Author: Stephanie Finnegan

As society becomes more inclusive, it is not surprising that the toy box has become more open and welcoming, too. For many years, a certain notion of beauty and aspirational play reigned supreme. Children were encouraged to act out their fantasies with golden-tressed dolls that boasted impossibly curvaceous silhouettes. Indeed, if Barbie actually existed in our world, she would most likely suffer from extreme backaches and balance issues. Still, because she did fit into the Hugh Hefner playbook of cheerleader good looks, Barbie became the standard of attractiveness.