Explain the pervasive nature of American culture using the American Barbie to illustrate your point.
Effect of American Values
- Many American values were spread globally, which can be seen in many situations, including the barbie
- Different countries responded in different ways
- Some fought the Western values by creating an item that was the opposite
- Others altered them to fit their own cultural needs/desires
- Some accepted the values
- An effect is globalization
American Values/Culture Shown through Barbies
- tall
- skinny
- blonde
- revealing clothing
- makeup
- open relationship with a member of the opposite sex before marriage
Iran's response to Barbie (and Ken)
- Islamic
- Sara and Dara (brother)
- *Analysis: Sara and Dara were created to oppose the value of Barbie and Ken in order to be a role model for Iranians instead of Barbie. For example, the Barbie wore a bikini while Sara was fully dressed and Barbie openly dated Ken while they were not married while Sara is seen with her brother, not dating anyone.*
- anti cultural imperialism (the dolls were created to help preserve traditional values and not allow a single culture to take over)
Japan's Response
- Mattel changed Barbie to be more family-oriented
- changed face shape
- changed facial features
Globalization
- Culture is able to travel around the globe better with the technological advancements
- *Analysis: The technological advancements cause the communications to increase throughout the world. This causes the global culture to become increasingly similar *
- *Analysis: The technological advancements cause the communications to increase throughout the world. This causes the global culture to become increasingly similar *
- Countries respond by adopting cultures or altering them to better fit their environment and local culture
- A major leading culture is Western (American is common)
Citations:
"CPHS AP Govt." The Happenings of D 104. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.
Http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDLNDTJudJZLzdoxmZ506lg. "Culture Jamming: Barbie an American Icon." YouTube. YouTube, 22 Nov. 2015. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
"Iranian Girls Upset about Barbie Ban." Philly.com. Dara and Sara, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
"Michelle's Barbie Pages -- Ethnic Dolls -- Asia." Michelle's Barbie Pages -- Ethnic Dolls -- Asia. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.
"U.S. Food and Drug Administration." International Programs and Activities. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.
"CPHS AP Govt." The Happenings of D 104. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.
Http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDLNDTJudJZLzdoxmZ506lg. "Culture Jamming: Barbie an American Icon." YouTube. YouTube, 22 Nov. 2015. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
"Iranian Girls Upset about Barbie Ban." Philly.com. Dara and Sara, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
"Michelle's Barbie Pages -- Ethnic Dolls -- Asia." Michelle's Barbie Pages -- Ethnic Dolls -- Asia. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.
"U.S. Food and Drug Administration." International Programs and Activities. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.