The Barbies at our house got a makeover courtesy of Miss Gracie and Miss Kate. I have to say, I was initially conflicted about the whole ordeal because I really don't like mess. Barbie hair, by the way, is like dust...you clean it and 2 seconds later it's back! The part of me that supports individual creative expression though was all over this project...and of course I must admit I felt a little bit of satisfaction knowing it was Barbie's locks they were shearing.
I never really supported the whole Barbie thing to begin with. The little ladies just moved into our house around the girls' second year and I couldn't stop the influx. It started with just the Princess Barbies but then others started showing up. Soon they brought their cars and their fancy outfits. And shoes, oh the shoes. Some of them even had horses...the nerve! Well anyway, they were here to stay despite my thoughts about the potential negative impact their unrealistic, unattainable body shapes might have on my little girls' self esteem. I must state here, for whatever it's worth, that I never bought my girls a Barbie...well, except for maybe Barbie Thumbelina who looks more like a fairy...does she count?
Anyway, despite my reluctance to have them in our house, I was aware that Gracie and Kate enjoyed playing with them, dressing them, driving them around the playroom, etc. I had to change my thinking to support the dolls as tools that foster imaginative play rather than sexist cultural icons. Can we say cognitive dissonance? Needless to say, when I noticed the girls were cutting their Barbies' hair, I didn't stop them. And they were so proud of their endeavor!
Gracie said, Look Mom, we cut her hair for Locks of Love!
Kate said, We're giving Barbie a makeover!
Kate said, We're giving Barbie a makeover!
They actually did a good job on some of the dolls...pretty stylish if you ask me.
Even Ariel got in on the action. Here she is sporting a cute little bob! I'm still finding strands of red hair in the playroom!
The girls haven't been in the Barbie bin much since this happened...kind of has me wondering if this was some type of symbolic commencement representing a new phase of play, one that doesn't involve Barbie. On the other hand, perhaps I'm thinking a bit too deeply about the whole ordeal, as I've noticed the scissors have been getting a lot of use lately.
5 comments:
Michelle says I can be funny...That was hilarious! LOL funny. I love to hear the "mom" thoughts on childs play. I think the girls did a fab job, maybe they could do a quick 1-2-3 on me and my wardrobe too!
Sp apparently I need to take writing lessons from you and Natalie. That was awesome. I love the clothing too. I am not particularly fond of Barbie either except for cute little Thumbelina and then we have the whole Andre glitter phobia so she is out :)
Just for the record . . I have never given them a Barbie doll. However, I have bought a few darling outfits!
Mama
I thought they were just getting the Barbies ready for Project Runway. You haven't been letting them watch Make me a Supermodel, have you?
The makeovers are pretty good. Your girls have a real flair for fashion.
Katie and Gracie have a real future in the makeover industry ;) I love the Barbie makeovers. It's just what she needs to be real. We haven't had Barbie make her way into our house yet...let's see how long that lasts.
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