Like many other movements, Barbie is now leading the way for cultural revolution in the Middle East.
In 2008, the Iranian judiciary warned against the "destructive" cultural and social consequences and "danger" of importing Barbie dolls and other Western toys. Even so, Iranian markets have been full of them. One-third of Iran's population of 75 million is under 15. (Nasser Karimi, Associated Press)*
I would expect nothing less of her. After all, Barbie’s story has been told countless times. The epitome of a relevant character, she has inspired girls of my generation to become women who believe they can lead, fight, dance, get married, stay single, wear heels, become astronauts (or anything else they want) and she still looks great to boot. Barbie is, in my estimation, one of the single most important female leaders in the world today.
I am well aware many argue her blonde, never-sagging figure leads little girls to unachievable visions of perfection. What the Iranian government claims they do not like about her is that she is designed to look like a young Western woman. What these critics should be worried about is not her looks but her ability to inspire women to achieve anything they want to be. Miniskirts and bikinis do not change the world. But the woman who wears them can. And that is what Iranian officials are afraid of (or should be).
Stories shape beliefs, change minds and spur people to action. And stories don’t come any better than Mattel’s Barbie.
*For the full article, check out USA Today at: http://www.usatoday.com/money/
-Julie
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