Bicentennial Barbie

I really enjoyed this poem because I think it accurately depicts the influence Barbie's appearance and ideals have had on society, especially women. The author points out that girls who look like Barbie have dominated the social world. They are voted "Best Personality" and date the good looking football players. The poem makes that point that even though girls grow out of the "fashion doll" playing age the dolls remain in their subconscious. When Barbie asks the girls who won the
"Most likely to succeed" and "Best Dressed" categories why they won, they reply because they do not care what the masses think. This is the author's way of showing that the women who do succeed in life are different and don't always look perfect like Barbie or have the ideal "girly/Barbie" personality. At the end of the poem Barbie talks about the Bicentennial Barbie and questions if she will come across the same things that she has since being released from the time capsule. Barbie wonders if the pressure will be too much or if she will be able to express herself. The author poses a serious question on society, especially women: will society continue to be dictated by Barbie and the "Barbie ideals" or will women finally break free and be their own person?