That’s right, the iconic doll created by Jewess Ruth Handler and based on a German doll called Bild Lillit which was marketed as a sex toy, just turned 50. In that time, Barbara Millicent Rogers has had many ups and downs. Who can forget 1965’s Slumber Party Barbie that came with a “How to Lose Weight” book that included this advice: “Don’t eat.” Or how about 1992’s Teen Talk Barbie went around saying things like “Will we ever have enough clothes?” and “I love shopping!” as well as the unforgettable “Math class is tough!” Who can forget Saudi Arabia’s 1993 ban on the Barbie doll? Saudi Arabia outlawed the sale of Barbie dolls, saying that she did not conform to the ideals of Islam. The Committee for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice stated “Jewish Barbie dolls, with their revealing clothes and shameful postures, accessories and tools are a symbol of decadence to the perverted West. Let us beware of her dangers and be careful.” I didn’t know “Rogers” was a Jewish name… There’s also new “Totally Stylin’ Tattoos” Barbie that comes with tattoos and a tattoo gun. Parents are less than excited by this new Barbie which was perhaps inspired by the Barbie Crystal Meth Lab put together on a previous Late Night With Jay Leno show. Well… at least she did inspire Tiffany Shlain’s film Tribe about Jewish peoplehood. That’s good right? (You can see it in its entirety here)

Finally, I guess you kind of have to laugh at SNL’s take on Barbie’s 50th. It’s both reverent and comic and we learn that Barbie has a thing for Whiskey… oh Barbie! (video clip only available in the US):



Whatever… Happy Birthday Barbie!

ck
Follow me

About the author

ck

Founder and Publisher of Jewlicious, David Abitbol lives in Jerusalem with his wife, newborn daughter and toddler son. Blogging as "ck" he's been blocked on twitter by the right and the left, so he's doing something right.

1 Comment