Almost one-half of teenage girls and one-third of teenage boys have problematic weight control issues behaviors like skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting, and taking laxatives. Just think about that, you probably know someone struggling with this. The root of the issue seems to be deeply buried in our culture. From the much desired thigh gaps, Twitter accounts promoting ‘skinny motivation’ and celebrity role models flaunting what they got on tour or on the big screen, judgement can be easily clouded. I have read countless articles on how this weight problem goes physiologically deeper starting in children’s toys. More specifically Barbies. They all have unreasonably small waists, bulging boobs and beautifully toned legs that many see  as a negative influence on children. But I disagree. Though that may sound strange considering the information I have just presented to you, hear me out and maybe you will understand.

I feel like our world today is much different than the world I even grew up in. There are like 20 times more screens (flat screen TV’s, phones, tablets, laptops, computers and iPods) blinking their bright lights everywhere more than any generation before. Research shows that increased screen time is more likely to lead to obesity especially in childhood.

With consideration to these electronic devices, information is everywhere and spread to young people quickly, especially when a nine year old has a smartphone. If you have access to the internet, you can basically access whatever you want. Children have the ability to watch videos of Miley twerking or Beyonce werking. This puts a psychological strain on a young mind telling them to grow up faster and telling them what is cool instead of what they like.

So, what does all of this have to do with Barbie? The blonde-haired, blue-eyed doll must only add to this adolescent pressure right? Wrong.

I think that you all would agree that Barbie is a better role model than more than half of the young gentlemen and ladies publicized today. While most girls are obsessed with how much skin they can show and how to find a rich husband, Barbie has been in almost every occupation imaginable, even a CEO position before any other woman had been. She can be dressed fashionably, but remains conservative. And for the boys, Ken, (instead of simply practicing the art of punk like Justin Bieber) has been in countless fields and been faithful to Barbie. Between the two of them they have made over one billion dollars and have had a successful relationship since 1959.

Though the dolls may have unattainable figures, at least they are trying to portray health. This is much unlike the countless celebrities, politicians and everyday people who publicly flaunt eating disorders. Barbie may have impossible measurements, it’s not like little kids are and can measure themselves and then Barbie and figure out the math. I neither didn’t and neither did you.

Do you see the problem with this? I sure don’t. Barbie is a positive influence in a culture such as our own that is so clouded with bad judgement.

To me it seems that overprotective and reactionary adults are more of the problem. As people become more and more liberal with their thoughts and speech, parents will want to shield their children. Today this means taking away the Barbie Dolls and replacing them with a smartphone with unlimited and uncensored information.

So as you can read, I disagree with the Barbie critics.