Barbie, a doll produced by Mattel, Inc., encourages unrealistic body image, racial insensitivity, and contradictory goals, and is having a negative influence on girls around the world. Launched in March 1959 by Ruth Handler, an American businesswoman and president of Mattel, Inc., Barbie quickly became popular and sold three dolls per second, in over one hundred and fifty countries. However, Barbie's rise to success hasn't been all positive: There have been numerous controversies, parodies, and lawsuits, all involving a variety of issues. One of these issues is how Barbie promotes an unrealistic and unattainable body image. For example, in scale, Barbie is five feet nine inches tall, has a thirty-six inch chest, an eighteen inch waist, and thirty-three inch hips. If Barbie had been a real person, she wouldn't have been able to walk, much less hold her head up. Secondly, Barbie is racially insensitive and perpetuates stereotypes. "Mexico Barbie," from the "ethnic" line of Barbies, comes with a passport and a Chihuahua, as well as the stereotypical red lace ribbons in her hair. Finally, Barbie portrays unattainable and contradictory goals. Barbie has had a variety of careers, such as a doctor, astronaut, and president of the United States, but she also engages in stereotypical domestic activities, such as cleaning and cooking. These characteristics strike girls at a time when they are most developmentally susceptible and teach them a variety of negative lessons. Barbie was first released in March 1959, after Ruth Handler, president of Mattel, Inc., took a trip to Europe. and discovered a unique German doll, "Bild Lilli". The doll above was special in that it was an adult, while the man… paper medium… was unable to walk or hold her head up. However, that hasn't stopped women from trying to emulate her, leading to eating disorders and plastic surgery. Barbie is also an icon of racial insensitivity. Mattel, Inc. has produced at least two Barbies with negative connotations in the name, such as "Colored" and "Oreo". Additionally, their new “ethnic” line is made up of Barbies from all over the world who fulfill a variety of stereotypes. Finally, Barbie encourages goals that are, for the most part, unattainable. He is a doctor, surgeon, and jet pilot among many other professions, but he also encourages stereotypical domestic activities such as cooking and cleaning. Barbie, a doll manufactured by Mattel, Inc., encourages unrealistic body image, racial insensitivity, and contradictory goals and is having a negative influence on girls around the world.