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California State University, Dominguez Hills
University of Wisconsin, Parkside
Soka University Japan - Transcend Art and Peace
Created: December 14, 2003
Latest Update: December 14, 2003
jeannecurran@habermas.org
takata@uwp.edu

Versions of the Naked Ladies of Recent Decades

Site Copyright: Jeanne Curran and Susan R. Takata and Individual Authors, December 2003.
"Fair use" encouraged.

Katie Willismas wrote on Sunday, December 14, 2003:

Jeannie,
My friend, Jennifer, sent me the forward regarding the different Barbie dolls. At first I laughed at the stereotypes, but I also reflected on society's's view of women from different cities. As far as I know, there are dolls (generic Barbie's,) on e-bay, that are gay, punk, gothic, and so on. I think that it's important that Mattel represent people from different backgrounds. I see Barbie as a white, upper to middle class woman, who is skinny and has no waist. I'm glad to see that Mattel is actually giving Barbie an occupation. Now she can be a Doctor, Attorney, Secretary, Astronaut, or Housewife. I thought that you would be interested in the Barbie forward, simply because it reflected on the "mudflap," issue. It would be interesting to see all different kinds of Barbie dolls(maybe for the spring exhibit?) We could do a (CSUDH) Barbie! I did get a kick out of the "Irvine," Barbie doll, just because I know so many women from Irvine that fit that description. Anyhow, I suppose that the Barbie forward is subjective. One can interpret many different meanings from it. Hugs, "Katie"

On Sunday, December 14, jeanne responded:

Hi, Katie. I did appreciate that forward. It's a good illustration of how local culture intermingles with the broader culture: one of the ways we create the aesthetic products with which we end up. I think it would be a great idea to consider a Spring Project on Barbie. Wonder if we could get someone to give her a middle and let her pudge out a little as she grows into an older college teacher? Where once I had a tiny waist, now I have a pleasant cushiony middle. Maybe I could do a self-portrait doll that even the Saatchi collection could appreciate. jeanne