Rediscovering Discontinued Barbie Dolls in the Movie
“Barbie” reintroduces several forgotten dolls from the famous doll brand’s history, shedding light on characters like Allan, Midge, and Sugar Daddy Ken. Here’s a closer look at the discontinued dolls featured in the film and their real-world controversies.
Allan and Midge
Michael Cera and Emerald Fennell portray Allan and Midge, respectively, in the movie. Originally part of Barbie’s posse, these dolls were discontinued by Mattel and largely forgotten until now. Midge, Barbie’s best friend, faced controversy in the early 2000s with the release of a pregnant version of the doll, prompting backlash from parents.
Growing Up Skipper
The movie also references Growing Up Skipper, a doll designed to teach kids about puberty. This doll grew taller and developed breasts when one of its arms was moved backward, but it was ultimately discontinued by Mattel.
Video Girl Barbie
Video Girl Barbie, released in 2010, featured a video camera inside the doll. However, concerns arose about potential misuse of the doll for recording inappropriate content, leading to its discontinuation in 2012.
Teen Talk Barbie
Teen Talk Barbie, introduced in 1992, sparked controversy with its phrase “Math class is tough,” criticized for reinforcing sexist stereotypes. Despite the backlash, Mattel continued production, but removed the controversial phrase from future dolls.
Sugar Daddy Ken
Sugar Daddy Ken, created for Barbie’s 50th anniversary, stirred controversy due to its suggestive name. Despite the controversy, Mattel defended the doll, stating it was part of an adult doll collection targeted toward adults.
Earring Magic Ken
Earring Magic Ken, released in the 1990s, faced backlash for its perceived association with the LGBTQ+ community. Critics pointed out the doll’s necklace resembled a sex toy, leading to its eventual discontinuation and recall.
Tanner the Dog
Tanner the Dog, a companion for Barbie, featured a unique design that allowed it to eat and poop small brown pellets. However, safety concerns arose, leading to a recall of approximately 683,000 toys due to a loose magnet inside the toy.
The inclusion of these discontinued dolls in “Barbie” reflects the brand’s complex history and the cultural controversies surrounding its iconic characters.
