The document discusses studies that show how Barbie dolls and G.I. Joe action figures can negatively impact body image in children. The "Body Project" study found that Barbie promotes unattainable beauty standards for girls and the idea that outward appearance is more important than personality. Similarly, G.I. Joe can lead boys to believe that masculinity means being extremely muscular and associated with violence and dominance. Both toys may increase risks of eating disorders, steroid use, and other body image issues.

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqCSyRtryc

3. • Barbie’s “perfect” features have led to vast amounts
of criticism.
• Alters young girls’ self-esteem and makes girls have a
desire to be “perfect”.
• “The Body Project” by Bradley University, describes
the problems of Barbie Dolls by saying the doll:

4. 1)The “perfect” body for a woman is one
with big breasts and very thin.

5. 2) The natural body of a woman is seen as
unattractive in comparison to the ideal
body.

6. 3) In order to be well- liked and seen as
attractive, a young girl must be: thin,
incredibly well groomed, wear make-up,
and have a designer wardrobe.

7. 4) Presents the main statement that what
is on the outside is better than what is on
the inside of a girl. The outside world is
only going to judge a girl on what she
looks like instead of taking into account
her personality.

8. • At 5’9” tall and 110 pounds, Barbie would
have a BMI of 16.24. She would be considered
anorexic.
• Slumber Party Barbie- 1965, came with a
bathroom scale that read “110 lbs.” with a
book entitled, “How to Lose Weight” with
directions inside that said, “Don’t Eat.”

9. – Galia Slayen- suffered from an eating disorder herself due to pressures of
looking and acting a certain way
– Wanted to raise awareness for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week
– Built a real life Barbie doll- six feet tall, 39” bust, 18”waist, and 33”hip
– Shows that perfection is not natural and unattainable- Barbie is NOT Real

10. A Real Life Barbie
• Valeria Lukyanova- Russian Barbie Doll
• “Her doll-like features, long blonde hair and
‘perfect’ body make her look like a real life
Barbie”(Herald Sun)

13. • 1982- Due to the box office hit, “Star Wars,” young boys
became interested in action figures again
• No longer one G. I. Joe but, an army of them with different
techniques and weapons
• Creation of G. I. Joe cartoon- “G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero”
• Became a comic book series- 1982-1994
• Early 1990s- larger version of G. I. Joe created
• 2004- Original 1964 action figure released

14. • Bradley University created a study called “The
Body Project”, not only to show effects of
Barbie Dolls on young girls but, the effects of
G.I. Joe action figures on young boys.
• This study established these harmful effects:

15. 1) Boys of all ages should have a muscular build
and look powerful

16. 2) Boys of all ages should be willing to use their
tough bodies “to commit morally justified acts
of violence.”

17. 3) True men
=
Tough men
“Wars may be fought
with weapons but,
they are won by
men.”—George Patton

18. 4) Boys of all age have began to have a negative body
image especially those who are overweight since they
are considered “weak.” As well as the use of unhealthy
ways to deal with the feelings of shame and frustration.

19. 5) Establishment of using steroids to improve
muscle mass which can be life-threatening.

20. 6) An assimilation between boys of all ages and
violence and dominance.

21. • If G. I. Joe were real- he would be taller than the average man and
would have more muscle than any body builder
• The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness- 2.4 – 3.6 million men suffer
from eating disorders today
• Young boys who play with G. I. Joe action figures are more likely to
suffer from low body confidence

22. Citations
Fletcher, Dan. "G.I.Joe." Time U.S.. Time U.S., 7 August 2009. Web. 27 Apr 2012.
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1915120,00.html.
none , none. "Body Image Men." . Mirror Mirror, n.d. Web. 27 Apr 2012. <http://www.mirror-mirror.org/body-
image-men.htm>.
none, none. "The Body Project." Bradley University. Bradley University, n.d. Web. 27 Apr 2012.
http://thebodyproject.bradley.edu/joe_barbie/index.shtml
none, none. "Real-Life Barbie doll Valeria Lukyanova has become an internet sensation ." Herald Sun. Herald
Sun, 23 April 2012. Web. 27 Apr 2012. <http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/the-other-side/real-
life-barbie-doll-valeria-lukyanova-has-become-and-internet-sensation/story-e6frfhk6-
1226336152052>.
Slayen, Galia. "The Scary Reality of a Real-Life Barbie Doll." my Body, my Image. my Body, my Image, 12 April
2012. Web. 27 Apr 2012. <http://www.mybodymyimage.com/the-scary-reality-of-a-real-life-
barbie-doll>.