The Waves: Gender, Relationships, Feminism · Slate Podcasts

Why Barbie Lives On

·30 min·2 clips

Ruth Handler created Barbie, made a fortune, then was forced out of Mattel—but she flared back with a second fortune.

This episode explores why Barbie remains a cultural icon through generations, featuring an interview with M.G. Lord, author of Forever Barbie. They discuss Barbie's creation by Ruth Handler, her evolution through feminist waves, and her role as a symbol of femininity and consumption. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Barbie movie and the doll's controversial legacy.

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