I have been watching the freak out over the Barbie movie by a wingnut (my noun for a collection) of right wing male nut jobs with some amusement and a little concern. People, these guys are not ok! The most stunning thing about their fits, is that I now know that these types had absolutely no idea, prior to July 2023, of just how marginal Ken is to the entire Barbie play experience.
I grew up in the 70s, at the height of Barbiemania, with a mother who loved pretty things. My mother was essentially Mattel's dream Barbie consumer. She adored fashion and OUTFITS, and shopping, even if it was just for teeny little versions. She loved Barbie at least as much as I did. I probably had twenty different Barbies, (along with her family and friends, Skipper, Midge, Malibu PJ, etc….). My collection was the envy of the neighborhood. I had both the Barbie van and the Barbie convertible. I had the Dream House and the condo. I even had the add on Barbie pool for the Dream House. The Barbies spent a lot of time at the pool. I had well over one hundred outfits for the various dolls. Most of our play centered around changing Barbies into new outfits and restyling those to combine different sets. Topping PJ's bathing suit and blue miniskirt combo with the pink robe with marabou trim for a pool party brought about much heated debate.
All this to say, I was a heavy Barbie user. Yet I can’t remember if I even had a Ken doll in my collection. If I did, it was just the one. Ken was irrelevant, his clothes were boring. He was less important as an accessory than his surfboard, for sure. If there was a disco dance in the offing, I could always grab my brother's GI Joes to be dance partners. The GI Joes didn't live in Barbie's world - they were just occasionally allowed to visit. Just like Ken dolls, they were peripheral to the plot.
Full disclosure, I haven't seen the movie yet. I am looking forward to going next weekend. But from the crazy antic from some of its critics, I've got a bit of an idea of what it's about. I've never really considered before how (some) men might react if there was ever a movie that they weren't central to. A movie existing in a world where they were a minor accessory. I guess I know now, and I'm watching them demonstrate (loudly, and sometimes with fire) that they really need to get some help and some perspective. Back when I was a playing with Barbies, that kind of temper tantrum would have gotten the dolls taken away for a good long while, until I could behave myself. Maybe those guys need a time out and a nap.
P.S. I'd be remiss not to mention that my book is now available in paperback as well as by download. There are no Barbies in it, but there are some fun outfits and it is a great summertime read! Locals, come on by for an autographed copy.
(please buy my book by clicking on the link below, and thank you!)
