Barbie Doll Essay

A Look Worth Dying For
The theme of the poem, “Barbie Doll,” by Marge Piercy is the overwhelming pressure society exerts on females to be stereotypically attractive and the willingness to go to great lengths in order to achieve “perfection.” Many females, especially teenagers, are faced with this feeling every day. Growing up during the age of advanced computer technology and social media only exacerbates this problem. Many adolescent girls can relate to the fear of being bullied because they do not fit into the category of what is considered culturally beautiful. Marge Piercy uses her intense word choice to evoke emotion in readers about feminism, as well as the everyday struggle girls encounter trying to live up to society’s standards of
In the beginning of the poem, the girl is very young and given toys. As stated, “This girlchild was born as usual and presented dolls that did pee-pee/ and miniature GE stoves and irons/and wee lipsticks the color of cherry candy” (Piercy, lines 1-4). The use of the word “girlchild” demonstrates she is defined by gender from her infancy. From a very young age, the girl was taught to fit into a society ruled by gender stereotypes and the pressure to look a certain way. It is believed women should cook and clean in the household. This girl grows up striving to live up to society’s standards. When getting further into the poem it is said that, “She was advised to play coy, / exhorted to come on hearty, / exercise, diet, smile and wheedle” (Piercy, lines 12-14). This quote shows the sexism a young woman faces in society. Her words, “coy” and “hearty” are dichotomous and therefore unachievable simultaneously. It explains that a young woman should play modestly and be cheerful, meanwhile also maintaining a skinny figure. This is a list of what a woman should do and act like in order to fit into society, but is nearly impossible to achieve. Piercy uses very strong words to express her points about feminism and unnecessary ideals that women still face