Barbie in Tehran

Balatarin
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leyliche
by leyliche
29-Apr-2008
 

The recent statement made by Prosecutor General Ghorban Ali Dori Najafabadi lamenting the popularity of Barbie in Tehran toy stores struck a chord of sympathy in me. Before anyone jumps to any conclusions, let me explain myself further.

As a feminist concerned with women's well being, I believe that Barbie dolls are "destructive", as Najafabadi remarks. But that is where my agreement with him stops. Barbie Dolls are destructive because they promote an unrealistic standard of female body type, emphasizing the importance of womens physical appearance over her intellect. As a child growing up in Iran, I have firsthand experience, as do many other girls, of unhealthy norms, such as a skinny physique and high hills, cultivated by Barbie culture. The question is how to promote a more healthy play culture for girls?

The remedy offered by conservative officials in Iran, such as Najafabadi, is to stress the importance of familial values, through the country’s own line of Dolls, Sara and Dara. However, this remedy is as problematic as the cultural norms promoted by Barbie dolls.

I’m not attacking Iranian culture, but suggesting that certain gendered familial values promote unhealthy cultural norms that harm women. Some examples are; the belief that women are naturally suited for the household, females are the main care takers of children, it is sufficient for women to gain a meaningful existence by being good mothers and wives….the list goes on.

What I suggest parents and concerned individuals do is to create healthier role models for girls to choose from, starting with our selves. To elucidate my argument, I am simply saying that I can make a change in the world by simply refusing to buy into the Barbie culture. My younger cousins often look up to me, as do many other girls to older females, and I try to set an example through my own living. I try not to obsess with my looks, weight and clothing, and to not judge other women according to those standards. Though truth be told, it’s not always easy.

Balatarin
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Oh, and maybe...

by Monica (not verified) on Tue Apr 29, 2008 02:14 PM PDT

If they cut off the breasts and made little Barbie sized hijabs and burkas for Barbie Ghorban Ali Dori Najafabadi would approve??


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Seriously though..

by Monica (not verified) on Tue Apr 29, 2008 02:10 PM PDT

I never actually wanted to become the objects that I played with, whether they be dolls, cars, or empty toilet paper rolls!
I am impressed though that the Mullahs took precious time out of their hanging, stoning to death, maiming, supressing and burning women alive to preach the importance of keeping intact the dignity and self respect of females in Islam society by banning a toy.


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Niki Tehranchi

You are right to agree with the Mullahs on this one

by Niki Tehranchi on Tue Apr 29, 2008 01:31 PM PDT

Yes, Barbies are quite dangerous and "destructive" but there is an even bigger danger facing the innocent impressionable children who are so easily influenced by the images they see in the media and entertainment television.

 

Smurfs.

 

Yes, you heard me right.  As a child, the smurfs were my favorite TV show.  But at the same time, and unbeknownst to my mother who would encourage me to love all things smurfs, the smurfs instilled a deep psychological scar on my soul, an alarming decrease in my self esteem, and the feeling of not really belonging. 

 

This led to many sessions in the bathroom where I would hide myself and try to rub blue popsicles all over my skin in an effort to resemble those mythical creatures.  But no matter how hard I rubbed, the bluish tint was but a temporary effect that would always fade over time. 

 

Aaaaah, all those nights I went to sleep weeping because Santa Claus refused to bring me the coveted gift of the mushroom shaped hats I so desperately needed to resemble my idols.

 

To this day, I aboslutely forbid my son to watch or play with ANYTHING that could remotely give him the idea that there are some unrealistic creatures out there, like unicorns or PhD candidates.

 

Keep up with the good work.  Iran's priority is to do away with the destructive Barbies.  Next on the agenda: G.I. Joes....


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Tahirih

Moderation is the answer to all illess of society.....

by Tahirih on Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:35 AM PDT

I have to make it clear that I truly believe that according to the spirit of this age, women must advance and fulfill their mission in all departments of life, becoming equal to men. They must be on the same level as men and enjoy equal rights.

But at the same time why lose our femininity?or not paying attention to our outside beauty?

I do not agree with barbies and have never played with them and think they are the worst role models for girls, but lets practice moderation , in this matter too.

I do not agree with heavy makeup, or  clothing that makes women sex objects, but at the same time I think we should stay weman and soft but powerfull.

Thanks for this great mind stimulating article.

respectfully,

Tahirih


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