Mattel
Most little girls over the past sixty years have grown up with Barbie. Sure, there were some of us whose parents were too PC and didn't want to encourage the physical stereotypes of aesthetically pleasing qualities, but for the most part, the average little girl spends at least five years in a complex relationship with her Barbie doll.
Granted, today's Barbie is not as awkwardly proportioned and has a more racially diverse friend selection. But she's still the picture of Aryan perfection. Most women I know had a very frustrating relationship with Barbie because it was a constant reminder of the fantasy life they could only experience through role play, based on genetics. And even as small children, women tend to be aware of this. That's why a Joan Jett Barbie is...kind of nice. The androgynous rock and roll star is getting her own biopic soon, following the rise and fall of her rock and roll girl band, the Runaway, and Mattel is paying tribute with a doll version of her.
This Barbie doesn't have blonde hair, blue eyes, and an upturned nose. She's all punked out: black shaggy cut, smoky eye makeup, arched eyebrows and blood red lips. And her outfit isn't overly sexy to the extent that she borders on resembling a prostitute! Black jeans, black t-shirt, converse sneakers. Finally, a Barbie for the rebel kids to relate to! At least until conservative parents hear rumblings about Jett's sexuality and convince themselves the Barbie will turn their kid into a deviant instead of a compliant stay-at-home Mom like the blond original bimbo.
And the best part: Joan's not the only one getting plasticized. Debbie Harry and Cyndi Lauper will also be immortalized in Barbie Land! That's actually something I really, really wish had happened when I was five. Lucky kids. They kinda downplayed on Laupers super awesome hair but whatever.
Cyndi Lauper
Blondie's Debbie Harry
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