I saw this on the news over the holidays and when Facebook sent a notification that a friend joined the Bald Barbie page, I visited and decided to post on it. The campaign was started by a group of women who have either battled with cancer or Alopecia or they have children who are going through chemotherapy and have therefore lost their hair. The women want there to be a doll the affected children can relate with, and since I have come to realize that Barbie is a role model for a lot of American girls, this makes perfect sense.
A lot of us, girls and women, are so closely tied to our hair as a big part of our identity and esteem that loosing it is usually traumatic. And in the case of cancer, there is also the pain from the disease and the treatment. So, though cancer is not a disease I'm familiar with - it is not very common in Nigeria and the treatment options are almost non-existent - I can see where the women are coming from. It's often heartbreaking the level of cancer here in the United States, especially among children, and anything that will make the situation easier for them is welcome.
I also remember a blogger (I think she has stopped blogging now) who sometimes posted about her Alopecia, and how it affected her social life and self esteem. The final reason I think this campaign makes sense is that even when you remove the cancer and Alopecia angle, there are people who choose to be bald. Now, if there's Barbie of various ethnicities, Career barbie, driving barbie, etc, surely there should be an option for bald barbie too?
I understand the campaign for a bald barbie but, to me, it doesn't sound like a good idea. Firstly, there diversity of needs is overwhelming. If manufacturers are to cater for each, where will they draw the line?
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I had a white barbie doll when growing up; and for me it was a nice form of escapism. I don't think the purpose of dolls is to remind people of their harsh realities. Just my thoughts.
Oluchi, that's an interesting perspective, but reality is just that, reality. If there is a young girl who is suffering from alopecia or even cancer, I think it is nice to have a toy that she can relate to.
DeleteI also agree with Chichi. I think what matter is the choice once a bald barbie is available. No one will be forced to buy it, they only get it if they feel like it will help.
DeleteTrue.....I mean we can make some bald and others not
DeleteThe comments above are great, however, my thoughts are:...I wish people could, just as a token support for those suffering from cancer and alopecia, opt to shave them off their hair, for a season.(last 3 words in italics).
ReplyDeleteLike you said, its not so so so common in Nigeria, as compared to the US, and this may be a bit difficult to do here as women in this part of the world really value their hair, but I would totally do it...(well, I am already bald anyway, so it is a good thing).
Just like Kim's boyfriend shaved off his (lovely) hair as a form of support for Kim (Sex and the City).
I received a ping yesterday of a 42-year old single lady suffering from cancer! My heart broke.
That's a really thoughtful suggestion. I read on the campaign Facebook page that a woman did that for her daughter. And yeah, I was thinking of you when I mentioned bald women by choice. It looks great on you. :)
DeleteWell,the bald barbie ain't really bad sha.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be a really cool idea.
DeleteAh! I didn't know I could reply to people's posts on blogger like this!!!! Sorry for changing the topic lol
ReplyDeleteYes, you now can. No more need for those third party comment systems.
DeleteI am not surprise!! Barbie is a 'World' doll. She fits the whole world needs.
ReplyDeleteShe is, as I've come to realize.
DeleteBald Barbie is probably the best Barbie of all- she stands for a great cause and lends her support to countless women who have battled with cancer! I love her. She's beautiful in and out- lol! Can't believe i just gushed over a doll but yeas i just did- she deserves my respect!
ReplyDeletewww.omonaikee.blogspot.com
I think that like the years when barbie was used to encourage young girls to step out of the shadow of men in having careers, this is another opportunity for the doll makers to be part of something big.
DeleteI think it's a beautiful thing! And Cancer is becoming more common in Nigeria due to our "new" lifestyle...
ReplyDeleteThat is true too, unfortunately we don't have the health system that can keep up with it.
DeleteI'm totally in support of Bald Barbie. It's for a good cause. And just like Ema said, cancer is becoming quite common in Nigeria. I lost my mom to cancer almost three years ago. Awareness is fast spreading too and more people are in the know about it.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your mother. There definitely needs to be more awareness.
DeleteI'm in support of Bald Barbie, she's quite pretty too.
ReplyDeleteI'm liking the new color scheme of your blog, it just gives it a really cool and different feel...and the new way you reply to comments, amazing! How did you do that? Would really like to do the same.
Thank you Miss Onakz, I actually made a post about how you can enable the threaded commenting on here on this blog. Scroll down on the front page and you'll find it.
DeleteThanks Myne, I've read the post and it's done. Yippeeeee!!!
Deleteit's for a good cause and i support it. Children tend to be very sensitive and close to their dolls. I think it will be a great idea to have something they can relate to
ReplyDeleteTrue, I really hope they consider it. I would buy the bald black barbie, lol...
DeleteIt can be weird to think of how so many girls still look to Barbie. But to have a bald Barbie is a very good idea. It's especially helpful when little girls have a doll they can relate to when dealing with a condition they have little to no control over. After all, it's a reminder that Barbie can be bald and beautiful and so can they
ReplyDeleteExactly! It was surprised too what a huge industry it is here with the dolls having a massive following. But it's the effect that matters.
DeleteAm ok with it......
ReplyDeleteThank you dearie.
DeleteIt is for a good cause, it is a good idea. We already have a couple of black Barbie dolls would definitely add a bald one to support the cause.
ReplyDeleteI think it just makes sense.
DeleteI think it's sad enough that a child has to suffer cancer,if a bald barbie can make her feel even a lil bit better,then wth.
ReplyDeleteExactly!
DeleteI'm all for a bald Barbie - or better yet, a bald Skipper (Barbie's little sister). They could even have temporary head tattoos, wigs, hats, etc. as accessories. For Mattel, this could be a win-win situation - decent sales, I'll bet, plus great PR.
ReplyDeleteBarbie..making kids happy since 1959. I love the versatility of Barbie dolls. Bald, Black, Blonde. Its just a toy joo.
ReplyDelete