Barbie marks 65 years amidst expanded doll diversity

admin 2024年5月15日

Beginner

Culture & Travel, Culture & Travel - Beginner

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。

Is Barbie popular in your country?
Do you know anyone who collects Barbie dolls?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。

wheelchair /WEEL-chair/

[noun] – a chair on wheels that people who are unable to walk use for moving around
After her surgery, she relied on a wheelchair to move around the house and outdoors.

despite /dih-SPAHYT/

[preposition] – in spite of; even though
Despite the rain, the soccer game continued as scheduled.

success /suhk-SES/

[noun] – something that achieves positive results
The success of their collaboration led to increased sales for both companies.

designer /dih-ZAHY-ner/

[noun] – a professional who is responsible for creating and guiding the development of new styles or models, focusing on innovation and appeal
The company’s latest furniture line was crafted by a renowned designer known for blending modern aesthetics with functionality.

audience /AW-dee-uhns/

[noun] – the group of people around the world that a brand or a product hopes to connect with or influence through its commitment to diversity and inclusion
The new advertising campaign was carefully designed to resonate with a younger audience, aiming to inspire positive change and greater environmental awareness.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。

In 1959, Ruth Handler created Barbie, taking inspiration from her daughter, Barbara. Initially, Barbie represented a single idea of beauty. Today, Barbie is celebrated for its diversity and acceptance. With over 35 skin tones, 97 hairstyles, and nine body types, Barbie reflects the real-world diversity of people.

Mattel, the company behind Barbie, has made significant strides in inclusivity. They introduced dolls representing disabilities, including those with wheelchairs, Down Syndrome, and vitiligo. Despite concerns about Barbie’s impact on self-image, Mattel actively seeks feedback from various communities. The success of the 2023 Barbie film, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, further solidified Barbie’s place in popular culture. Under the guidance of lead designer Carlyle Nuera, Barbie continues to evolve, aiming to resonate with a global audience with its message of diversity and inclusion as it enters its 66th year.

True or False:

Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.

文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。

Barbie is now celebrated for its limited range of beauty ideals.
Mattel, the company behind Barbie, hasn’t made any efforts towards inclusivity.
Ruth Handler created Barbie in 1959, inspired by her daughter, Barbara.
Barbie remains stagnant and unchanged under the guidance of lead designer Carlyle Nuera.
Mattel ignores feedback from different communities about Barbie.

Fill in the blanks:

Choose the correct word from the table, then fill in the blanks.

適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。

wheelchair

despite

success

designer

audience

She achieved her goals __________ facing numerous obstacles along the way.
Despite initial doubts, the project’s __________ exceeded everyone’s expectations.
A fashion __________ is set to unveil a collection that merges traditional fabrics with contemporary silhouettes, aiming to set new trends in the industry.
The fashion show attracted a diverse __________, showcasing the brand’s inclusive designs and celebrating individuality.
The museum is fully accessible to visitors in __________, offering ramps and elevators throughout the building.