The truth behind Barbie!
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The unsettling history of the Barbie doll is only now beginning to be known to the general public.
Barbie dolls are easily the second most influential toy of all time, only just behind LEGO, according to Time.
Since its introduction in 1959, the toy has served as a source of inspiration for girls worldwide. Its various professions, which include those of a doctor, lawyer, and even the President of the United States, have been showcased, and it has also embraced cultural diversity by featuring dolls representing other ethnic groups.
Barbie’s billion-dollar triumph in the movie may have put her at an all-time high in terms of popularity.
Although the Margot Robbie-starring film does a fantastic job of examining Ruth Handler’s creative process, it omits a startling element.
Most likely, when you see a Barbie doll, you picture someone with blonde hair and possibly red lipstick.
According to the German daily Der Spiegel, the German character Bild Lilli, who made her debut in 1952, is truly the source of inspiration for that particular style.
She debuted as a comic-strip character in the Hamburg daily Bild-Zeitung, but because to her popularity, the makers Greiner & Hausser produced an adult novelty toy of her in 1955, according to Time.
Before creating the Lilli doll, the factory was well-known for mass-producing figurines of German troops and, subsequently, Wehrmacht soldiers, members of the Nazi SA and SS, and the united armed forces of Nazi Germany, according to Euronews.
Toy soldiers and military vehicles, however, lost favour in post-World War Germany, and instead toy cowboys and Native Americans were produced.
Robin Gerber, the author of ‘Barbie and Ruth’, explained: “Lilli dolls could be bought in tobacco shops, bars and adult-themed toy stores.
“Men got Lilli dolls as gag gifts at bachelor parties, put them on their car dashboard, dangled them from the rearview mirror, or gave them to girlfriends as a suggestive keepsake.”
Handler claimed—as cited by Business Insider—that the creator was inspired by the Lilli dolls while on a family vacation in Europe.
According to PBS, she clarified that she and her daughter Barbara—after whom Barbie is named—were “transfixed” by the toy when they passed a toy store in the Swiss Alps.
It is said that Handler brought three of the dolls back to California and showed them to Mattel, the company that makes toys. This is how Barbie came to be.
While they share similar looks, Handler did make some alterations.
For example, Barbie’s lips were softened, and Lilli’s curved eyebrows were made to resemble arches. In contrast to Lilli, whose shoes were already a part of her legs, Handler also gave Barbie toes.
They also have completely different personalities because Lilli used to be very flirtatious and cheeky when she made comedic appearances.
In one strip, she is shown covering her naked body with a newspaper and explaining to a friend: “We had a fight and he took back all the presents he gave me.”
Another panel shows Lilli in a bikini and when a policeman tells her that two-piece swimsuits are illegal, she responds: “Oh, and in your opinion, which part should I take off?”
However, Greiner & Hausser, the company that made Lilli, filed a lawsuit against Mattel after they found similarities between their doll and Barbie.
In her book “You Don’t Own Me: The Court Battles That Exposed Barbie’s Dark Side,” author Orly Lobel clarified that Mattel made no pledge of allegiance to Greiner & Hausser and did not ask for consent before using Lilli’s likeness on a Barbie doll.
They proceeded to sue the American manufacturers, who refuted the accusations, and the case was ultimately resolved.
However, Greiner & Hausser’s copyrights and Lillie’s patent were purchased by Mattel in 1964, at which point the doll was discontinued.
According to Lobel (via Business Insider), a lawsuit reappeared in the early 2000s, accusing Mattel of fraud by the now-bankrupt Greiner & Hausser.
However, the court rejected this assertion.
Barbie’s origins are still a mystery to many, and they have reacted to it on social media.
One person writes: “So, the origin of Barbie was based on a German comic strip character featured as a post-war, sassy, ambitious golddigger, exhibitionist, and floozy.
“Seriously, as a young girl, I always felt that something was off about that doll.”
“I google Barbie’s origin and Barbie is a German s** doll named Lilli please explain,” says someone else.
Doctors Refuse To Operate On A Woman Who Had 6 Ribs Removed To Look Like Barbie
A Majority Of Women Feel It’s A Huge ‘Red Flag’ If A Man Refuses To Watch Barbie Movie
Have you seen the Barbie movie?
Hold onto your pink hats movie fans, because the Barbie movie craze isn’t just about entertainment—it’s also reshaping the dating game. As Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling teamed up to bring Barbie and Ken to life on the big screen, they inadvertently unleashed a new dating litmus test.
In the glittery world of 2023, where Barbie reigns supreme, it’s not just a film; it’s a phenomenon. And it’s so big that it’s inspiring memes, sparking social chatter, and, most interestingly, becoming a litmus test for budding relationships.
Change Research decided to dive deep into this captivating phenomenon by surveying over 1,000 individuals aged 18 to 34. They wanted to know what raised red flags when it came to potential partners. The results were a rollercoaster of insights, but the real shocker was how many women found it utterly cringeworthy if their date refused to watch the Barbie movie.
A jaw-dropping 53 percent of women considered it a major red flag if their potential partner turned down a viewing of the Greta Gerwig-directed flick. Gentlemen, it seems like this is less of an issue for you, with only 31 percent of guys giving it a thumbs-down.
‘Barbie’ Set To Be Warner Bros Best Selling Film EVER
For women, though, the biggest “ick” came from a partner identifying as a MAGA Republican (76 percent), closely followed by having no hobbies (66 percent), and shouting “All Lives Matter” from the rooftops (60 percent). Other concerns included denying the existence of more than two genders (58 percent), being a conversation dud (58 percent), being a communist (55 percent), or being a Joe Rogan podcast enthusiast (55 percent).
Men, on the other hand, danced to a different beat. Their top “ick” factor was a partner identifying as a communist (64 percent), followed by having no hobbies (60 percent), proudly flaunting the MAGA Republican badge (59 percent), being a conversation wallflower (42 percent), or obsessing over astrology (41 percent).
But here’s the kicker: the Barbie movie red flag is no new concept. It seems that several savvy ladies have already been applying this litmus test to their relationships. Some brave souls on TikTok have been vocal about their convictions. One user simply said, “Take your boyfriend to Barbie; if he doesn’t get it…dump him.”
Another TikToker issued a stern warning: “If you’re dating a man and he doesn’t like the Barbie movie, you need to break up with him.” To which a wise woman added, “Agreed. He is not Kenough for you.”
Someone even suggested that taking your boyfriend to see Barbie should be the ultimate relationship test to decide if he’s a keeper for the long haul. Now, that’s some Barbie-powered relationship wisdom!
So, there you have it, folks. In the world of dating in 2023, a refusal to embrace the Barbie movie might just be the ultimate dealbreaker. Barbie and Ken have spoken, and they demand you see the movie!
‘Barbie’ Makes Movie History
Watch the movie trailer below:
You Can Actually Stay In This Real Barbie Dreamhouse In Malibu
Would you stay in the Barbie Dreamhouse?
This summer it’s all ABOUT Barbie with the new movie hitting cinemas in just a few weeks (July 21st) and to celebrate the occasion, Airbnb has given a property a Barbie makeover and you can ACTUALLY stay there!
WORLD OF BARBIE IMMERSIVE TOUR COMES TO TORONTO
The new Barbie Movie, starring Margot Robbie as the iconic doll and Ryan Gosling as the famous Ken, is dominating the pop culture world and a pink revolution is taking over the world including this brilliant Malibu dreamhouse.
The renowned Malibu DreamHouse has just undergone renovations, and this summer Ken is handing over the keys and organising an overnight stay there. Below you can see the original home which has undergone a pink transformation and a fresh set of decorations both to the interior and exterior of this incredible property.
YOU CAN STAY IN A BARBIE DREAMHOUSE THEMED HOTEL
Ken’s picture-perfect paradise has the beachside home in sunny Malibu as its ideal setting, which offers expansive views. On July 17th fans can submit their name to be in with a chance of getting a stay on July 21 and July 22 for one night at the dream house for two guests.
You can watch a video review of the property below created by the amazing Azusa Barbie:
All of Ken’s favourite things, such as roller blades, a dance floor, and a huge horse, are featured in the dream home’s decor. However this life-size, toy-themed house is open to visitors for just one weekend!
As well as searching through Ken’s amazing private clothing collection you can also learn a few line dances on Ken’s outdoor dance floor, play a sunset serenade on Ken’s guitar as well as sunbathing and relaxing by the infinity pool making full use of the water slide!
Ken is said to be more interested in the beach than maths so all stays are free and Airbnb will be making a donation to Save the Children in celebration of the movies release. You can enter for a chance at visiting this iconic house at: airbnb.com/kendreamhouse
BOYFRIEND TRANSFORMED OUR GROTTY OLD CARAVAN INTO A BARBIE DREAM VAN
Featured Image Credit: Airbnb and Warner Brothers
