I recently received a package from Mattel as part of a campaign called “Dads Who Play Barbie.” I’m a father of two daughters: my eldest is nearly 8, and my youngest is about to turn 3. Historically, I haven’t been a fan of Barbie—not just because of the unrealistic body image she represents, but also due to the shallow narratives often associated with her. As a dad raising two young girls, I’ve come to realize that avoiding influences like Disney Princesses and Barbie is nearly impossible.
When my 7-year-old, Mia, spotted the big pink box with “Barbie” emblazoned on it, she nearly snatched it from my hands. I called her younger sister, Lily, into the room, and they eagerly opened it together. Inside were three dolls. One was the classic Barbie—blonde, white, and impossibly thin. The other two, however, were refreshing departures. One was a woman of color in a doctor’s coat, and the other had blue hair, a curvy figure, and a short stature.
This new line of Barbies from Mattel showcases diverse races and body types, which I found encouraging. But it was my daughters’ reactions that intrigued me most. Mia immediately gravitated towards the traditional Barbie, while Lily dove straight for the other two dolls without any hesitation. This moment made me hopeful for Lily but concerned about Mia.
I understand that some might think I’m overreacting—parenting often amplifies our worries. Yet, my desire is for my daughters to grow up free from societal pressures about beauty and success, which can often feel unattainable. I want Mia and Lily to aspire to be whoever they dream of—be it a scientist, a doctor, or a stay-at-home mom. I aim for them to appreciate the diversity in the world around them, recognizing that no single race, gender, or religion is superior, and that our differences should be celebrated.
However, when I saw Mia reach for the conventional Barbie, I couldn’t help but worry about the messages she was absorbing about femininity and beauty. But then something unexpected occurred. As Mia played with her Barbie on the sofa and Lily engaged with her two dolls nearby, they began to interact and eventually combined their play, including all three dolls. This moment filled me with hope.
While I don’t believe that this single experience will transform how my daughters view themselves and others, witnessing them enjoy dolls that represent various body types and backgrounds reassures me that change, however small, is underway.
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Summary:
As a father, I recognize the importance of Barbie’s evolution toward inclusivity and diversity. While my daughters responded differently to the new dolls, their eventual play together gave me hope that change is possible. Through open dialogue and representation, I aspire to raise my daughters to embrace their individuality and appreciate the beauty in diversity.