In 1998, Marion Abbot, tongue in cheek, suggested creating more realistic Barbie dolls. Among her suggestions were:
1) Bifocals Barbie. Comes with her own set of blended-lens fashion
frames in six wild colors (half-frames too!), neck chain and
large-print editions of Vogue and Martha Stewart Living.
2) Flabby Arms Barbie. Hide Barbie’s droopy triceps with these new,
roomier-sleeved gowns. Good news on the tummy front, too-muumuus with
tummy-support panels are included.
3) Bunion Barbie. Years of disco dancing in stiletto heels have
definitely taken their toll on Barbie’s dainty arched feet. Soothe
her sores with the pumice stone and plasters, then slip on soft terry
mules.
4) No-More-Wrinkles Barbie. Erase those pesky crow’s-feet and lip
lines with a tube of Skin Sparkle-Spackle, from Barbie’s own line of
exclusive age-blasting cosmetics.
5) Divorced Barbie. Sells for $199.99. Comes with Ken’s house, Ken’s car, and Ken’s boat.
It
is certainly true that women and men often derive their self image
from popular culture. Reality is far different. Maybe we should try
getting our self image from God through His Word.
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J. Michael Shannon is professor of preaching at Cincinnati Bible College in Cincinnati, OH.
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