What would our world be like if everyone was comfortable in their own skin? If relationships were based purely on personality as opposed to materialism and physical beauty? These questions are only a few that Americans face every day. Little girls are tormented from the moment they are introduced to their first Barbie; the epitome of perfection. Standards of beauty are created in their minds that haunt them for the rest of their lives.

We chose a ‘Barbie Basics’ advertisement as our media artifact; a new line of Barbie’s that just came out. Not only are they more beautiful than ever but they are also clad in the most elegant of little black dresses with matching heels. Each Barbie has different facial characteristics and contrasting skin colors which is an improvement from the original blonde Barbie. Nonetheless, they are all emaciatingly skinny and far from proportionate. Some things never change.

Our digital essay will consist of a still motion film set to the music “Dreamers” by Them Terribles; a perfectly haunting yet upbeat tune. In this film, there will be two females and two males. One of the girl’s is comfortable in her skin whereas the other is obsessed with her surface appearance, constantly reapplying pounds of makeup and checking herself in the mirror several times an hour. This girl ends up alone, never measuring up to the impossible standards of the boy who is looking for perfection as well. He ends up alone too. The other girl, who is less concerned with her surface, finds love with the male counterpart who is also not out for perfection. This goes to show that the false idea of perfection influenced by the media, specifically Barbie products, will only lead to disappointment.

My paper will take a slightly different turn than that of my group mates. I plan to write specifically about the state of uncertainty in people characterized by opposite extremes using quotes and ideas from “Reading Lolita in Tehran” by Azar Nafisi as back up.  Women are expected to be physically attractive; thin and flawless. Furthermore, they are encouraged to show off these physical traits if they are lucky enough to be in this category. You are then left with a girl who is struggling to maintain this body image and appear happy when she is really a complete mess on the inside.