Susan's Place Transgender Resources

'Drag Queen' Barbie Is Basically Just Barbie

David Wagner Aug 16, 2012

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2012/08/drag-queen-barbie-basically-just-barbie/55851/ (http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2012/08/drag-queen-barbie-basically-just-barbie/55851/)

Mattel's apparently gender-bending Blond Diamond Barbie, designed by glitzy New York duo The Blonds, might be based on a drag queen, but it looks pretty similar to classic Barbie. Mattel isn't explicitly marketing it as a drag queen doll, but some are calling the new figure 'Drag Queen' Barbie because of its striking resemblance to Phillipe Blond. The connection seems pretty obvious:

But even with her dramatic make-up and over-the-top outfit, 'Drag Queen' Barbie is nearly indistinguishable from the old Barbie, which raises all kinds of questions about the doll we thought we knew. Barbie was once seen as a plasticized ideal of femininity. Has the anatomically ambiguous doll been fooling us all along?

Maybe 'Drag Queen' Barbie is just a sign of drag's increasing mainstream popularity. With the latest seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race drawing droves of viewers and lots of people rediscovering drag documentaries like Paris is Burning, the time seems right for Mattel to subvert Barbie's traditional gender norms. However, this isn't the first time the company has gotten creative with the Barbie brand.

This discriminates against Ken.

:)

Quote from: Padma on August 19, 2012, 11:02:21 AM
This discriminates against Ken.

:)

Standard Ken or Earring Magic Ken?

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alleewillis.com%2Fawmok%2Fkitschenette%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F02%2Fken-Close-up-525x700.jpg&hash=de139f1dc693a95db6c0e30b8895e8201b005862)

Yup, the infamous "Gay Ken" that started everything.

Why isn't there a Drag Queen Ken? Barbie's already Barbie.

Oooooooh, Ken is a doll!

I don't know about the rest of you, but "Hitchcock Barbie" is profoundly disturbing.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.boingboing.net%2Ffilesroot%2F200812161352.jpg&hash=2dc1696776dd34eab4157ffd7a60b92fded96ccd)

Yes, it is. Look at that hideous belt. And those shoes!

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on August 19, 2012, 06:20:53 PM
Yes, it is. Look at that hideous belt. And those shoes!

Yes, late 50's and early 60's.  That reminds me of some old movie trailers what was shown in a documentary.  One started with a tight woman's face shot with her giving out a shrill blood curdling scream and then she exclaimed: "THAT TIE!".  The next scene had Alfred Hitchcock wearing a tie telling the viewers hints of his next movie. 
  Looks like that drag Barbie had FFS as well.  My sisters made their own Barbie.  Middle Aged Barbie.  They drew varicose veins on her legs, clad her in sweats styled to make her boobs look sagged plus a headband, short styled and gray streaked her hair, and drew in some wrinkles. 
  The gay Ken doll reminded me of a small controversy in the past on which ear a male should put that stud on.  One ear AC, the other ear DC. 
  Joelene

I am more interested in Phillipe Blond. Drag queen or transgender?

Barbie~~

Quote from: barbie on August 20, 2012, 02:40:07 AM
I am more interested in Phillipe Blond. Drag queen or transgender?

Barbie~~

Now... listening to that VOICE!!!!!!!!!!

Definately Drag Queen - IMHO :)

Drag Queens LIKE to do this low voice stuff so as to throw you off balance and show off their ACT...

Just saying,
Axélle

I'm just glad there's never been a Klaus Barbie doll.

Quote from: Apples on August 19, 2012, 03:15:47 PM

Standard Ken or Earring Magic Ken?

Yup, the infamous "Gay Ken" that started everything.

BAHAHAHAH
You just made my day

QuoteThe gay Ken doll reminded me of a small controversy in the past on which ear a male should put that stud on.  One ear AC, the other ear DC.

When I got my ears pierced about 1 1/2 years ago, I asked around about this...I got several different answers, none of which was more authoritative than any other...

So I got both ears done. Let 'em talk! It don't hurt me none... :D

The "which ear?" thing mattered maybe 30 years ago, but nowadays nothing means anything.

Quote from: Padma on August 20, 2012, 11:58:10 AM
The "which ear?" thing mattered maybe 30 years ago, but nowadays nothing means anything.

THIS!  :D

Axélle

Quote from: Padma on August 20, 2012, 11:58:10 AM
The "which ear?" thing mattered maybe 30 years ago, but nowadays nothing means anything.

Yes, and that was one of the many responses I got.

Neither ear.
Both ears!
Right ear
Left ear
Nose

= gay/straight/bi/just plain weird/no meaning

Just mix-n-match to make several combinations, and what do you get? One very confused person who decides WTH, I'll get both done! That's what my "inner female" wants, anyway!

^-^ :D :)

Oh, it turned into a piercing thread...< passes out on floor>

I couldn't believe the "Oreo" Barbie...I mean, doesn't Mattel have *anyone* of color on their exec board?

*strolls out to get a bucket of cold water for Devlyn Marie*

The only piercing I'm interested in at the moment is called a dydoe, and I can bet Ken doesn't have one.

Sorry, no pictures!

Ken's waiting for his plastic phalloplasty.

I want to see stone butch Barbie. I've waited long enough. WTH.