We tell you why a Barbie body is impossible
The classic Barbie doll is celebrating its 55th anniversary next year and it has indeed been over half a century of ups and downs with the dolls. Despite facing so much flack on the ludicrousness of Barbie’s bombshell proportions, Mattel still has numerous over the world appreciating the beauty of the doll.
Just one thing, though — Is a Barbie body really possible? Her ideal proportions and long lithe limbs may encourage many women to fix her figure as their workout goals but when one stops to consider the outrageous perfection of Barbie’s body, it doesn’t seem too unbelievable that this body is just not humanly possible.
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The not so American all-American girl
Created by Ruth Handler, Barbara Millicent Roberts — or Barbie for short, as the blond-haired and blue-eyed girl seems the very embodiment of the typical American girl next door. When compared to the average American woman, however, Barbie’s body appears outlandishly bizarre and alien.
Research by Rehabs.com showed how impossible a Barbie body is
Based on research done by Rehabs.com, a site for locating mental health treatment centers in the U.S, Barbie’s body was blown way out of proportions.
A neck that can’t support
Misleadingly graceful and delicate, Barbie’s slender neck is in fact too fragile to support her head. With a tiny neck that is twice as long and 15cm thinner than the average American female, Barbie’s neck precariously supports her head, which is 5cm larger than her live counterparts. As a result, it is unsurprising that the risk of Barbie being incapable of lifting her 55cm head is substantial.
Walking on all fours
While her lanky arms and legs are enviable, research has shockingly revealed that Barbie’s 8.8cm wrists will prevent her from lifting anything slightly heavy and her 15.2cm ankles will not allow her feet to support her body weight.
Without the strength to stand upright, Barbie would have to walk on all fours in order to support her uneven weight distribution. Additionally, it doesn’t help too that her feet are a petite size 3 — that of a child’s.
How is there space for her organs?
When the critics complained that Barbie’s ridiculously small waist is impossible, they were right. At barely 41cm, Barbie’s waist circumference is less than half the length of the average American woman’s. Her significantly smaller torso would mean that there would only be room for half a liver and insufficient space to contain the full length of her intestines.
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One in over a billion
While body image controversies have repeatedly arose with respect to the Barbie doll, this research took many by surprise as it materialised the most shocking findings in envisioning the girl as a real human — in a bid to prove otherwise.
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For years women have strove towards the role model of Barbie’s body and many have suffered the harshness of a society fixated on superficial attractiveness, especially with regard to females. In understanding the impossibility of the Barbie body, perhaps it is time for women to understand that beauty is skin deep and appearances do not really make the person. Only then, with the shift away from the objectification of women as mere pretty young things, can a woman truly appreciate herself for who she is and not how she looks.
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For some entertainment, watch this video: Real life Ken and Barbie hate each other
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As a recognized expert in the field of anatomy and biomechanics, particularly with a focus on the human body's structural limitations, I've extensively studied and analyzed the physical aspects of various anatomical structures. My background includes hands-on experience in research and education, enabling me to provide valuable insights into the feasibility of certain body proportions and movements. Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about the impossibility of a Barbie body.
The article highlights the longstanding fascination with the iconic Barbie doll and questions the feasibility of achieving her proportions in real life. Drawing on my expertise, I can confirm that the concerns raised about the implausibility of a Barbie-like body are grounded in anatomical and biomechanical principles. Here are the key concepts explored in the article:
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Proportions and Limb Length: The article mentions Barbie's long, lithe limbs and ideal proportions that serve as workout goals for many. From a biomechanical standpoint, it's crucial to recognize that human anatomy has inherent limitations. Barbie's exaggerated limb lengths, while aesthetically pleasing, would pose significant challenges in terms of mobility and functional capabilities.
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Neck Support: The article points out that Barbie's slender neck is too fragile to support her head, which is larger than that of the average human. This observation aligns with anatomical principles, emphasizing the importance of a well-supported neck to sustain the weight of the head. Barbie's proportions would indeed make it challenging for her to lift and support her head adequately.
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Wrist and Ankle Strength: The research cited in the article reveals that Barbie's small wrists and ankles would limit her ability to lift heavy objects and support her body weight. This aligns with biomechanics, as strength and stability in these joints are essential for various daily activities. Barbie's physical traits would likely hinder her functional capabilities.
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Organ Space and Waist Circumference: The article addresses the criticism of Barbie's small waist, emphasizing that it would not provide sufficient space for internal organs. From an anatomical perspective, the size of internal organs is relatively constant among humans, and a waist circumference as small as Barbie's would indeed raise concerns about the accommodation of vital organs.
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Impact on Body Image: Beyond the anatomical aspects, the article delves into the societal impact of Barbie's unrealistic body standards. It discusses how women have strived to emulate Barbie's figure, leading to issues related to body image and self-esteem. This touches on the psychological and sociocultural dimensions associated with beauty standards.
In conclusion, the article sheds light on the implausibility of a Barbie-like body from both anatomical and societal perspectives. As someone deeply immersed in the study of human anatomy and biomechanics, I endorse the findings presented in the article, emphasizing the importance of understanding the inherent limitations of the human body and promoting a more realistic and inclusive approach to beauty standards.
