From Oreo Barbie to the controversial Burka Barbie, the iconic doll has faced many controversies. Here are the 5 most controversial Barbie dolls in history.
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Barbie dolls have been a part of popular culture for over 60 years. Since their creation in 1959, these dolls have faced numerous controversies due to their unrealistic beauty standards and the messages they send to young girls. With Greta Gerwig’s upcoming movie Barbie starring Margot Robbie, the spotlight is once again on the controversial history of the iconic doll. In this article, we will take a closer look at the 5 most controversial Barbie dolls in history.
The official poster for Greta Gerwig’s ‘BARBIE’ starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling has been released. pic.twitter.com/7ChzBQQrVY
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) April 4, 2023
Oreo Barbie (1997)
In 1997, Mattel released a special edition Barbie doll to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Oreo cookie. The doll was dressed in black and white, just like the cookie, and it was criticized for perpetuating racial stereotypes.
Mattel & Nabisco teamed up in 1997 to produce & market a black "Oreo Fun Barbie" !!! I did not know this pic.twitter.com/NYToNe1Adx
— ☕ 📚 🐈 (@quailing) May 6, 2016
Pregnant Barbie (2002)
In 2002, Mattel released a Happy Family line of dolls that included a pregnant Barbie doll. The doll was met with controversy, as many parents felt that it was inappropriate for young children to play with a pregnant doll.
New Mattel Happy Family Pregnant Midge and Baby Barbie Doll 2002 NIB RARE FIND …👉 https://t.co/f9jAdy1ONs pic.twitter.com/UOAr8I9SZ5
— dealsily.com (@dealsily) May 31, 2022
Tattoo Barbie (2011)
In 2011, Mattel released a Barbie doll with tattoos, which was met with mixed reactions. While some people praised the company for embracing diversity, others felt that it was inappropriate for a children’s toy to have tattoos.
Is the 2011 Tokidoki Tattoo Barbie a TOP-RATED GIFT? For adult collectors but not for little girls. Read more: https://t.co/wCFoMWQcbJ #barbies #tattoo pic.twitter.com/OoEmXsfXyQ
— Top-Rated Gifts (@TopRatedGifts) May 5, 2019
Burka Barbie (2017)
In 2017, Mattel released a Barbie doll dressed in a traditional Islamic headscarf, or burka. While the doll was intended to promote diversity and inclusivity, it was met with backlash from some who felt that it was an inappropriate portrayal of Muslim women.
Barbie with a built-in video camera (2018)
In 2018, Mattel released a Barbie doll with a built-in video camera that could record up to 30 minutes of footage. The doll was met with controversy, as many parents expressed concerns over privacy and the potential for the doll to be used for inappropriate purposes.
This Barbie has a built in camera to take 200 pics and 30 filters! My big girl aftercare doll for u and Chole' pic.twitter.com/Gx8efOdmH2
— Rachel Marie Faili (@swagmom_1958) August 31, 2014
Barbie dolls have been the subject of numerous controversies over the years. As Greta Gerwig’s upcoming movie Barbie starring Margot Robbie prepares to hit theaters, it will be interesting to see how the iconic doll is portrayed and whether the movie will address any of the controversies that have surrounded Barbie throughout her history.