This commercial advertisement for "Barbie" aims to make a comeback for the company in this generation. The ad is geared toward young girls as it features a very realistic and empowering image of the Barbie doll. Barbies were the best selling toy until sales began to decline in 2011. Sales fell by fourteen percent in 2014. In order to revamp the sales and get Barbie back on the market, they created this ad. Mattell, the toy company, had finally realized that the "only way to really sell a Barbie, is through the imagination of her own playmates." All the barbies modeled in the ad represent women figures with well-off careers and are respected not because of their looks, but because of their intelligence.
They claim that this is "the best ad ever", helping Barbies make an "iconic comeback". When the Barbie doll was first introduced in 1959, she was primarily known for her perfect body, her flawless features, her cute boyfriend Ken and her really cool friends! Over time this created an unrealistic expectation and standard for the lifestyle of young girls. The Barbie doll accentuated physical appearance and for over fifty years, that is what young girls idolized, and still do. It is argued that they have negatively influenced the way young girls think of themselves. But now with this innovate ad, that is about to change. The new Barbie is who every little girl will want to be.
The actual ad as well as the article pertaining to the ad were very refreshing. Although, I personally believe that the media has more so of a negative impact on body image, I still respect those who believe that the media has a positive impact on body image. This a great example of that. I really think that it could convince a group of people that not all media is bad. It could very well be good.
http://www.latintimes.com/pulse/barbie-makes-iconic-comeback-best-ad-ever-watch-here-349236
23 October 2015
(click on the link to watch the ad!)