I'm writing to express my surprise and disgust regarding the 'Barbie Show' that was recently featured in the Art Department's gallery.  It's sweet and all that it's Barbie's  'Birthday', but why dedicate a two-week period to an "exhibit" that is nothing more than a glorified rummage sale?  Prices are visible on many of the 'pieces' (read: collector's dolls) that are being 'shown', making me wonder--is the Art Department now advocating the sale of collector's items through their gallery?

I saw the show the day it was supposed to start, and assumed that they were still setting up--there were only 3-4 actual pieces of art visible, and the floor was littered with cheap naked dolls.  But, sadly enough, after a few days, it was the same--the gallery has been transformed into the sorting room of a thrift store!  How novel!  I think that even Cindy Sherman would possibly loose her lunch if she saw the extent of it.  It's a god-forsaken mess.

And what is there to celebrate?  The fact that little girls everywhere have been exposed to this unrealistic ideal for 45 years?  Not only is Barbie's own little body completely out of proportion, to the point where if she was an actual woman, she would not be able to walk upright, but what message does Barbie really send to little girls?  She sends the message that beauty is the most important thing.  That having a great outfit and painted on makeup (flawless skin included) is more important than what kind of person you are.

It saddens me that the art department let this happen--the gallery should be for artwork, not for the display of collector's items (which, coincidently, are also for sale!).   The show curator Mary Goodwin said to the Interior Chronicle that "Barbie is big news and big business." Apparently so, considering that quite a few of the Barbies bear high price tags.

It is also dually sickening that this idolatry that is so symbolic of anti-feministic values is being celebrated.  Some people look at Barbie and  "see how far feminism has come" but I look at her nimble little body and vacant eyes, and see how much farther we need to go.

 Trista Saunders

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