Barbie is one of the most iconic creations to ever grace our history. Mattel, Inc. created the iconic doll on March 9, 1959. Since then, people everywhere have been infatuated with the world of Barbie.
Growing up, Barbie was my “it” item. I played with Barbie dolls all the time; making up stories and various plot lines for the dolls to play out.
All the different types of dolls, playsets, and clothes are what made playing with them so fun.
The options were endless.
In the early days of my childhood, after I realized my infatuation with these dolls, I was introduced to the Barbie movies. These movies were iconic beyond belief and a staple for young kids everywhere.
Barbie would go on so many different adventures, being whoever she wanted to be. Her character starred in some classic remakes like “Barbie as Rapunzel,” “Barbie of Swan Lake” and “Barbie in the Nutcracker.” She would also star in some originals like “Fairytopia” and the “12 Dancing Princesses.”
I would often watch these movies on repeat, probably to the point of memorizing most of the lines (sorry mom and dad). The beauty of the film, at the time, fascinated me.
The bright colors, beautiful scenery and the iconic Barbie voice had a hold on me. I had to own all the merch I could because I needed to be just like her.
Little did I realize she was setting an example of what I could be; what anyone could be as long as you believe in yourself. There were lessons in all these films, some of which I carry still to this day.
I am not sure when I moved on from watching these movies on repeat to watching more “mature” films like “Harry Potter” or “Lord of the Rings.” But the feeling these films gave me is something that has always stuck with me.
Throughout middle school, high school and a majority of college, these memories somewhat escaped my brain. However, with Greta Gerwig’s most recent film, “Barbie,” many of us who grew up with the classic doll are realizing it was so much more than just a toy.
Through endless jokes and references, the film captures what it is like to be a girl in the world we are living in. It displayed some of our daily struggles and captured what a crazy place this world can be.
After watching this film, it reignited the flame of being a little girl again. I reminisced on what girlhood was and what it looks like today. The film brought so many people together no matter their age, race, sexuality, etc. We all reminisced about what was and what is to come.
So as I sit here writing about Barbie and the joy it brings me, I reflect on what girlhood means today and how we as a community have changed that meaning.
With my time inching closer to being a “real adult,” I try to hold onto the women around me knowing that they too miss what once was. Maybe one day we can all come together to watch those Barbie movies once again, feeling those same memories together.
Steinmetz can be reached at [email protected].
