POV Season 11 Episode 7 Barbie Nation: An Unauthorized Tour

In POV season 11 episode 7, titled "Barbie Nation: An Unauthorized Tour," filmmaker Susan Stern delves into the cultural phenomenon of Barbie dolls and the impact that they have had on young girls around the world. Using interviews with Barbie fans, experts, and detractors, Stern explores the various controversies surrounding the doll, including accusations of perpetuating gender stereotypes, encouraging an unrealistic beauty ideal, and promoting consumerism.

The documentary takes viewers on a journey through Barbie's history, from her creation in 1959 by Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler to her status as a cultural icon in the present day. Along the way, viewers meet collectors who have amassed huge collections of Barbie dolls and accessories, as well as artists who use the doll as a medium for their work.

Stern asks tough questions about the impact that Barbie has on young girls, particularly in terms of body image and gender roles. She interviews girls who love Barbie and see her as a role model, as well as girls who have rejected the doll in favor of toys that they feel are more empowering.

The filmmaker also explores the ways in which Barbie has been marketed and promoted over the years, from her early days as a teenage fashion model to her frequent role as a "career woman" in the 1980s. She examines the controversies that have arisen around certain Barbie dolls, such as the "Teen Talk" Barbie that uttered the infamous phrase "Math class is tough," and the "Oreo Fun Barbie" that came with a pack of cookies.

Despite the controversies that have surrounded Barbie over the years, Stern finds that the doll remains a beloved and enduring part of many girls' childhoods. She interviews women who look back fondly on their own Barbie collections, and shows how the doll continues to inspire young girls to dream and imagine.

Overall, "Barbie Nation: An Unauthorized Tour" is a thought-provoking and entertaining look at one of the most iconic toys of all time. Through interviews, archival footage, and commentary, Stern explores the various ways in which Barbie has impacted our culture, for better or for worse. Whether you love her or hate her, there's no denying the impact that Barbie has had on generations of girls around the world.