Steinberg

Steinberg chose to start her essay by implementing Barbie in the Bible as a reference to the Christian, flawless, white woman Barbie is. However, within this conservative form of literature, Steinberg alluded to modern cultural differences such as sex, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity. These are all differences that the Bible has struggled with over time. What should women be permitted to do with their public lives and bodies? What is the standard for intimacy and consequence for straying from the word? What is the role in society of other non- christian, non-chosen races and cultures? Steinberg alludes to the Genesis to note that Barbie both supports these concepts, however (both humorously and ironically) challenges their existence. I believe the main argument is conveyed in the following passage: “Barbie is a true American. She stands for the family values that our country holds dear. She is strictly heterosexual, self-providing, and philanthropic, and moral. She is also ready to bring “other” people into her life, no matter what color or ethnicity” (21). And even flowing into the next passage that states, “Barbie is able to move in and out of social circles with ease” (21). Steinberg’s argument is complex. She is aware of the stigmas and status quo that Barbie supports, even those that support discrimination, white supremacy, male expectations of female physique. Despite this, she wants to see hope for the future of Barbie as a feministic movement. She wants to convince her reader that the creators of Barbie have subtly made moves to introduce counter-publics and blend them with American expectations. Steinberg believes in the power of a Barbie doll in impacting a nation.