I'm not sure how many of you read The Onion, (a satirical newspaper and touted as "the funniest publication in the U.S.", in which I am using an article to spark some discussion in a non-threatening way.
There was an article regarding a new doll, called "Plain Pamela", who measures 5-foot-4, 179-pound woman in her mid-30s, wears equivalent of a size 14.
Now, as I mentioned, this doll is not actually being manufactured, but what if she did exist?
- What would be the positive and negative ramifications of girls' self-esteem, and ultimately, their mental health?
- How much does the media play in a girl's body image?
- How much is a distorted or negative body image associated with disordered eating or eating disorders in our society?
Just for laughs, the Plain Pamela doll would be customizable, and come with "four interchangeable hairstyles: Just-Woke-Up, Too-Long, Too-Short, and What's-the-Point-of-Even-Trying-Anymore-It's-Not-Like-It's-Going-to-Make-a-Difference." Plain Pamela also comes with accessories, including the "Plain Pamela Cramped Studio Apartment, complete with special Dinner-for-One Kitchenette and Depressing Stack of Old People Magazines."
Do you think toy manufacturers who would offer an alternative body image, for both boys and girls, would foster and support healthy body image, healthy self-esteem, and ultimately, healthy mental health?