Life in Plastic: Analysis

The article previously summarized, 'Life in Plastic', focuses on the impression on our youth made by the mass of plastic that is Barbie. Although there are many different views on the effect that Barbie has made on our society, I hold an opinion that is not presented in the article. She may have an improbable figure, and some may take it too seriously, but when it comes down to it, Barbie is just a doll; a mere plaything to entertain children so their parents can have a slice of free time. She was not invented to warp children's minds into thinking they had to look like her. Barbie's sole purpose (besides bringing in big money for mattel) is to give our youth a somewhat realistic yet basic toy to play with. The idea that she has become this icon of perfection, that she has created the standard by which we are to live by, is ridiculous. Barbie is a doll, and that's all there is to it. She is a genius invention, a basic doll that you can dress up differently and sell as a different product. Those who put too much emphasis on her effect on the world are thinking too deeply into the issue. I believe she inspires creativity; Barbie can be whoever you want her to be. She inspires our youth to make something of themselves; they can be whoever they want to be.