Is The Barbie Doll Offensive?

[Bucky Kentucky]

On another forum there was a discussion about this Barbie doll. It led to a huge fight and the thread was locked. The Black canary Barbie doll is based on the DC comic book character the Black Canary who's first appeared in comics in 1947. She's a crime fighter, super hero who is usually in Gotham City (Batman's town). The character has appeared in The Birds of Prey series, Smallville and the Justice League cartoon.

The doll's outfit is based on the costume the character usually wears but she has worn different outifts depending on the artist.

Here is a link to a picture of the doll. You can find other pictures on the internet. I would like to know what you think about this doll. I know most of you don't own dolls anymore but I'd like to know your opinion. I don't have this doll but do have Barbie as Batgirl in the box.

http://www.barbiecollector.com/showcase/product.aspx?t=modern&id=1003820

[NancyDrew]

No it does not offend me.

[C_City*]

In what way is it percieved offensive? The outfit :s?

[shopaholicoxxo]

Oh please. I've heard the "Barbie is offensive" thing way too many times and anyone who's offended by it that much needs to chill in my opinion. It's simply a doll, a cute little blonde haired doll that kids like playing with and adults like to collect for fun. It really doesn't mean any harm and I don't think it causes any.

[Bucky Kentucky]

In what way is it percieved offensive? The outfit :s?

Some people have issues with Barbie in general. Her measurements aren't humanly possible, which some say creates unrealistic expectations and is part of the body image problem girls have. On the other forum people were saying this doll in particular is dressed like a piece of trash, which isn't appropiate for a Barbie doll since many little girls like Barbie and it might encourage girls to dress trashy.

[hotncleverchik]

that makes no sense, cos if they wanna stop people looking at unreal things, magazines should get rid of size zero models, not barbie dolls.
and so what if this one's a bit rocky? :P

[tanningbry]

I don't get it.. How is it offensive??

[SaintSaturn]

If girls are deciding what to wear based on what their Barbie wears, they have some problems.

[vibrantskies]

I don't understand how it's offensive. :S

[Hannahfan_eva211]

Its not offensive. I mean its based off of a character.

[Kaitlin]

it's not offensive, just controversial.
Two different things.
I don't think anyone should worry.
Just don't buy yourself/future kids barbies if you don't like them! (:

[HannahMontana_9]

lmfao that made me laugh out loud.
its just an outfit whats to get worked up about?

[ILoveDeltaGoodrem]

wow thats a very um...yeah...outfit lol.
Young girls shouldn't be wanting Barbies dressed like that!!

[Bucky Kentucky]

Here is a better article and picture of the doll. It explains why people have a problem with it. The pciture shows in doll in the box which gives it more context and it also has a comic cover from 1948 of The Black Canary.

http://geekparenting.com/2008/07/16/barbie-black-canary-my-filthy-birthday-present.aspx

[NancyDrew]

I still don't see it honestly. I love Black Canary too.

[Rockin_Miley]

Shes dressed worse before..lol

but really, barbies been around so long. if they didnt have fishnet stocking and regular black tights/leggings, then there would be no problem. There will always be a problem with barbie.

[C_City*]

The Barbie in that box's outfit is kinda...hm...yeah. I can see why parents might not like that, but I guess don't buy it for your kid. I don't think that's the type of Barbie that little kids are gonna want anyway. It's more of a collecter's thing.

[Marauder]

eh.
i hate barbies.
and she looks like lady gaga

[SupaStaRrMiley92]

i really don't find that offensive at all. i can see how overly protective people could, but in all honestly nothing about that really seems bad.

[sharp_as-a_tick]

The outfit is kind of weird looking, but really I don't see anything wrong with it.
If parents have a problem with the barbie then don't buy it. It's that simple.

[vanessaroxs14]

Nah not at all. ;)

[Ashley Marie 1992]

not to me, i used to play with barbies when i was little, and i turned out fine.
not trashy. lol. :P.

[( soulmates )]

I think if someone put a Barbie doll out today (like if it hadn't been invented) no one
would like it very much. But because she was created a while ago, I think she's a symbol.

[chiko]

its not "offensive" i guess to some people its like sending a bad image for kids. but i don;t really see it as " offensive" thats just not the right word :P