Hi! EVERYONE! I am an international student in California. I am studying English and Graphic Design now. Im gonna introduce Americans Culture and to compare cultures between America and Ja
pan in this BLOG. At first, I want to say about my most favorite thing, which is "BARBIE" ! Do you know this year is the special year for Barbie's fun, because it is 50t
h anniversary when barbie had been born. There were some events for Barbie in this year.
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Also, one of the Japanese company published clothes brand with a concept of Barbie, and that company connected original Barbie's company. Anyway, this clothes brand is my most favorite one! Below is Japanese shop of Barbie. It is a very cute, right?
| Ok, now I am going to explain about Barbie's interesting history. It relates to American history and culture very much. |
Actually, Japan has also popular dolls, name is RIKA. However, this is the only one kind. In 1970, Barbie dolls came Japan. However it didn't become popular around Japanese girls because Barbie's face and body style were not familiar to Japanese kids. They could not accept the doll which has the Western style. Reason was probably Japanese people are homogeneous compared with America. In contrast, there are many kind of barbies in America, one of Barbie is White, the other is Back, another is yellow. There are much variations. This reason is just diversity culture. This diversity in the country is a reflection of the variations in Barbie.
[Barbie 2009 collections]
[RIKA in JAPAN 2009 Collections]
Information of Barbie:
Name: Barbara Millicent Roberts
Age: 17 years old
Work: Fashion Model
Height: 12 inch
Barbie's Doll Style History:
1959-1965 THE EARLY YEARS
1965-1970 THE MOD ERA
1971-1976 THE MALIBU ERATHE
1980’S SUPERSTAR, DISCO, ROCK ERA
THE 90’S NEW FAMILY LITTLE KIDS & FRIENDS ADULTS
The original Barbie was launched in March 1959.
As you see, the original Barbie was typical style. and focused on white people. Skin was white, hear color was almost blond, in addition, eyes were almost blue.
Oreo Fun Barbiefrom 1997 became controversial
due to a negative interpretation of the doll's name.
After 1990, controversial issue of segregation became serious over American society.
The time of slavery already had passed. However, people thought about this thing in negative. Then, such as like this black barbie published with that background.
Baribie is a part of American history. It showed American negative parts. America is a very diversity.
It is a strong point to America. Japan is more homogeneous country. Therefore, people sometimes
cannot accept other outstanding parts. But, America is opener mind than Japanese. There is a memory that is deeply history and to get over this issue for American people. Barbie gives you to understand American
culture.
