Blog #5

Blog #5

1. What is the rhetorical situation the author is responding to in The Controversy behind Barbie?

- In The Controversy behind Barbie, the author is commenting on the perspectives of those who are pro-Barbie, anti-Barbie, and Barbie moderates. In this paper, the author talks about three different views that people have about Barbie products. Because of the many baby dolls that were on the market, those who are pro-Barbie believe that the doll provided “a challenge to the ideology that the proper role for women was that of a mother.” They also say that playing with Barbie dolls is fun, brings out imaginative ideas in children and is an essential part of growing up. It also proclaims the idea that women can be and do anything they want. For example, “Barbie was an astronaut before the first American woman went into space.” On the other hand, there were those who strongly believed that Barbie was a negative role model to young girls. They felt that the doll’s image was one that was unattainable due to disproportional body parts. This tall and slim doll would give young girls the impression that need to be beautiful and thin in order to get anywhere in life – which is most certainly untrue.

2. What is the author’s perspective on this situation and what if any templates is she using from TSIS to construct her argument?

- The author of this paper agrees with the Barbie moderates. The Barbie moderates believe that the doll is not the portrayal of the “ideal American woman”, but is not necessarily the epitome of evil. Barbie has some positive aspects including “her many professions, her ability to foster imaginative play, and her message that girls can choose to be whomever they want.” On the other hand, Barbie asserts that the external appearance and materialistic items are important, while being unnaturally blonde. The author was disgusted with her childhood self and could not believe she once saw her as a role model. The author states that she believes that Barbie is used as a scapegoat for the major issue dealing with the American culture’s fascination with beauty. In order to construct her argument, the author shows all sides of the spectrum, not just the one that agrees with her own beliefs. By showing the beliefs of those who oppose her own, the author demonstrates the ability to look at an issue from all sides before formulating her own opinion.

Works Cited:

Graff, Gerald, Cathy Birkenstein, Gerald Graff, and Cathy Birkenstein. "They say/I say". W W Norton & Co Inc, 2006.

Wood, Nancy V. Essentials of Argument, 2nd Ed. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. 2009.