CMI's Matt Philbin discussed Tattoo Barbie in his latest column:
We can be sure she's not the first of her generation to mark her 50th birthday by getting tattoos. After all, the cultivation of youth-obsessed narcissism and bad taste is a Baby Boomer hallmark (see Clinton, Bill). But "Totally Stylin' Tattoos Barbie" is no less disturbing for being a product of her generation.
Mattel is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the bubbly blonde franchise with an update - tattoos for her and her young owners. Of course, temporary tattoos have been a staple "secret toy surprise" in cereal boxes and candy for decades. But only in the ‘90s did real ink cease to be liberty souvenirs for sailors and become unisex accessories. Tattoos are now a ubiquitous sign of rebellious conformity for men, and often a statement of Tila Tequila aspirations for women.
As a reflection of contemporary pop culture, Barbie's always been an emblem of what little girls wanted to grow into (or at least, what Mattel thought they wanted to grow into.) From debutant to surfer girl to go-go young exec, her ensembles and accoutrements were an ideal vision of how an impossibly beautiful 20-something with unlimited cash and free time would live.
A Nexis search revealed that networks largely ignored Tattoo Barbie. CNN and Fox News briefly mentioned her during broadcasts but failed to explore the implications of the message Mattel is sending to the young girls who look up to Barbie.
So logically, today we have "Tramp Stamp Barbie," accurately reflecting the aesthetics of our porn-sodden culture. "Sex sells," and it always has. What's fairly new is that it's selling to the grade school set. Oh, Mattel has tried before. In 1999, protests forced "Butterfly Art Barbie," from the shelves. But a decade of relentless sexualization later, the company is betting enough parents won't notice. It's a pretty safe bet. Check out what kids are watching on ABC Family. Stroll through the mall or multiplex any given Saturday. The same parents who allow their "tween" daughters out tarted up like Bratz Dolls probably aren't going to work up much outrage over "Body Art Barbie."
Speaking of Bratz, they were Barbie's very successful competitor until a judge ordered the company to cease making them because of copyright infringement. Bratz were Barbie's wilder contemporaries - the bad girls who don't get brought home to mother and don't care. Dressed as though to go clubbing and looking for a hook-up, they took a sizeable chunk of market share from poor nerdy Barbie. Ironically, though, when that copyright judge ruled last year, it was in favor of Mattel. Bratz had apparently been an idea of Barbie's creators.
From here, the path is clear: next year comes "Urban Ken" with shaved head, baggy pants and barbed wire ink around his neck. Then, "Body Piercing Barbie" and "Pole Dance Barbie." Finally the "Malibu Dream House" will be updated into "Secluded San Fernando Valley Rental Dream House."
Barbie's not the only one getting a makeover lately. Nickelodeon has announced that it will be unveiling a new "tween" version of the Dora the Explorer doll in time for the 2009 Christmas season. Bi-lingual Dora is beloved of the preschool set and the most excruciatingly multicultural cartoon star not under contract to PBS.
Nick has realized that, while it has the 3 - 8 year-olds sewn up, it's losing them as they age. So tween Dora will apparently ditch her animal friends for humans (a rather comforting natural progression), head for the big city and a total age and style update.
This is news because it has a lot of adults nervous. On the left, it's earned the ire of the kind of people that always get upset when companies offer products people want. Dora has been a repository of feminist ideas about child-rearing. She's an adventurer in non-gender-specific clothes. No tea parties or doll houses for her! For Nick to grow her hair and put her in stylish clothes is heresy.
On the right, well, we've seen what Barbie's updates have brought. And it doesn't exactly inspire confidence that, in doing the Dora makeover, Nick is working with ... Mattel.
—Colleen Raezler is a research assistant at the Culture and Media Institute
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
I think the furor will start
March 11, 2009 - 09:53 ET by nwahsI think the fun will begin when people say it looks like a crucifix.
You're irrational if you don't want the new president to succeed - Gingrich
Porno Barbie
March 11, 2009 - 09:53 ET by shawn228Wow I did not know that getting a tatoo or wearing short skirts and wearing make up equals porn.
I guess the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue would be considered real hard core porn.
He had my vote
absolutely shawn
March 11, 2009 - 10:01 ET by botgdressing like a hooker and porn have no connection at all
and 'tramp stamp' has no connotations at all
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -- Chief Justice John Roberts
yeeeeah right Bruce
March 11, 2009 - 10:11 ET by shawn228Wearing a short skirt and make up makes you look a like a hooker? Only to the truly judgmental people like yourself ;-)
What about the wash away tatoos that are available at most toy stores, are they selling pornography as well?
He had my vote
Bruce wears short skirts?
March 11, 2009 - 10:13 ET by nwahs"Wearing a short skirt and make up makes you look a like a hooker?"
Is botg a girl named Bruce?
You're irrational if you don't want the new president to succeed - Gingrich
actually Nwahs
March 11, 2009 - 10:16 ET by shawn228He is a dude I like alot and is very smart, but most of the time I don't agree with him or understand what he says......literally. If he was Batman character he would be the Riddler
He had my vote
Shawn και συνήθως
March 11, 2009 - 10:24 ET by botgShawn και συνήθως είναι, έτσι ώστε να αποφασίσει για τον εαυτό σας
; ^ )
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -- Chief Justice John Roberts
Seems like you are acting like the opposition Bruce
March 11, 2009 - 10:28 ET by shawn228ous jamais eu rattaché à un démocrate-Bruce
Gotta go to work, have a nice day.
He had my vote
work-schmurk we're in the
March 11, 2009 - 10:34 ET by botgwork-schmurk we're in the Obama admin now the One will give us all
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -- Chief Justice John Roberts
sure sure shawn
March 11, 2009 - 10:17 ET by botgladies of the eve wear business suits
you be the judge do we give our kids OJ or beer to drink? do we have them watch sesame street or porn? point is --- without judgement you can't get far in the world
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -- Chief Justice John Roberts
lol Bruce
March 11, 2009 - 10:21 ET by shawn228Giving Beer to a minor is illegal Bruce, same as showing them porn. I realize that you are a born again Christian and you have been saved, but that does not give you the right to judge others.
He had my vote
you mean like you're doing
March 11, 2009 - 10:25 ET by botgyou mean like you're doing to me right now?
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -- Chief Justice John Roberts
caught ya!!
March 11, 2009 - 10:26 ET by botgyou were judging Shawn
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -- Chief Justice John Roberts
Nope just commenting
March 11, 2009 - 10:31 ET by shawn228I am talking about your judging of others. This is going to go down to one of your "depends on what the meaning of is is" or referring to the constitution right? I want no part, have a great day.
He had my vote
Now shawn,
March 11, 2009 - 10:27 ET by AgnosticActually everyone has the right to judge all they want to just as everyone has the right not to listen.
A person may be won over with logic and reason but the masses must be bought with spectacle and platitudes. - 2008 Elections
I have always thought
March 11, 2009 - 11:21 ET by sherylsimsI have always thought Barbie looked a little like a tramp. Even without the tattoos.
Yeah I guess no one thinks
March 11, 2009 - 10:11 ET by balboaYeah I guess no one thinks Barbie is important or "sending messages" when she's simply a genetically impossible standard, but once you put a tattoo on her, LOOKOUT! SHE'S REAL! SHE'S SENDING MESSAGES!
well bal
March 11, 2009 - 10:13 ET by botgshe's simply a genetically impossible standard
that is a separate (and valid) issue
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -- Chief Justice John Roberts
I guess I object to the idea
March 11, 2009 - 10:29 ET by balboaI guess I object to the idea that "tattoo" translates to "porn." There are plenty of "normal," upstanding citizens who have them.
I like tattoos!
March 11, 2009 - 10:09 ET by heldmywIt helps identify the low-class, trailer-trash, garden-variety, nitwit poseurs from real people! Tattoos are the MARK of the unimaginative 'follower'. (Never ask them for directions).
A recently inked nitwit told me that she was thrilled with her new tat because: "Now I'm part of a special group of individualists!"
Jumbo shrimp, anyone?
Are you...
March 11, 2009 - 11:42 ET by HillbillyKingjust ashamed of your own tattoo? Is that where all that negativity comes from?
If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you.
Don Marquis 1878-1937
To heldmyw,
March 11, 2009 - 12:37 ET by Death_UnbalancedAlright. I am pretty easy going and not quick to anger, but that comment makes me rather upset. I am unlike what you have described people with tattoos to be.
I am 25. I have a 2 and a half week old tattoo covering the outside of my left calf. It is my only tattoo to date; it is an original idea and an original piece of art.
I have a good stable job, own my own house, own my own car, and pay my bills. I have made good choices and decisions in my life.
What basis do you have to limit and bind everyone with a tattoo into the same category?
Some people do have a lack of judgment when getting them, and I will admit that I have seen some people with tattoos and thought them rather stupid for getting what they got, but that does not mean that everyone with a tattoo is as your bias would have you believe.
You have the right to your opinion, but in grouping and judging not only me, but my mother, who, bless her soul, was a saint, and a number of good friends, who are decent people, you have been very offensive to others that you, not only have never seen, but that you have no interaction with to make such a claim.
It is like saying that everyone who does not have a tattoo is smart, wealthy, has a shining personality, and is all around much better that thoes with ink, and that is not a statement that can be claimed to be fact.
That lady may have gotten a tattoo for all the wrong reasons, and got one just to fit in, but not all of us do that.
Death_Unbalanced, I hear the tattoo removal business is booming.
March 11, 2009 - 21:30 ET by R D HelmBet you will be making a contribution to their accounts receivable within the next 2 years.
Be sure and let us know how it works out for ya. :-)
-Dave
This coup has gone on long enough. The time to put it down is NOW.
Not a chance!
March 12, 2009 - 09:06 ET by Death_UnbalancedI put a lot of thought into this baby, and there is no way I am getting it removed!
I believe a good number of the people who end up getting tattoos removed inked the name or a remembrance of a past boyfriend/girlfriend, crush, a fiancé, had a gang tattoo, was drunk at the time, gave into peer pressure, or over all made a very poor decision when getting the tattoo or even in the choice to get one at all.
I was not drunk, did not get a gang sign, had no one wanting me to even get one, and I would never get a person’s name, likeness or remembrance on my skin.
I wanted a tattoo since I was 11. I am 25 now. It took me that long to not only come of age, as it were, but to find an idea and image I would be honored to wear on my body as art. If I had been like a lot of people who end up regretting getting inked, I would have gotten some nameless flash art when I turned 17 or 18 just because I could, in place of waiting to create something that has a personal meaning to me. I will never regret the one I have. I was willing to walk out of that place without a tattoo if the artist could not render my idea into something I liked.
I thought it through very hard before I went in to even talk to the artist. There is no way I am going to remove something that has such a meaning to me and that I find to be rather amazing.
No matter what other people think or have to say about it. =)
I will make sure I let you know, over the years, how much I am still rocking my ink! =3
heldmyw
March 11, 2009 - 13:00 ET by MotherLMFAO!
Hey, can I get fries with that?
Tats look ugly and 'dirty' to me but that's just mho. I do get a 'skeevy' vibe from people who have them...sorry but I do. The idiots with 'love' and 'hate' on their digits give me the full on willies. lol
Stimulus Barbie
March 11, 2009 - 10:10 ET by flyoverlandBarbie just wants to take advantage of the tattoo removal money available in the stimulus bill. Pretty soon, I am sure they will be introducing the Dr. Will Kirby companion doll for Barbie to see to get her tattoos removed on Dr. 90210.
Not to pile on, but this is
March 11, 2009 - 10:37 ET by JasonCNot to pile on, but this is perhaps the silliest, most reactionary story I've seen this side of Bozell's Culture Column.
Please explain your rationale for the correlation/causality between tattooed women and porn stardom.
Please explain why a potential "Urban Ken" should be seen as one bit aberrant. Baggy pants and the same tattoo borne by every suburban frat boy who goes on to work in middle management (see, I can deploy silly cultural cliches too)? How will Western civilization survive?
Oh, and I do so enjoy the jab at us business-hating liberals; of course, the only objection we could have is that the doll might actually be in demand; despite the fact that this seems ultimately to be your concern. If kids want inked-out Barbies enough, the product will succeed. Shouldn't that be, to a traditional conservative, the mark of its inherent goodness?
"Body Art" - the Biblical Judgment
March 11, 2009 - 10:43 ET by bradbenj5952"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD." Leviticus 19:28
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31
Yeah, but I thought that
March 11, 2009 - 10:45 ET by balboaYeah, but I thought that part of the Bible was rendered moot?
The Law Defines Sin
March 11, 2009 - 10:51 ET by bradbenj5952"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." Romans 3:20
Would you consider the Ten Commandments "moot"? Are any of the commandments of God moot? The law tells us what sin is. Grace does not make the breaking thereof OK.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31
So this is still true
March 11, 2009 - 10:53 ET by balboaSo this is still true then?
If a man commits adultery with another man's wife--with the wife of his neighbor--both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death.
The Heart of the Matter
March 11, 2009 - 10:59 ET by bradbenj5952So who is it that is without sin worthy to put another to death for their sin? It still does not diminish the sinfulness of adultery, does it? Nor does it diminish the sinfulness of any other breaking of God's law. Does it?
The point is that we are all lawbreakers before God. It is only by grace that we have obtained the hope of eternal life. Nevertheless, the law still defines sin.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31
It's just very confusing
March 11, 2009 - 11:01 ET by balboaIt's just very confusing when a number of people say certain parts of the old testament don't apply anymore because of the new testament, then you come in with the old testament passage that apparently does apply.
~Try reading them yourself
March 11, 2009 - 11:02 ET by choselife3xMight clear a few things up.
Hope and Change= Despair and Socialism
The Best Advice
March 11, 2009 - 11:06 ET by bradbenj5952People are full of opinions. The best advice is to search the scripture for yourself. Read them over and over and over... There is no better defense against the opinions of others.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31
On six days work may be
March 11, 2009 - 13:34 ET by balboaOn six days work may be done, but the seventh day shall be sacred to you as the sabbath of complete rest to the LORD. Anyone who does work on that day shall be put to death.
?
Uh...
March 11, 2009 - 14:15 ET by mizflame98Could you please post where you got that phrase from?
"Not to be a republican at twenty is proof of want of heart; to be one at thirty is proof of want of head." - Francois Guisot
Exceeding Sinful
March 11, 2009 - 14:23 ET by bradbenj5952The law, and the punishments prescribed therein, were to convey two simple truths. The holiness of God cannot be attained by man through his own effort because of his nature. We have all broken the law. And the wages for violation of that law is death. The Gospel conveys the remedy. A gift proffered wholy of grace which can be obtained only by faith in God's remedy for our condition, Jesus Christ. Read very carefully the following passage from Romans:
"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Romans 3:21-26
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31
That's nice and all...
March 11, 2009 - 15:00 ET by mizflame98but the fact remains is Balboa got the quote wrong. You are not condemned to death for working the sabbath, but exiled. You are put to death for desecrating the sabbath.
http://bible.cc/exodus/31-14.htm
"Not to be a republican at twenty is proof of want of heart; to be one at thirty is proof of want of head." - Francois Guisot
Exodus 31:15 For six days
March 11, 2009 - 15:56 ET by balboaExodus 31:15
For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD; whoever does any work on the sabbath day shall surely be put to death.
So,
March 11, 2009 - 17:14 ET by mizflame98who is right? I think I'll have to read Exodus 30 to Exodus 32 and see if I can find out in what context this is written.
"Not to be a republican at twenty is proof of want of heart; to be one at thirty is proof of want of head." - Francois Guisot
here you go:
March 11, 2009 - 17:35 ET by mizflame9816 The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. 17 It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he abstained from work and rested.' "
Who here is an Israelite? Exodus 31 pertains to you.
"Not to be a republican at twenty is proof of want of heart; to be one at thirty is proof of want of head." - Francois Guisot
Balboa is right
March 11, 2009 - 21:22 ET by shawn228He was directly quoting Exodus 31-15 and it says exactly what he said.
He had my vote
I know we've had this
March 11, 2009 - 21:40 ET by balboaI know we've had this discussion many times before. I thought the new testament overruled statements like this in the old. But now, when it comes to tattoos, apparently we CAN go back to the old testament.
Like I said,
March 11, 2009 - 21:48 ET by mizflame98it only pertains if you're an Israelite. I was baptized Catholic myself.
"Not to be a republican at twenty is proof of want of heart; to be one at thirty is proof of want of head." - Francois Guisot
Sneaky.
March 11, 2009 - 21:49 ET by balboaSneaky.
Yup...
March 11, 2009 - 22:16 ET by mizflame98...but accurate.
"Not to be a republican at twenty is proof of want of heart; to be one at thirty is proof of want of head." - Francois Guisot
So only Israelites should
March 11, 2009 - 22:33 ET by balboaSo only Israelites should worry about tattoos?
and...
March 11, 2009 - 22:57 ET by mizflame98people who wish to get high paying corporate jobs.
"Not to be a republican at twenty is proof of want of heart; to be one at thirty is proof of want of head." - Francois Guisot
Well duh. Corporate America
March 12, 2009 - 12:23 ET by balboaWell duh. Corporate America is not the place for people with visible tattoos. But I'm sure some of them have more discreet ones.
~It's harsh
March 11, 2009 - 11:01 ET by choselife3xBut so is chemotherapy.
Hope and Change= Despair and Socialism
The Biblical Answer
March 11, 2009 - 11:15 ET by bradbenj5952"Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." Romans 3:31
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31
my daughters
March 11, 2009 - 11:17 ET by katainkenthated barbies. I hated barbies... Not from some feminist notions but because they were boring as heck. Legos were the toy of choice in my house for all my kids when they were still of that age.
I don't understand how the addition of tattoos can make this already playboy bunny-esque doll any less .... hm, I can't find a polite word here.
The battle of the Barbies.
March 11, 2009 - 12:29 ET by mizflame98I think that the Butterfly Art Barbie met with protest not because of the tattoos but because she looked like a skank. This new Totally Stylin Tattoo Barbie looks more like a presentable teen. Sorry Colleen, but you're comparing apples and oranges.
** Disclaimer**
I am a conservative woman with 4 tats and none of them are tasteless or in highly visible areas. I also live in a nice suburban home and not a trailer park for those of you who might consider tattooed women to be trailer trash.
"Not to be a republican at twenty is proof of want of heart; to be one at thirty is proof of want of head." - Francois Guisot
"It's Hard Out Here For A Tatoo Artist..."
March 11, 2009 - 22:13 ET by The7SticksI'd rather not defend the usage of having Barbie wear tattoos since it would be inappropriate to promote it to young girls, but why do these nutcases give tattooing such a bad rap? My roommate made quite a good living as a tattoo artist for the stars. He actually gave Motley Crue's Tommy Lee the Mayhem tattoo that he has blazoned on his stomach (I think you can make it out in the Tommy Lee/Pam Anderson Sex Tape they did together.) There is a danger, though, about intellectual property rights being stolen. The very same roommate I'm talking about had a nasty fight in court with Tommy Lee because Lee used the Mayhem name and design that was tattooed on him as the logo for one of his new bands. Thing was, my roommate had copyrighted that very Mayhem design and it was being used illegally by Tommy Lee.
So you see, being a tattoo artist isn't an easy life, even being one to the stars. So I'd show some respect to the art of tattooing and not refer to it as pornography. Pornography begins at Playboy and nowhere else.