The 'normal Barbie' doll, originally named the Lammily doll, is causing quite a sensation in the internet and kids. Pittsburgh graphic designer Nickolay Lamm created the new 'normal Barbie' because wanted to send a message that "reality can be beautiful," he told The Washington Post.
Creation of the 'normal Barbie' originally began as a Kickstarter project in July 2013. Fast forward to today and the the 'normal Barbie' is now being produced to go with the holiday shopping season.
Not only does the 'normal Barbie' have an average woman's proportions, but she has no makeup, cellulite and a few extra pounds around the hips. She also reportedly comes with zit, stretch marks and scratch stickers, providing a more realistic view of women for children.
"I wanted to show that reality is cool," Lamm said of the 'normal Barbie' doll. "And a lot of toys make kids go into fantasy, but why don't they show real life is cool? It's not perfect, but it's really all we have. And that's awesome."
However, the 'normal Barbie' also has its own share of critics. Many people think the doll is a great thing for kids, presenting them a more realistic view of women's bodies. However, others think the cellulite, stretch marks, and acne stickers have taken away from the fantasy of playing with dolls, reports Cosmopolitan.
Still, Lamm is focusing on the positive. He was reportedly inspired to work on the the 'normal Barbie' doll after he heard reports about what the iconic Barbie doll would look like if she had the measurements of an average 19-year-old woman's body, reports based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"I feel not only kids, but we as adults try to escape reality watching movies, playing video games and being on our phones all the time," said Lamm. "But I wanted to show that life is beautiful and reality is all we have."
He added that he developed a passion for the creation of the 'normal Barbie' since he also had his own share of body insecurities as he was growing up.
"Back in high school, I thought I was short for a guy at 5-5, so I starved myself and exercised to exhaustion to have a set of six-pack abs," he said. " I looked and felt terrible. I thought a lot about how everyone's body is different, but we measure ourselves with one standard."
He added that he had a younger cousin, who he described as a competitive college athlete, top student, soulful person and beautiful young woman. He said his cousin "used to call herself 'fat.' She could only look 'fat' if compared to exceptionally thin beauty standards."
Lamm added that with the 'normal Barbie' doll, he aims to make young girls "think more about what they love and what they do and not as much as how they look. So if they have a doll that looks like everyone else, they won't have to focus on looks so much."
He said that so far, the response he has gotten from kids with the 'normal Barbie' doll is great, plus his mom likes it.
"Most importantly, kids like it," he said.
The 'normal Barbie' doll will be on sale at $24.99 dolls on sale. 19,000 dolls area already going to backers, but 25,000 more are reportedly ready to be shipped before the holidays. Meanwhile, the stretch marks, scars, acne, etc. Of the 'normal Barbie' doll will be included in the $5.99 sticker extension pack, which will be available in January.
Lamm said it took him four months to find the proper sticker material to give the 'normal Barbie' doll acne, freckles, moles, and the ability to blush.
As for people's reaction to the scars on the 'normal Barbie' doll, "Some people were like 'Oh my God,' as if I'm promoting domestic violence or something," Lamm said.
He assured Time his intentions are far from promoting violence. "Look, we all get boo boos and scratches. Life isn't perfect, we all sometimes fall down but we get back up," he said.
He added that his aunt simply recommended he add scars to the 'normal Barbie' doll.
"Because, you know, some kids have scars and are really shy about them," he said.
Meanwhile, while the cellulite and the stretch marks may seem like Lamm is asking for trouble, the 'normal Barbie' doll creator said the idea came from a sincere place, adding that some people will welcome the option.
"Demi Lovato even tweeted about it," he said.
Also, Barbie should make dolls with cellulite!!! Hahaha!!! After all, around 95% of ALL women have it!!!
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