Barbie: The Icon, the Image, the Ideal: An Analytical Interpretation of the Barbie Doll in Popular Culture [Paperback]

Kristin Noelle Weissman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This thesis is a cultural analysis of: a) women's idealized perception of the Barbie doll, and b) the construction of the Barbie doll image through marketing. In addition, both areas will provide a concentrated emphasis on "respectability." The analysis will be focused on Barbie's creation in 1959, and on the current practices of representations in 1999.

The thesis is divided into two phases. Phase one illustrates the interpretation of how women perceive Barbie, and how they see themselves in her likeness. It further explores the determined impression of the doll as "respectable." Phase two examines the way that Barbie is presented in the market and the techniques used to formulate the intended representations of the doll. The analysis of the thesis focuses solely on her introduction in 1959, and on her current distinction.

The Barbie doll is an iconic image. The symbol of the "feminine ideal" which has caused women to perceive and recognize this figure in a personal light. Further, her existence in the marketplace creates a continual awareness in women to identify and evolve with this object as she captures the culture.

It is critical to examine the conception and portrayal of an icon such as the Barbie doll. As a predominant feature in American culture and society, she is a fictitious character that many have contrived into a reality. She is a name that strikes instant familiarity, and she is a name that evokes controversy, emulation, and success. This thesis achieves a comprehensive look into her importance to women, and the ways in which her corporate creators make her accessible to fulfill this need. Therefore, this thesis accurately makes a connection between the marketing of the Barbie doll, and the building of an icon.

Product Details

• Paperback: 124 pages
• Publisher: Universal Publishers; 1 edition (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581128282
• ISBN-13: 978-1581128284
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #865,353 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Beyond Barbie", March 20, 2000

By 

"simms20" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Barbie: The Icon, the Image, the Ideal: An Analytical Interpretation of the Barbie Doll in Popular Culture (Paperback)

With an enthusiastic hand I salute two extraordinary women -- the author of this text, Ms. Kristin Noelle Weissman, and the subject of this text, Ms. Barbie Millicent Roberts. The two are entwined in a mix of words, wisdom, and wonder as Weissman critically interprets the cultural obsession of the Barbie Doll. At a point when I felt that I knew all there was to know about this plastic princess, Weissman takes the reader into a spanking new mindset and perspective, that causes everyone to sit up and think. The text is filled with factual information, and fresh comparisons never before linked to this icon. Weissman proves to the reader that she herself is much more than a pretty face. Rather, she keenly sees beyond the superficiality of human and doll alike, and brings readers to the deep heart of the matter. To Barbie collectors and fans everywhere, buy this book. A fascinating subject and a well trained writer combine for, as F. Scott Fitzgerald states, "a test of first-rate intelligence." Ms. Weissman, in my book, you've passed with flying colors!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Significant Barbie", February 14, 2000

By 

Devan Marc, author of "White Boy: A Blac... - See all my reviews

This review is from: Barbie: The Icon, the Image, the Ideal: An Analytical Interpretation of the Barbie Doll in Popular Culture (Paperback)

This is an absorbing, provocative read, presenting both a social commentary and an analytical interpretation of the Barbie doll & her place in popular culture. Anyone who questions the significance of this cultural icon in the creation of both past and current ideals of feminine beauty would do themselves well to read this work. Ms. Weissman delivers a thorough investigation into the construction of this icon, all the while raising questions which validate the significance of the plastic statuette. The text explores how the existence of Barbie has been elevated from the marketplace and into the minds of millions of women in their quest to achieve the "feminine ideal". In the end, the Barbie icon is portrayed as the pinnacle of both emulation & controversy, and Ms. Weissman cleverly leaves it up to her readers to make that distinction on their own.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Barbie has lots to say, February 11, 2000

By 

Carole J. (Syracuse, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Barbie: The Icon, the Image, the Ideal: An Analytical Interpretation of the Barbie Doll in Popular Culture (Paperback)

Ladies, remember your Barbie doll? What hopes did she inspire within you? What dreams did she tap into? Kristin Weissman relates them all in this well-researched tome that takes us back to our childhood, and challenges us to remember why we found Ms. Barbie so fascinating and endearing. And men, admit that you, too, were somewhat fascinated with this beautiful doll, your sister's playmate. What did Barbie teach us women? Lots! And, according to Ms. Weissman, the feminine idol and mystique really was meant to move young women to new things. Hurrah! Ms. Weissman eloquently captures Barbie as icon, image, and ideal. Barbie was more to us than a doll. Our Barbie dolls, whether we admit it or not, understand it or not, helped to make us strong women, ready to take on the world. The author understands this and challenges the reader to acknowledge the early influences that have shaped us. Hurrah, Barbie! Hurrah, Kristin Weisszman. This book is required reading for women AND men who want to understand pop culture, the roots of feminism, and a part of the past that has molded us to be women of this new millennium who want it all. A modern girl, Barbie continues to challenge us, make us think, and strive to have it all. Read this book!