by Lauren Danzi

Created on: October 22, 2007

My Barbies scaled cliffs, hiked mountains, and even rescued dolphins and mermaids from evil scientists. I played with Barbies as a kid. I had over 100 of them, a result of being an only child and only grandchild for a number of years.

People attack Barbie because they feel she promotes negative self image. She doesn't. It is true that her figure if she were actual size would be 38-18-34 which is physically impossible for any woman to attain. Kids don't see that. What they see is a doll that they can hold in their hand and make up stories about. They see her riding bikes, driving, traveling, and swimming with dolphins. Barbie is a teacher, a vet, a doctor, a lawyer, gymnast, and an Olympic medal winner. She rides horses, bicycles, and motorcycles. She also gets married, goes to the grocery store, and kicks back on the sofa watching TV. Barbie does everything!

My mom used to make me Barbie dresses, and clothing. I there is a photo of me dress in pink from head to toe. I do not have a negative image of my body. I am 5'2" Brunette with brown eyes and I'm proud of it. I have never died my hair, I have never gone on a diet. I am a healthy weight and a fairly active person. I complained about being short only because I used to dream of becoming an astronaut and I knew that I was too short for the space program. Barbie helped me dream big, after all she could be anything!

Barbie helped me express my own creativity. She stood up to evil scientists saving mermaids from a life of captivity. It might seem silly but I learned things from the stories I created. I learned to stand up for what I believed in no matter the cost and to have compassion for those different from me.

The Barbies I liked best had the bendy legs that could climb, run and go for bike rides. I never once looked at her figure and wanted or expected to look like that. I grew up in a family that enjoyed the outdoors. I hiked, camped, went for bike rides and when I was older learned to ski. Barbie did the things I did. I had a Barbie house but she spent very little time in there. Though the elevator was a fun Barbie spent little time using it instead she scaled my toy shelf and rescued other "injured" Barbies from the "cliff."

Now one could argue they should have made a rock climber Barbie, but it doesn't really matter. Kids will improvise, they will use their imagination. Even though I had over a hundred including Ken, Skipper, Stacie, Kelly, and all their friends; there were only about 10 that I regularly played with. It didn't matter what the Doll's intended profession used to be I made her do what I wanted. Sometimes I did make her go to the grocery store other times she fought evil scientists. I liked adventure and so that's what my Barbies did most. I learned from those made up adventures as much as from the real ones I had with my parents. The stories I used to create as a kid, while playing with Barbies and other toys inspired me to become the writer I am today!

Barbie dolls are appropriate for young girls. As long as they are old enough not to put the smaller pieces like shoes in their mouth's there is nothing dangerous about Barbie. If you're worried about your girl's self image, teach her good eating habits at a young age and encourage her in what ever her dreams, play with her weather its Barbie or some other toy. Also take her for a hike or a walk once an awhile. Regular exercise is the key to positive self image.

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