The Barbie Selfie Trend: What it is and how to join

The upcoming Barbie Movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, is set to be released July 21st 2023. Alongside the trailers they are incorporating more creative ways to promote the movie. They created the Barbie Selfie Generator, which is a website where you upload a selfie/photo of yourself. Afterwards the generator combines your photo with a captivating Barbie themed background. In addition, these Barbie Selfies are trending with well-known celebrities like Dua Lipa joining along. Furthermore, the internet community is already on-top of the memes! 

Who is Barbie

Barbie is arguably one of the most popular toy brands in the world. Everyone knows what a Barbie doll is even if you have never owned one. She was created by Ruth Handler and launched by the American toy company Mattel in 1959. Barbie is typically depicted as a tall, slim, and glamorous doll with long blonde hair, although her appearance has evolved over the years to include a diverse range of skin tones, body shapes, and hairstyles. She is often associated with fashion, beauty, and a luxurious lifestyle, and her vast collection of clothing, accessories, and playsets allows children to engage in imaginative play and create their own stories. Barbie is an iconic fashion doll that has captivated the imaginations of children worldwide for generations. She represents fashion, beauty, career aspirations, and a sense of empowerment, while also sparking conversations about societal issues and evolving with the changing times. Barbie has had a significant economic impact as one of the best-selling toys in the world. She has generated billions of dollars in sales for Mattel and other businesses associated with her brand.

As popular as Barbie is, she has faced a lot of criticisms. One of the most significant criticisms of Barbie is that her physical proportions, with her exaggeratedly thin waist, long legs, and large bust, promote unrealistic beauty standards that may negatively impact body image and self-esteem, especially among young girls. Critics argue that Barbie’s representation of femininity as focused on appearance and traditional gender roles may perpetuate narrow gender norms and limit girls’ understanding of diverse possibilities for their future careers and roles. Barbie has also faced criticism for a lack of diversity and inclusivity, particularly in terms of representing different ethnicities, body shapes, and abilities. It’s important to state that Mattel has addressed a lot of these issues. They have incorporated Barbie dolls of different races/ethnicities and of different body types. These are great steps for Mattel. It is important for children to have access to toys that they can relate to. Since they are young they are highly susceptible to the influence a Barbie doll can create. 

The Barbie Selfie trend is a unique take on advertising. It brings hype towards the movie that will be releasing this summer and allows people to connect with the brand more. Barbie has inspired millions of children worldwide, shaped popular culture, and provided opportunities for imaginative play.

The new Barbie Movie is out in theaters July 21st.