Barbie-in-a-Blender Day – July 27, 2024

History of Barbie-in-a-Blender Day

Many of us have played with a Barbie doll at least once in our life. Barbie is one of the most famous toys in the world, and kids love toys. But the toys before Barbie lacked the imagination needed to capture the attention of kids. Ruth Handler, an American businesswoman, created the doll. She used a German doll called Bild Lilli as the inspiration for her creation. Mattel, Inc. then launched the Barbie doll in 1959.

Barbie was created to inspire young girls to achieve their dreams and to empower them. Barbie has donned several roles over the years. She has become an astronaut, president, engineer, zoologist, etc. In a short time, Barbie has become an influential and highly successful toy brand. Toys are also a subject matter of controversy and debate. Barbie’s shape is often bashed as it might influence young girls and result in less than healthy weight loss.

Tom Forsythe, a photographer, once published Barbie doll images near and inside a blender. His mission was to criticize consumer culture and the objectification of women through the photos. But the Mattel company filed a case against him for publishing the images, claiming copyright infringement. In 2004, Forsythe won the case and received $1.8 million in compensation. Barbie-in-a-Blender Day was then created to celebrate his efforts and to promote the importance of free artistic expression.