The year 1959 is often known to be the “year that changed everything”. The first ever picture of planet Earth was taken from the galaxy, which provided us all with a momentary snapshot of the insignificance of human reality. Fidel Castro, a Cuban revolutionary, defied the world and overthrew a US-backed government in Cuba, further intensifying tensions between the US and the Soviet Union. But while astronauts were flying out into space and politicians were pulling humanity into a catastrophic cold war, another major event — some would say a cultural breakthrough — was unfolding: the official launch of Barbie. It may seem like there is not really much to say about a doll. After all, it was only really just that: a doll for children to play with. Yet the reaction far exceeded that. Dressed in a black-and-white zebra striped swimsuit, Barbie became the first ever doll to have a more adult-like appearance, which not only caused outrage, but also ignited countless cultural debates around women’s body image and appearance. A doll with breasts? Dressed in a swimsuit? It was a global catastrophe. Parents were horrified, women’s rights activists…
