I was a tomboy in sneakers when I got my first Barbie doll at age 11. She was the original Barbie launched by Mattel Toys, a sleek brunette in a zebra-striped swimsuit and stilettos. But what was she doing in high heels if she was heading for the beach? I would have been so much happier if she’d had flat feet instead of arched and pointy ones. Then my Barbie could have worn water shoes or slip-ons or sneakers, just like me.
What was she doing in high heels if she was heading for the beach?
Because I was not a girly-girl growing up, I think I was a little less likely to fall under Barbie’s spell. Call it fledgling feminism. My first Barbie doll turned out to be my last.
Whoops! Want to read more?
Become a member to get these perks:
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Read all our bold, bodacious articles by top writers.
- Get discounts on trips and events, including Paris, Italy, Scotland, New York City.
- Join our members-only "Tribe" community to connect with like-minded women.
-
-
-
-
-