My research project’s argument is how the Barbie doll has survived three decades of cultural change, but still remains a pop culture icon. Within in my paper I hope to explain the beginning history of Barbie and how she went from being a doll into part of the American culture for girls. Since the topic of Barbie is such a broad subject, I will limit my paper to focus only on Barbie as a pop culture icon. Given my research thus far I hope to get an understanding of how the barbie doll escaped from becoming a fad, like so many other toys through the years. In addition, I hope to better understand and provide answers to how Barbie is subconsciously a symbol to America. Also, through my research I hopefully will see how the marketing techniques of the Matell company have contributed to Barbie’s stability.

I have found some great sources that focus on Barbie as an icon in America. The book, Forever Barbie: The Unauthorized Biography of a Real Doll, by M.G Lord. Is on hold in another library, and I will be getting it shortly. However, reading about the book on-line, it seems to be very informative and will be helpful in my research. This book discusses the history of Matell and the marketing of Barbie. Another book that I will be obtaining from another library is Barbie The icon, The image and The ideal by: Kristin Noelle Weissman. Reading about the book on-line, this book will aide in my research greatly. The book shows parallels between the development of Barbie and the evolution of America’s culture. A good website about Barbie influencing Post-War American Culture, is an article by Dr. Forman-Brunell, from the University of Missouri. This article describes how Barbie became an example of what women should dress and represent.
I am just beginning my research, therefore I am still waiting on the books that I mentioned above to come in. Also, I hope that my paper topic is not too broad and that through more research I can probably narrow down my thesis and arguement even more.

1. The politics of the classroom is an interesting topic that is rarely discussed. However, in Freire’s essay it brings up some powerful points about the classroom setting and the educators. I feel that in some classes, teachers might not allow for discussion, which is the exact opposite of a “problem-posing class”. In a close minded, math class, the teacher would only show one way of getting to a solution, and on the test and quizzes if a student arrives at the answer using a different method the student would be penalized. Furthermore, in an English class, they might only test on certain aspects of the book and small details that some people might find trivial. In a history class, a teacher might have their personal biasis about a history event to present the material in a close minded way. However, “problem-posing” classes would be very different. These teachers would be open minded, flexible, unbiased, and they would allow for class discussions and questions regarding what was taught. Lastly, the teachers would learn along with the students. They could learn the different students learning techniques and new and better ways to present materials to make it interesting yet challenging. Freire makes the distinction between a students role as a “spectator” by referring to his realtionship to objects on a desk. This demonstrates the thinking that some students are considered objects and the teacher would be the person in power.

2. The two terms drawn form the Marxist literature are praxis and alienation. Praxis, was connected to liberation and changing the world. While, alienation was a way to isolate something. In relationship to this essay, I would define praxis as expanding someone’s viewpoint and challenging one “to look outside the box”. Alienation would be more like control. These two terms are applied to the study of education because he considers an educator who is just “banking” information into a students brain as alienating the students viewpoints. On the other hand, Praxis would be an educator who enlightens the students.

3. If Freire is the teacher in this essay, he presents his information in a way which is very much like a “deposit”. He talks to the audience and his points are clear and backed up by facts and examples. This essay is not considered a dialogue rather, he is consciously presenting his view regarding a subject.

For my research project I will focus on Barbie Dolls. Throughout the essay I will discuss the history of Barbie. I will research when the doll was developed and how the Matell company, who owns Barbie and all related characters and elements have changed Barbie over time. Furthermore, in my essay I will talk about the images of Barbie dolls and how they have also changed with the time periods. I will also bring up some of the controversial topics that Barbie is associated with, such as how the doll has the “perfect” body size. I immediately thought of the topic of dolls when I heard of this project. However, to narrow down my topic I decided to zoom in on one specific type of doll, Barbie. I feel that this is an interesting topic. Barbie has been a very popular product throughout all of history and most girls can relate to having or associating with Barbie dolls. I think it is important and will be interesting to see how Barbie can have an influence on girls image about themselves.

Some resources that I will be using include:

journals from the UMW library website http://www.characterproducts.com/info/character_histories/barbie_doorway.htm

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~class/barbie/barb2.html

http://newscafe.ansci.usu.edu/archive/july2000/0720_barbie.html

http://barbie.everythinggirl.com/