Recently, Mattel has released a new line of Barbies. Sales online started on January 27,2016. This new line of barbies will hit stores on March 1, 2016. What is the big commotion about these new barbies? This is the first time where the dolls will have different body types such as tall, curvy, petite, etc.

Mattel has always been a target for criticism when it comes to their doll for unrealistic body size. In real life, the doll would be 5 feet 9 inches and weigh 110 pounds. She would be severely underweight for someone her height. In 2006, a study conducted by the University of Sussex concluded that dolls like Barbie, that portray a specific body type as ideal, can damage a girl’s body image, and therefore increase the risks of eating disorders.

I wish these Barbie dolls were sold when I was younger. As a child, it would have been great to play with a doll that actually look somewhat similar to a realistic human being. Believe it or not, childhood toys do have an immense impact on one’s attitude or beliefs. The production of these new dolls will have a major positive influence on young girls because they portray the beauty of diversity.

Last year, different skin colors and hair texture were added to the dolls. Now, the company will start selling barbie dolls with at least three different body types including tall, petite, and curvy. Although the change in barbie figures was primarily to help increase sales, the dolls’ significance goes beyond that. They resemble natural beauty and promote a positive self image. Learn more about the new Barbies.