While browsing through the news and other informational websites related to my Unnatural Body blog, I stumbled upon this little gem: Barbie syndrome. Yes, that's right, Barbie syndrome - "A term used to loosely describe the desire to have a physical appearance and lifestyle representative of the famous Barbie doll." Someone afflicted with B.S., let's call it, strives for an unattainable body type, more specifically that of the buxom blonde whose real life measurements would be somewhere around 39-23-33.
No, this term is not listed in the DSM-IV (I'm assuming body dysmorphic disorder would be the closest diagnosis). There is no serious outbreak of Barbie syndrome in America, but the fact that such a term even exists reflects pretty poorly on our society, don't you think?
I mean sure, Barbie has accomplished a lot in her 47 years - hell, she's been a flight attendant, paleontologist, doctor, Olympic athlete (figure skater AND gymnast), astronaut, fashion designer, rock star, firefighter, model, and politician (she apparently ran for president in 1992, 2000, and again in 2004 - I only wonder how our nation would be different had she actually been victorious). Not too shabby. I suppose she makes for a decent role model as far as careers go.
But to actually want to be Barbie? That's something else entirely. The living embodiment of B.S. is the proud-to-be-plastic Cindy Jackson. Cindy holds the Guinness World Record for plastic surgeries with 47 major and minor operations since 1988. She has spent close to $100,000 on her Barbie quest, and in her spare time, is the lead singer of her U.K. band, The Dollz. How clever.
But really, who is Barbie without her plastic counterpart? Steve Erhardt has stepped up to the plate and earned himself the title of living Ken doll. Erhardt has had 30 surgeries, including pec, bicep, and butt implants, and has spent near $250,000. Okay, seriously. Something's wrong here. I simply don't understand the desire to transform yourself from unique human being into a mass-produced Mattel toy. Sure, maybe if you are unhappy with a certain body part, you can take a trip to the local plastic surgeon's office (Lord knows almost every American does these days). But Barbie - or for that matter, Ken - syndrome? Come ON.
