Supermodel Ashley Graham's Look-Alike Barbie Doesn't Have A Thigh Gap | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Supermodel Ashley Graham's Look-Alike Barbie Doesn't Have A Thigh Gap

She's a Barbie girl, in a real world.

81
Supermodel Ashley Graham's Look-Alike Barbie Doesn't Have A Thigh Gap
Huffington Post

Mattel, the creator of the Barbie, has long faced intense criticism regarding the idea that playing with the unrealistic dolls harms children's self-esteem -- an idea that has been proven time and time again in multiple studies. The Huffington Post claims that if Barbie was a real woman, she would be 5'9" tall, have a 39" bust, an 18" waist, 33" hips and a size 3 shoe. She would have a BMI of 16.24 and would most likely walk on all fours due to her proportions. To give you some perspective, the average U.S. woman's measurements include 5'7" tall, 33" bust, 35" waist, and 40" hips.

When the doll first landed on the shelves in 1959, Barbie became the ideal role model for young girls everywhere. She was thin, beautiful, had a perfect boyfriend, and, of course, the dream house. What more could a girl want?

In my psychology of communications class at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I have learned that in forming our self-concepts, one way in which we get to know ourselves better is through social comparison. Studies have shown that the mass media provides female adolescents with unrealistic images with which to compare themselves. In one study, the researchers investigated how media aimed at children play a role in the development of body image. They found that since children are frequently exposed to sociocultural ideal body shapes, that are not realistically attainable, it is likely that these vulnerable children have internalized these ideals. And given their high rates of exposure, children are the most susceptible to media messages and are thus likely to perceive the imagery involving unattainable body images as reality, rather than artificial.

Well, 29-year-old, "plus-sized" model Ashley Graham has had enough. Graham has her own swimsuit and apparel collections with Swimsuits for All and Dressbarn and, in February, she became the first plus-sized model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue. Graham has become a role model for women everywhere, showing that thinness doesn’t necessarily equate to beauty. Recently, Glamour honored Graham with their Woman of the Year Award for her work as a body activist. At the event, Mattel unveiled a doll in her honor. But this doll had some unique, uncharacteristically “Barbie” features.

“Thighs touching, round hips, arms and tummy!!” The 28-year-old supermodel wrote on her Instagram the other day.

Sources indicate that Graham was able to work “hand in hand” with the company to create her very own doll. Her only request? “She had to have her thighs touch,” the supermodel recently told The Hollywood Reporter.

“It was important that the Barbie resembled me as much as possible. The thighs touching was one way to show young girls that it’s okay for your thighs to touch, despite society saying that a ‘thigh gap’ is more beautiful,” Graham continued.

After facing years of criticism of its anatomically impossible dolls, this body positive step from Mattel came after the company revealed three new body types — tall, curvy and petite — along with a range of seven skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles back in January. Graham hopes that little girls who see her doll can realize "now every girl does look like Barbie. It's not an unattainable thing." Now, they can say, "That's my Barbie. I look like that one." Graham praises the doll company for its body positive moves. And we praise you, Graham, for helping girls everywhere feel they too are beautiful and realize that we come in all shapes and sizes.

So come on Barbie, let's go party.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

913
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

552
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199638
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20538
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments