Barbie was invented by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, Inc., in the early 1950s. Inspired by her daughter's imaginative play with paper dolls, Ruth created Barbie as a three-dimensional adult fashion doll. Barbie made her debut in 1959 and quickly became a global icon. Over the decades, Barbie evolved to reflect changing societal norms and promote diversity and inclusivity, featuring various ethnicities, body types, and careers. Barbie's boyfriend, Ken, also became a prominent figure in popular culture, undergoing similar evolutions and embracing diverse professions. Despite its popularity, Barbie has faced critiques, including unrealistic body standards, gender stereotypes, and lack of diversity. Nevertheless, Barbie remains a beloved toy that has left a lasting impact on generations of children.
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