Barbie marks 65 years amidst expanded doll diversity

admin 2024年5月15日

Culture & Travel, Culture & Travel - Expert

Vocabulary:

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

flourish /FLUR-ish/

[noun] – if you do something with a flourish, you do it with one big, noticeable movement
He signed his name on the document with a flourish, making a bold statement with the swift, elaborate motion of his pen.

plethora /PLETH-er-uh /

[noun] – a very large amount of something, especially a larger amount than you need, want, or can deal with
The market was flooded with a plethora of options, leaving consumers overwhelmed by the abundance of choices available.

diversity /dih-VUR-si-tee/

[noun] – the fact of many different types of things or people being included in something; a range of different things or people
The company’s commitment to diversity is evident in its hiring practices, which aim to include people of various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

inclusion /in-KLOO-zhuhn/

[noun] – the act of including someone or something as part of a group, list, etc., or a person or thing that is included
The school’s policy on inclusion ensures that students of all abilities are fully integrated into classroom activities, fostering a sense of belonging and support for every learner.

stereotype /STER-ee-uh-tahyp/

[noun] – widely held but oversimplified and generalized beliefs or ideas about the characteristics, attributes, and behaviors of a particular group of people
The media often perpetuates harmful stereotypes about certain racial groups, reinforcing negative perceptions and biases within society.

Article reading:

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

Barbie, the beloved plastic doll, celebrated her 65th anniversary with a flourish, showcasing a plethora of diverse dolls. Created in 1959 by Ruth Handler and inspired by her daughter Barbara, Barbie has continued to evolve over the decades. What started as a representation of a singular notion of beauty has transformed into a symbol of inclusivity, with dolls now available in a wide range of skin tones, hairstyles, and body shapes.

In the present day, Barbie dolls offer an extensive selection, featuring 35 different skin tones, 97 hairstyles, and nine body types. Notably, Mattel, the company behind Barbie, has introduced dolls representing various disabilities, such as wheelchairs, Down Syndrome, and vitiligo. This expansion signals a departure from Barbie’s past criticisms and demonstrates a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in doll representation. Despite these strides, concerns remain regarding Barbie’s historical impact on body image and gender stereotypes. Nevertheless, Mattel continues to listen to feedback from diverse communities, ensuring that Barbie remains relevant and resonates with contemporary audiences. The success of the 2023 “Barbie” movie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, further solidified Barbie’s cultural significance, adding depth to her legacy. Collaborating with lead designer Carlyle Nuera, Barbie continues to reinvent herself, introducing new styles and representations to captivate audiences worldwide. As Barbie embarks on her 66th year, her journey of diversity and inclusion promises to continue, inspiring generations to come.

Discussion Questions:

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

Have you ever interacted with a Barbie doll or any other toy that made you feel represented or seen in terms of your identity, interests, or background? If so, how did that experience impact your views on diversity and representation? If not, can you think of a toy or character you wish had been available that would have resonated with you?
Is there a toy or doll in your country that is more popular than Barbie? If so, what is it, and what do you think makes it more appealing to children in your culture? If not, why do you think Barbie remains the most popular doll among children in your country?
Do you agree that the introduction of diverse Barbie dolls, including those with various disabilities and skin tones, is an effective way to foster a more inclusive mindset in children from a young age?
Considering the evolution of Barbie to include more diversity in terms of race, gender, and ability, what additional steps do you think Mattel should undertake to ensure Barbie can be a positive role model for all children?
Given the cultural impact of the Barbie movie and the diverse range of dolls now available, how do you perceive the role of media and toys in shaping societal views on inclusivity and representation? What is the responsibility of companies like Mattel in this context?

Summarization

Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.

Describe:

Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.

evolve
captivate
embark
beloved
contemporary audience