the controversy? Her plastic parody of adult females has some adults up in arms. How on Earth has Barbie Doll been touted as being inappropriate for little girls?

Barbie is vivacious and adaptable. She lives the life that every little girl happily dreams about and hopes for. She is more than just a pretty face, this woman is intelligent, a real go-getter, take charge kind of attitude runs through her veins. She is the nurturing Teacher, the regal Summit Diplomat, and successful Business Exec. Barbie Doll is courageous, brave, and noble in her professions such as Police Officer, Fire Fighter, and Pilot. She is gifted in the arts and entertainment industry. Look at her gigs as Figure Skater, Ballerina, and Pianist. Barbie dabbles in everything from Mermaid to Fairy Princess. She knows it all - and is classy enough NOT to say so. Barbie Doll is even a high school and college graduate - what parent wouldn't want their child to have that to look up to? She has a variety of homes from contemporary styling to the picture perfect three story dream house. Her wide variety of role playing fun appeals to the curiosity of every child - and even doll-collecting adults.

Barbie Dolls shapely figure has come under fire - eventually forcing a thicker waist size change in 1997. Playing with Barbie's plastic figure never turned me to anorexia or bulimia. Playing with Barbie didn't make me hate my body or feel that my brunette locks could never measure up. I never once compared myself to Barbie, She-ra, Strawberry Shortcake, or Rainbow Brite. They were dolls and as groovy as I might have thought Rainbow Brite's hair was, I wasn't about to torture myself over it. The same goes for Barbie.

Barbie Doll is just that, a doll. A child's plaything. Barbie dreams big dreams that little girls are lucky enough to participate in. Yet Barbie is considered inappropriate because her figure is different? Isn't that sending the wrong message? I mean, what is the correct size for a waistline? No matter what size it is, someone somewhere will argue that it is too big or too small or generally unrealistic. It is all unrealistic which is why Barbie Dolls are considered TOYS. She is not located in the same department as Dinosaurs, Ant Colonies, or other factual creatures. Barbie Doll is a toy and is to be taken as a diversionary method for children, not as a study of the human body!

Learn more about this author, Jessica Nunemaker.
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