The Barbie Doll vs. The Bratz Dolls
As toys go, dolls are among the most popular, especially among young girls. There is something about dolls that simply attracts girls and gives them comfort. The two most popular doll brands that occupy the minds of young girls today are the Barbie dolls and the Bratz dolls. These dolls are very different and have been marketed in very different ways. In this essay, we will consider the differences between the two dolls, their history, their impact on society, and their popularity.
Barbie dolls have been a favorite toy for girls since their creation in 1959. The Barbie doll brand is owned by Mattel Inc., one of the largest toy companies in the world. The doll was created by Ruth Handler, the co-founder of Mattel, and named after her daughter, Barbara. The first Barbie doll was a blonde, and since then the brand has expanded to have different versions with various colors and ethnicities, making it one of the most diverse doll brands on the market.
Bratz dolls, on the other hand, were introduced in 2001, more than 40 years after Barbie. These dolls were designed by Carter Bryant and owned by MGA Entertainment. Bratz dolls are known for their edgier, more urban look, compared to the more glamorous look of Barbie dolls. They also have oversized heads and feet that exaggerated their bodies. The dolls were aimed at girls between the ages of eight and twelve and were meant to be a more modern and rebellious alternative to the Barbie and other dolls in the market.
One of the significant differences between the two dolls is their appearance. Barbie has always had a reputation for being the “perfect girl,” with her immaculate hair, slim figure, and pretty clothes. Her face, too, has always been symmetrical and spotless, leading critics to accuse the company of promoting unrealistic beauty and body standards.
The Bratz dolls, on the other hand, were created to be more relatable to the modern girl. They are more fashionable, with edgier makeup, hairstyles, and clothing that reflects current trends. The Bratz dolls are also more diverse in terms of their figure, facial features, and skin tones. They were made to be individualistic, with the message that it is okay to be yourself and unique.
Another significant difference between the two dolls is the marketing and advertising strategy used by the manufacturers. The Barbie brand has always been marketed as the all-American girl, with commercials showing young girls playing with their Barbie dolls and their dream home. Barbie’s world was idealized, with everything perfectly arranged in her famous pink plastic convertible, luxurious Malibu Dreamhouse, or upscale Barbie Townhouse.
In contrast, the Bratz dolls were marketed as street-smart and sassy. Their advertisements depicted them as confident, independent girls who enjoyed life and were unafraid to stand out from the crowd. The brands’ marketing campaigns encouraged girls to express their individuality, be proud of who they are, and not worry about fitting in.
The impact of the Barbie and Bratz dolls on society has been significant and controversial. The Barbie doll has been praised for promoting a sense of fashion and creating a positive impact on the lives of girls and women worldwide. The brand has been involved in several social campaigns, promoting awareness of breast cancer, domestic violence, and women’s empowerment. However, many critics argue that the doll’s portrayal of an idealized, perfect body is inaccurate and creates unrealistic body standards for girls.
The Bratz dolls, on the other hand, have faced more significant backlash from critics who claim that they encourage sexualization of young girls. Critics argue that the short skirts, fishnet stockings, and high heels of the dolls send the wrong message to girls, who may feel pressured to dress provocatively in real life. The dolls’ suggestive poses and clothing have led to several controversies, including a recall of some of the dolls in 2008.
The popularity of the two dolls has been remarkable, with both brands achieving significant success worldwide. Barbie dolls have remained popular for over sixty years, with millions sold every year. Bratz dolls, while not being around for as long, were also hugely successful, with the brand selling over 100 million dolls worldwide.
While both dolls remain popular today, there is a clear trend towards more diverse and individualistic dolls that better represent the modern girl. The two brands have responded to this by launching more inclusive dolls with diverse ethnicities and body types. Barbie has recently launched dolls with body types that range from curvy to petite to promote body positivity and acceptance. Bratz dolls have followed suit with their representation of diverse skin tones, facial features, and hair textures.
In conclusion, the Barbie and Bratz dolls have been two of the most famous and popular doll brands worldwide. The two brands have different approaches to marketing and advertising, with the Barbie doll being marketed as the perfect American girl, while Bratz dolls are marketed as confident and individualistic. Both dolls have faced criticism for promoting unrealistic body standards and encouraging sexualization of young girls. However, both remain popular to this day, with the brands introducing more inclusive and diverse dolls that better reflect the modern girl.