on this very day in history. It was March 9th, 1959 that the world as we knew it before was forever changed. Those of us who consider ourselves normal and in the parameters of the masses never saw the change coming. Now I was not around then but I do love history.
American women had previously been admired around the world for the hour glass figure that they had. Hollywood had no problems casting women who were above a size 2 and were not afraid of showing it. And then on this date came the Barbie Doll. Standing at 11 inches high she was so disproportionate that if she were life size she would fall over. Then all of sudden everyone thought women had to be skinny. You can put me in the camp of," teenage boys should look like teenage boys and women should look like women." Barbie gave birth to a whole generation of Twiggy type models who look like they need a cheeseburger. Kate Moss and others have followed.
What makes it even more interesting is Barbie also spurred a generation of feminists. They would shout from the mountain top that Barbie was what was wrong with America. She symbolized women as objects and not smart, capable people. I don't know about all that. I think they just needed something to be angry about. The unemployed lumberjack look is less sexy than Twiggy. Some of those folks could use a little bit of objectifying.
Thankfully a woman like JLO appeared on the scene and the world is returning to sanity. The hour glass figure is again taking it's rightful place in society. Women should be proud of all the assets they have. I like a balcony you can do Shakespeare from as much as the next guy but don't try and put it on a lamp post. Then it looks almost freakish unless it's winding around a stripper pole. So let's all raise a toast to Barbie for starting this merry-go-round. Here's to you girl, bottoms up!
Till next.......
Looking at life through the odd mix of optimism, sarcasm, love and humor and not always in that order.
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