When creating avatars on virtual Barbie there is a choice of about 6 skin tones to choose from, and the range of colors is rather lacking. For my avatar, which I wanted to be pretty similar to what I actually look like in real life, and choose one or two shade up from the palest, since it's summer and I have a tan. Had I wanted to choose a different race I would have pretty much ended up looking very similar to my avatar now, because the darkest shade they have to offer could pass as being very tan, or light skinned African American, with this color being the extreme opposite from pale as pale, practically white skinned.
I am registered for the free version of the virtual world, but if you pay the monthly fee you can become a Barbie VIP, which has a lot more to offer than the generic registration. I don't plan on paying to become the VIP, but I am curious as to if there are more skin tones to choose from when creating an avatar as a VIP. There are certainty a lot more outfits, accessories, and over all options to pick as a VIP, which can be seen by the generic members, but cannot be accessed. When making my avatar they showed me many options of shirts, pants, purses, etc. which could further customize my look, but made it clear those options were only for VIP access. I do not remember seeing extra skin tones to customize your avatar in VIP world, just the necessities like lip gloss and extra shoes is all you need to really set yourself apart as a Barbie.
After I got a better grasp of what I was supposed to do in Barbie land, I left my bedroom and went into the real world. At the 'shop-a-mallics' mall I was able to see some other avatars in action. I friend requested everyone I ran into, with most request being approved. I found it hard to talk to people because there are only set phrases you can send, such as: "I love your outfit!" or "Cool room!" or "U R such a style queen!" etc. Since I can't actually talk to my friends about anything besides our outfits, I know very little about them. The only information I could grasp about their race was from their skin tone. Of my 7 friends most are pretty similar to my Caucasian skin tone, with one of them having the darkest option, assuming they were trying to look African American. Outside of one of the shopping areas there is an clearly an African American Barbie on a billboard who is very dark skinned and has dark brown hair, which is very different from anyone I have yet to run into as an avatar. This caused me to think about what an actual African American Barbie looks like, so I found an image of one online and they appear to be rather dark skinned and distinctively African American.
Class Question(s): Why would an African American Barbie be produced in real life, yet Barbie avatars are limited to mostly looking Caucasian? Does the production of only two races of dolls instill the idea in kids head's that only two races exist. What is this teaching young children?
I think the main reason that African American Barbie’s are produced is for profit. Most black parents with black children want their children to be able to play with toys that resemble them. On the other hand, this Barbie virtual world is free, and they do not have to conform to everyone’s image. The fact they are not losing out on any money makes it ok, from a company’s view, to not represent all girls participating. Those who produced Barbie originally created her in an idealistic view of a skinny white blonde girl. Many people do not actually look like this, but the fact that they are produced as white girls makes it seem like this image is best to portray. They now make black Barbie’s, most of which are dark skin with black hair. This image does not look like me, but when I was little I would much rather played with the black Barbie than the white one. I think the idea that it looks more like me and my family members made me relate more to my toy. This “two race” idea is limiting kids thinking to only black and white. Barbie does not, in most situations, cater to every race’s image, but they sale to every race worldwide. This limited way of thinking is why a lot of kids feel inadequate and cannot relate to many cartoons, TV shows and toys.
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