Barbie turns 65 today. It’s unlikely the controversial cultural icon will need plastic surgery. Barbara Millicent Roberts first appeared at the American International Toy Fair, wearing a zebra-striped maillot and stilettos. In her birthday suit, Barbie had breasts, a tiny waist, and impossible proportions. She was America’s first adult-looking doll, a blond, blue-eyed, white bombshell. Her appearance generated decades of debate about beauty standards, gender roles, role models, and race.
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March 9, 1959: Barbie
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Barbie turns 65 today. It’s unlikely the controversial cultural icon will need plastic surgery. Barbara Millicent Roberts first appeared at the American International Toy Fair, wearing a zebra-striped maillot and stilettos. In her birthday suit, Barbie had breasts, a tiny waist, and impossible proportions. She was America’s first adult-looking doll, a blond, blue-eyed, white bombshell. Her appearance generated decades of debate about beauty standards, gender roles, role models, and race.