Controversies, scandals and the models that had to be taken off the market

Barbie is more than a doll. Since its introduction in 1959, it has been one of the most influential toys in history. It became a female iconthe dream model of many girls and women, and has earned its place in pop culture.

Throughout its history Not all of his versions and friends were well received. Many of the innovations from Mattel – the manufacturer and owner of the brand – were criticized and boycotted, forcing the company to quickly withdraw them from the market.

The controversies arose due to people interviewed, messages that were “out of tune” for the age stated by the toy, or errors that could not go unnoticed. Several Barbies were caught in the eye of the storm.

These are some of the dolls that made history, but not in the way planned.

Skipper, Barbie’s younger sisterwas the protagonist of one of the biggest controversies in history when Mattel decided that it would be a good idea to make a doll with one Mechanism that makes it “grow”..

With this model Lowering the doll’s arm increased its heightWhat could be controversial? Well, it just is Her breasts also developed. The idea was to symbolize the transition from childhood to adolescence.

Many parents were horrified to see her breasts literally growing. Many felt it was an unnecessary depiction of a sexualized girl.

Over time, many women defended her: they claimed that they had a doll represents the actual changes in the body It helped them naturalize their growth.

They wanted to create something a “cooler” version of Ken but people were uncomfortable. Earring Magic Ken It was designed with a 90s look: vest, lavender shirt, highlights in her hair and a hoop in her left ear. However, what caught the attention was the necklace with a metal ring that she wore.

Even if it wasn’t intentional, the LGTBQ+ community has embraced him as an iconand the doll became one Gay symbol des nineties. Some interpreted the necklace as a reference to the fetish and sadomasochistic world, which Mattel flatly denied.

That’s what was said was withdrawn from the market due to social pressure, However, the company denied the rumors, saying it was just “another casualty in the product business cycle.”

Today it is one of the most sought-after collectibles and a symbol strange unexpectedly.

mosquito It was introduced in the 1960s as Barbie’s best friend. Her role has always been that of “normal girl”: less glamorous and more ordinary life. This went unnoticed for a long time until Mattel made an unexpected decision.

In 2002, Midge started appearing in toy stores again. This time pregnantwith a removable belly and a baby inside, which was immediately rejected by many circles of parents and family associations as they considered it inappropriate to depict pregnancy on a child’s doll.

The controversy was so intense that the product was almost immediately withdrawn from the market. Some thought it was a more realistic approach to adulthood; For others, a way to normalize situations that were inappropriate for children.

At first glance it seemed like a simple overnight stay, but The accessories were a wake-up call for parents. The accessories this Barbie came with were a mirror, rollers, etc a scale with a drawing that read “50 kg”..

As if that wasn’t enough, it also included a small book with one The only tip for losing weight: “Don’t eat.”

Yes. That was the only thing Tip of the well-being that the doll offered. For many, this gesture was a Direct call for eating disordersdisguised as a game.

There aren’t many archives about this doll, although it was thought to be an urban legend for a long time until collectors confirmed it Yes, it existed and was officially sold..

At that time it was a Very innovative Barbie because he seemed to come from the future: he had a camera hidden in his necklace and a screen on his back. I could record video and audio and upload footage to the Barbie website for editing, basically a Mini influencers.

But there was one Plot twist: The FBI intervened. The investigative authority warned that minors could be captured without consent. This notice alerted consumers and took advantage of paranoia.

Even if a massive case was not confirmed, the threat was real. Not because this intention came from Mattel, but because they hacked the doll’s footage or the internet. For this reason it was withdrawn from the market and renamed “the most dangerous Barbie.”

The Barbie talked. And what he said was, let’s say, pretty random. Some of his most notable phrases included: “Mathematics is difficult” and “I love shopping.”

Feminist organizations and scientists denounced that the toy reinforced sexist stereotypes. Mattel removed the most controversial phrases, but the doll continued to sell.

This was one of the first times that Barbie was publicly accused of boycotting women’s intellectual self-esteem.

In 2009for him Barbie’s 50th birthdayMattel released several special editions for adult collectors. Among them he saw the most disturbing model: Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken.

For her Outfitthe doll He looked more like a Miami millionaire as Barbie’s classic friend. The problem wasn’t just the aesthetics, but also the name: “Sugar daddy“, which in English is associated with older men supporting young women.

Mattel quickly reached out to clarify It had no sexual connotation. Sugar was the name of the dog that came with the doll, and Ken was simply his pet’s father. In any case, the public did not forgive him and he was taken off the market.

Allan was considered Ken’s best friend in 1964. His role was clear: to be third when Ken was gone. Shortly afterwards, Ken lost his “best friend” and Allan suddenly disappeared.

He returned in 1991 and renamed himself Alan (with a single l) just as Mattel released the pregnant Midge. The fans said that this was a return Confirmation of Alan and Midge’s relationship and also a strategy to stop the rumors that there was more than just friendship between Ken and Allan.

decades later, Allan reappeared in the Barbie movie played by Michael Cera, portrayed as a confused character, out of place and different from the others.