That Was Then. This Is….Gross.

1
If her unrealistic body proportions weren’t enough of a controversy and reason for parental and feminist outrage, now Barbie has tattoos.

Hang on–before you think Tattoo Barbie is going to be your daughter’s Must Have or Die Christmas Gift, don’t. Only 7,400 dolls were made and they’ve already been swooped up by “collectors”.  And by “collectors”,  I imagine  (1) People with a spare fifty bucks for an inked plastic toy, (2) Boomer Women reliving the nostalgic fervor of their youth, (3) Those wanting to attend the next Barbie Conference clutching their tattooed toy and saying to 300,000 other attendees, “Nah nah nah boo boo I got one and you didn’t!” or (4) E-bayites looking to make a killing selling them to desperate parents whose daughter named Tattoo Barbie as her Must Have or Die Christmas Gift.

That was then. This is....gross."

Unlike her 2009 predecessor, Totally Stylin’ Tattoo Barbie, which was pulled from store shelves due to complaints, Tattoo Barbie doesn’t come with removable “tattoo” stickers. This Ink, which spreads down from her neck, across her chest and collarbone includes flowers, crowns and unidentifiable swirls (snake?) in pink, white and black, plus a geisha woman on her left shoulder, is permanent. Like real tattoos on real people. (Maybe a good thing?)

Barbie also sports a pink bob, black shirt adorned with a skull and cross bones and fanged, lipsticked mouth emblems, skin-tight leopard print leggings, metallic platform shoes and a “cactus dog” on a leash named Bastardino. You heard me correctly,  “Bastardino”.  Barbie’s pet is, “Bastardino”.

I wonder if ol’ Tatts Barbie and Bastardino hang out with Silkstone Lingerie Barbie.  And does she have a pet too–maybe Skanky Skunk? I do know she (Barbie, not her skunk) wears a black bra, panties and thigh high stockings held up with garter belts.  Oh, and her arms and legs are secured to her box with black ties….

Can you imagine the pajama parties those three (Can’t leave Bastardino home in his crate!) would have with Barbie Video Girl? She has a “hidden” video camera in her (exposed) cleavage and comes with special optional downloadable “editing software”. Mattel says she’s appropriate for “ages 6+” but I sure as hell wouldn’t let my Skipper attend THAT party.

Again…”Bastardino”? What’s next?

Jihad Suicide Bomber Barbie! Comes with stylish burka and hidden bomb vest!

Hooters Barbie! Comes with push up bra, thong, itsy bitsy chicken wings, celery sticks and beer pitchers! Support hose sold separately.

Botox Barbie! Comes with miniature syringes and ice packs! 

Melanoma Barbie! Comes with miniature tanning booth and chemo drip!

Class Reunion Barbie! Comes with detox cleanse, diet pills and Spanx! (see also Botox Barbie)

I can only hope it’s Dermatologist Barbie who charitably donates her time to laser off tattoos from Out On Probation Gang Banger Barbies who want to get back into Ken’s good graces.

I doubt it…

But a girl can still dream. Or can she?

Share.

About Author

Karen J Rinehart is an award winning newspaper columnist, author, speaker, wife, mom and dog owner—all crammed into a fabulously petite frame. See her in action on KarenJRinehart.com.

  • Sure stops my pining for my now-grown up daughter to be a little girl again. Thanks, Karen.