The Barbie movie has taken many by surprise as a mega million dollar blockbuster. Young or old, male and female audience members are enjoying a story about the iconic 1950’s fashion doll. Scores of movie goers are donning pink with sequins and satin to recreate the Barbie glam style. Barbie themed parties with pink cupcakes and fizzy, bubble gum coloured drinks are all the rage.
I saw on the local news a story about an amazing woman in a neighbouring community who has a collection of 1000 black Barbies. She organised a global initiative fundraising event to empower girls to reach their potential and follow their dreams. This got me thinking of my own unique Barbie story. This may not seem that unusual but it is.
I am a 61 year old white, Jewish lady who grew up in a suburb of south Kansas City. Remember, this was over 50 years ago. I was just an average kid in grade school. No African American classmates were in my neighbourhood or teachers at my school. I have a memory of my mom taking me shopping for a new Barbie. I must have had birthday or Hanukkah money because most of our toys were not new, usually hand me downs.
Within a certain price range, my mom let me pick out any doll I wanted. She offered no suggestions. In a sea of golden haired beauties, I selected, Christie, the first beautiful Black Barbie introduced in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. I can’t remember where she was purchased, probably at the local Ward Parkway Shopping Center. Thinking back, it is amazing that black Barbies were available in the limited stores where I shopped.
Fortunately, my mom respected my choice and my new doll went home with me. She was welcomed by the other Barbies and went on many play dates. I only remember a few whispers from a neighborhood mom but not any negative comments. If there would have been, I wouldn’t have cared. I loved Christie and would have defended her no matter what.
Some may have questioned my choice but to me it seemed like the most natural thing in the world. Frequently, my parents took me out of the suburbs to visit family businesses in urban areas. We had friends from all faiths, races and nationalities. Mom and dad demonstrated many acts of tzedakah or charity and tikkun olam or repairing the world. I also had an innate sense of faith in God and tried to do what was right.
I had not really thought about this but my Barbie experience had a big impact on me. As a mom, I taught my kids to respect and include others in all areas of their lives. As a secular and Jewish educator, I made an effort to recognize the potential in others who may not be the most popular or the obvious choice and listening to all. This lesson still resonates since there is still so much inequality in our world. I still teach my students about the history and similar struggles between the Jews and African Americans focusing on the the heroes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dr. Abraham Joshua Heschel.
I wish I still had my Christie doll today. Sad to say, my mom had me give away all my Barbies upon entering Jr. High. Thanks to Warner Brothers and director Greta Gerwig for shedding new light on a quintessential favorite. They helped me remember some sweet and important childhood memories.
