It's Time to Get Off Barbie's Back - Eating Disorder Authors -

I don't know about you but personally I am tired of reading how our beloved 'Barbie' is responsible for the development of eating disorders. Barbie - the root of all evil!  Come on give the doll a break! 

Most of us grew up with Barbie - however we only had 1 doll and could purchase various outfits for her.  Today it rather confuses me - outfits don't exist. For years now you just purchase another doll with a different look (some of which are fairly scarey).  Talk about a difference in generations.  Somehow it brings a visual to the idea of the  'disposable generation'.

CONFUSION
I'm not really clear on how children play with all the Barbie's they accumulate.  I've been at birthday parties where little girls received more than 10 dolls.  Really, what do they do with 10 dolls?  I'm fairly sure all those dolls wouldn't fit in the 'Barbie Dream House'!  Besides with that many girl dolls in one house think of the drama that could rapidly ensue....(perhaps where reality TV developed from). 

NOSTALGIA
We used to have a carrying case that held all the outfits, shoes, hats, accessories and of course our 1 Barbie Doll.  We used to spend hours dressing up our doll - not always in the best of taste mind you!  I for one feel Barbie had more influence in our abilities to develop our own style of dressing. 

REALITY
Back to my original point.  Blaming Barbie for the development of eating disorders and body image distortions appears far-fetched, simplistic and a bit of playing to media sensationalism.  People who actually buy into declarations like this are contributing to the minimization of these serious life-threatening illnesses.  It's old news and statistically has no bearing on the development of eating disorders or body image problems.

Never in 31 years of working with Eating Disorder Clients,have I heard a single client seeking help complain of playing with Barbie as a child.  Trust me I feel I've heard just about everything...but not that!