In 2006, American women have many career and lifestyle choices available to them, but it wasn't always that way. For four generations now, young American girls have learned what society expects from them through the eyes of a 12-inch molded plastic doll. Since her introduction in 1959, Mattel's Barbie doll has epitomized, and in many cases, led the way in the changing roles of women in contemporary American society. With her stunning good looks, expensive sports cars, flashy designer wardrobe, handsome boyfriend, and varied careers, Barbie has served, for better or worse, as the ultimate role model for young girls for over 40 years; and has become a cultural icon that has consistently represented contemporary American society.
When she first emerged on the scene in the male-dominated 1950's, women's roles in society were mostly confined to being housewives and mothers. Barbie, with her skimpy zebra-stripped bathing suit, fashionable accessories, and career as a teenage fashion......
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