Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

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!

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.

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!

I just finished reading this book basically because I knew of the author and wanted to see her work. I was really impressed with the writing, and so much so, I passed it along to my fiance, who in turn started to pass it to her friends. If you are into deep talks on image, perspective, or just Barbie, it's great. I honestly didn't think I would be able to understand it or get much from it because I'm a guy not into dolls, but I really took a bit away with me. I just wonder if the author ever wanted to be a blonde?

On behalf of a study group working on a paper regarding the Barbie fascination, we found this research book perfect. We have covered the Barbie book range from texts in libraries to texts in major book stores, and have found that most of them out there are about Barbie fashion and how many times can you hear about her measurements. This book had it all. The author really covered all the basics but then took a deep personal look into what the doll truly means to women in society today. She made really interesting comparisons and gave us a full bibliography. You can tell that when writing this, she also covered all the books out there because many of hers listed as research we also found, but she truly gave her work a different spin. We learned more from her book than any other, started quite a few great discussions in class because of her insights and we were able to write an A+ plus paper that is being featured in our monthly literary newspaper. It's highly recommended by our class. Oh and other college students like us, if you want a great example of a top thesis, get this book for that reason too.

It's really hard to understand why this has got a series of 5 star rating...
I feel really sorry to say that "this is really disappointing book" because I had been looking forward to read it.
But this only provides poor analysis, poor theoretical ground, and poor argument.
Yes, there are surely lots of things to say about Barbie, but I think you can chose another books.

I took every review into consideration before I bought this book, and I was compelled to write not really a review but a response to a past reviewer. Although this is a thesis, the author clearly states this to be one. It is informative, interesting, and well written. The reviewer says that he is a professor...I think he could take a class on this one. Thanks

Weissman, in her attempt to explore the Barbie "icon, image, and ideal," has masterfully accomplished a piece of literature that will endure for many years. She has taken this piece of plastic, the Barbie Doll, and has accurately demonstrated how we, both male and female in a society, can be influenced and manipulated by the icons of popular culture.

This thesis accurately describes the preception of barbie on our human population today. Weissman has done an outstanding and in-depth job researching this popular topic. Her superior work is demonstrated in this well written thesis describing the adverse effects on our "ideal" society preceived by an idealistic figure. It's a must read!!!

This book provides an in depth perspective into society between the male and the female. It is an overview of how women are seen and see themselves in their general relationships. It is a book that should be taken one page at a time. The research is extensive. Great work!