What was she made for? Explore iconic Barbie.
At sixty-five years old, she has held over 250 jobs, from fashion designer to astronaut to even presidential candidate. Who is this amazing person? It's Barbie! Join us on a trip down Memory Lane and learn how her stylish clothes and her hundreds of jobs over the decades reflected the societal values of the times. Share your favorite Barbie memory or even show your own Barbie. Have a little fun and wear pink! High heels not required!
Created in 1959, Barbie was a single woman, supporting herself as a fashion model. In 1962, she owned her own home, before most women were allowed to open a bank account. The 1970s found Barbie displaying an increased sense of independence and empowerment, like many women in America. In the 1980s, this 11 1/2" doll helped crack the "plastic ceiling" in her pink Power Suit. Barbie built her resume in the 1990s to include joining the military and even attracting a collector's market. More recently, Barbie has evolved to be more inclusive and mirror the world around us. Over the last sixty-five years this "plastic fantastic" has expanded children's worlds, inspiring girls to say, "We can do anything, right Barbie?"
Eileen Tannich Gose comes from a long line of strong women. As a result, she realizes that the gains in equality for women of today come from the efforts of women in the past. She also understands that when our foremothers first challenged traditional norms and values, their clothing mirrored their place in the social order. Eileen's research of the topics resulted in the book, Reflecting Freedom: How Fashion Mirrored the Struggle for Women's Rights. In addition to her scholarship of women's equality and fashion, Eileen holds a bachelor's degree in anthropology and a master's degree in education.
Questions? Contact beccar@dpls.lib.or.us, 541-312-1063
AGE GROUP: | Adult |
EVENT TYPE: | Adult Program |
The Sisters Library features 8,300 square feet of space, all housed in an exterior design that includes a partial wraparound porch with the Western appearance for which Sisters is famous.
