The new Barbies reminded me of the comment Simone de Bouvoir made that 'one is not born a woman, but made a woman'. What role do toys play in the construction of womenhood? And does having a 'curvy' barbie really affect the self-image of girls? I think that the introduction of the African American Barbie with Afro hair is more imporant than a tall or curvy Barbie. It was also very interesting to discover Hijarbie, the muslim-friendly Barbie.

Barbie has become the battleground when it comes to breaking gender stereotypes, feminine and Western ideals. In the video posted below, there is a boy starring in a Barbie commercial. Although it is a step forward that there is a boy in the commercial, he is portrayed as the stereotypical, feminized homosexual. Is that better that no boys in Barbie commercials?

And how about Ken? He is still as white, muscular and creepy as ever. He could also need a make-over. It would be nice to have an Asian or Afro-American Ken. Or drag-queen Kens like in the video below: