The New Barbie

While researching the Barbie and Ken breakup, Gothamist was struck by a few things:
- Supposed new love interest for Barbie, "Blaine," sounds like a loser as well...not to mention gay.
- Who knew that one of Barbie's alter-egos was Modern Barbie, which is Barbie as an "independent film producer with a flair for fashion and a crush on Ken, a brooding artist with super stylin' colored hair streaks and a 'thing' for Melody, the bright blue haired sweetheart." Uh oh - love triangle! Gothamist doesn't understand the various parallel worlds Barbie is able to live in. Typically, though, the black Barbie, "Simone," just gets the description, "an exotic makeup artist who's always dressed to impress." Exotic! Ha!
- Kids don't need a 101 on Tragic Movie Stars' Lives with James Dean or Marilyn Monroe dolls, do they? They can watch E! or Entertainment Tonight for the Robert Downey Jr. and Courtney Love updates, can't they?
- We can't tell if Fashion Insider Ken is gay or just metrosexual.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in Arts & Entertainment on February 17, 2004 12:24 PM

Comments [rss]

Jen H

No, "indie film producer" is another word for lesbian.

seekaltroutes

Somehow my roommate has been subscribed to the Barbie Collectors catalog, and every month there's a new installment in the ongoing office dramedy/sitcom that is Modern Barbie. Not only is "Simone" a marginalized exotic object, but she's described in the catalog as the person the 3 love triangle members turn to for advice and love predictions and the like--in other words, she's a skinny Miss Cleo with a crazier 'do rag. "COLL ME NOW!"

Molly

I agree that the name Blaine should have died with Andrew McCarthy's (sp?) career. Mattel should definitely discontinue any plans for a James Spader-ish friend for Blaine.