For the 50th anniversary of its Swimsuit Issue, Sports Illustrated ran a spread featuring Mattel’s Barbie. Expecting this decision to reap major controversy, both companies are using the hashtag #unapologetic to explain their choice to feature the doll.
Supporters of Barbie have argued for years that the doll is more than just a pretty face and a good body. Yes, Barbie is a princess and pageant queen — and now a model in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue — but at the same time, with that pretty face and good body she is also a pediatrician, astronaut, politician and construction worker.
To be blunt, people need to stop being so angry with Barbie. Although one could argue that Barbie portrays an unrealistic and superficial image of the “perfect girl,” someone should not think less of his or her body image because of a doll. If that is the case, there are much deeper issues that person needs to address over the toys their parents let them play with.
In an op-ed article released by Barbiecollector.com, “Barbie” writes, “My bathing suit now hangs beside a Presidential power suit, Pastry Chef hat and Astronaut gear in a wardrobe reflecting the more than 150 careers I’ve pursued to illustrate for girls that they can achieve anything for which they aim. And yet, I am still seen as just a pretty face.”
Barbie proves to girls that they can do whatever they want but still can wear high heels. The doll provides girls with the important message that they don’t have to choose between being either pretty or smart — a girl can have many more layers to her, and she don’t have to apologize for any of them. This issue also highlights that people pay attention to her face first instead of her “accomplishments.” That isn’t maniufactured by Mattel.
Featuring Barbie in Sports Illustrated with the #unapologetic attitude was a smart move on Mattel’s end. Sports Illustrated, on the other hand, has a lot to be #apologetic about.
Conversation and controversy around Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue will continue no matter who (or in this case, what) is in it. By featuring Barbie, the magazine is trying to stifle the oversexualized portrayal of the women it tends to perpetuate. But, if Sports Illustrated is trying to rid itself of this reputation, why wouldn’t it just dedicate a spread to a not-so-busty female athlete in the Sochi Olympics over a plastic doll?
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