More Research topic ideas and rationale
November 15, 2006
jpike
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.
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized
6 Comments Add your own
Leave a Comment
Some HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <pre> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>
Trackback this post | Subscribe to comments via RSS Feed
1.
Kristin Gauta | November 15, 2006 at 11:33 pm
You have a really big topic to talk about and if anything, you will probably receive too much information that you will just have to keep narrowing down. I like the way you are going when you focus on Barbie as a pop icon in American society. That alone, I think, is enough. Whithin this frame, you can talk about Matel and how advertising promoted this image that became and icon. I don’t know if the argument about Barbie escaping being a fad is necessary. You already seem to have a lot of other resources & ideas. I would definitely read this paper because I love Barbie & the whole evolution of Barbie would be interesting to look at!
2.
krysta | November 15, 2006 at 11:37 pm
Your argument is very relateable, and interesting. Barbie will always in some sort of way be a subconcious role model for girls. It will be interesting if you actually can figure out as to “why” that has happened. I’m sure there are numerous books, and websites that focus on barbie, and that are anti barbie as well. Your sources do seem very reliable and I’m sure with further research you will be able to get tons of good information with them. I like your argument, it may include a lot of information, but by doing more reserach i’m sure you’ll be able to make a specific statement. This paper sounds like a lot of fun, good job!
3.
varinz | November 15, 2006 at 11:38 pm
I agree with Kristin. Don’t add more than you have to. The information you will get will be overwhelming and I think that you should limit it to the tactics they have used in America, to sell this product.
4.
samdipaola | November 15, 2006 at 11:39 pm
I really like the topic you have come up with – what an interesting paper this will be! While I agree with Kristin about your topic being broad, you will have no trouble finding resources. Once you establish a firm idea of what you are trying to prove, finding the resources to back up your point will be no problem. The research that you have done thus far seems really good – the books sound like they provide a lot of information. This will be great in helping you to reflect your argument. Good job!
5.
kfitz | November 15, 2006 at 11:58 pm
I like how you decided to focus on Barbie as an icon instead of just the doll itself. Did you know that Barbie was created by this girl’s parents for her, they made it in their garage. Anyway, you found some great books and I’m sure theres like, a bajillion more out there, so the hardest part for you is finding the right ones. You’re definitely on the right track!
6.
mikebrouillette52 | November 16, 2006 at 12:14 am
It seems like you really thought this out. There should be alot of good info too, which is good and bad I guess. I would probably be interested in reading this, considering I used to play with my sisters when I was little.