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‘Pin-Up Girl’ Barbies for adults only
—Posted by Celeste Ward |
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May 16, 2006 | Permalink |
Comments
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Whatever, Celeste. I'm 23, and I collect Francie dolls from the 60s and 70s. I have an interest in the history of fashion. Other women may have an interest in seeing what their favorite designers come up with for Barbie. It's not my cup of tea either, but I wouldn't ridicule them in a public forum just because I don't get it.
Posted by: Lynn | May 16, 2006 10:58:51 AM
My grandmother doesn't find the barbies worth over $600,000 in her basement disturbing. She'll probably laugh all the way to the bank. Seriously though, think of all the weird things we collect as adults: trading cards, bear figurines, beanie babies, Elmo toys. I think a Barbie collector is far from the weirdest.
Posted by: Kate | May 16, 2006 10:59:38 AM
We looked into this phenomenon while working on Japanese clients and consumers because of the affinity to Hello Kitty for so many of our target audience.
It's transparently healthy for older people to connect not only with their 'inner youth' but also it provides a point of connection for older people to relate to kids and vice versa.
It's important to note that cultures which place a burden of accelerated (usually educational) responsibility are most likely to enjoy hobbies that are connected to their childhood. Korea, Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong most visibly but this has influenced a generation of Asian youths to follow suit, thus creating a cross generational resurgence . Not a bad thing and surely no more questionable than 40+ year old adults playing Space Invaders or Pac Man when put into this context?
Posted by: Charles Frith | May 16, 2006 12:00:31 PM
Who was the comedian who described Americans' idea of hell: standing before a crowd of starving people from around the world, justifying the money you spent on eBay on "collectibles."
Posted by: Rosebud | May 16, 2006 2:59:21 PM
Well said, Charles. My mom has a small collection of used (no expensive gown-wearing) Barbies. A sweet lady...nothing disturbing about that.
And never mind little girls -- why can't boys play with them?
Posted by: D.L. | May 18, 2006 3:59:41 PM
Huh, I just assumed the Bratz dolls were meant to fill the "Prostitute Barbie" void.
Posted by: April | May 19, 2006 3:15:20 PM
Collecting dolls beats the hell out of secret alcoholism or drug addiction as a hobby.
Posted by: Sue | May 20, 2006 5:02:39 PM
76357246**&%#@#@!@#$
Posted by: | May 22, 2006 6:30:23 PM
diese pin up´s schon geiL
Posted by: mausi | May 31, 2007 2:37:03 PM
Toys and dolls today are either ridiculous or whoreish (like the bratz) Barbie however has some sort of innocent beauty. Whether it be by Nationality (celebraitng different herritages) or by the certain outfits they where (either fantasy fairy tale like or fashionable) Or by the hand painted faces, some angelic like.. they are not manufactured and printed on each doll they are hand painted!! How many toys are out there now, that are like that? None.. because everything is getting stupider and stupider, whoreish and whoreish... Teletubbies dont make sense.. why not bad mouth them, and leave Barbies which have an acutal history to them ALONE!!!
Posted by: Leilani | Aug 2, 2007 8:52:35 AM
