The Barbie movie is a primer on the brand, its collaborations, discontinued dolls, and Barbiecore styles. However, one lesson slipped through the cracks of the glittering advertising tour: the odd inclusion of Ruth Handler, the Barbie doll’s real-life mother.
The film introduces all the significant characters in Barbie’s life, including the other Barbies, Gloria, Sasha, and Ken, played by America Ferrera and Arianna Greenblatt, respectively. However, one person jumps out—and it is most assuredly not Ryan Gosling.
The key to Barbie embracing herself and choosing a new path, doubts and guilt and all, lies in her inventor, Ruth. So, in this article, you will get a glimpse of her life and what makes it inspiring.
Who is Ruth Handler, Barbie’s inventor?
Ruth Handler, born in 1916, emerged as an entrepreneur with a keen vision that would reshape the toy industry—her early years laid the foundation for a remarkable journey filled with determination and innovation.
Barbie was created by Ruth Handler, who also served as the first president of Mattel Toys, the company she co-founded with her husband, Elliot Handler. The pair launched their company in 1949, and 1959 the first Barbie doll was released.
Motivated by watching her daughter Barbara infuse life into paper dolls, Ruth recognized a gap in the market. She envisioned a three-dimensional, adult-like doll that could serve as a role model for young girls, sparking the idea for Barbie.
Then, the Barbie universe expanded in 1961 with the addition of Ken. Advertised as Barbie’s romantic interest, he takes his name from Handler’s son, Kenneth. If you want to know why Ken is more than just an accessory for Barbie, you’ll have to watch the movie.
Launching of the Barbie doll
Debuting at New York’s American International Toy Fair, Barbie was the game-changer. The doll was a game-changer in the toy industry because of its lifelike features and realistic proportions, which captivated children’s imaginations.
As the first American mass-produced toy, the original Barbie doll was a success. 300,000 Barbies were sold in the first year for $3 apiece.
Barbie became a cultural phenomenon, transcending the realm of toys. The doll’s success was not merely about play but about providing girls with a means to dream beyond traditional gender roles, building creativity and ambition.
Ruth Handler in the ‘Barbie’ movie
Ruth Handler appears in the Barbie film as an enigmatic woman in a secret 1950s-style kitchen within Mattel’s offices. The film reveals that Handler is one of several Barbies in Barbie Land, the doll’s creator, and Margot Robbie’s deity.
According to Greta Gerwig, Handler is portrayed by Rhea Perlman, who was previously seen on TV’s Cheers, as a compassionate but flawed deity. Of course, this content won’t spoilmuch of the details. So if you haven’t seen the film yet, all the information you need regarding Barbie’s inventor and her role in the Barbie film is right there.
Challenges and criticisms
As a co-founder of Mattel, Ruth faced skepticism and resistance from a predominantly male-dominated industry. Undeterred, she persevered, bringing Barbie to life and challenging the norms that dictated the type of toys available for girls.
Despite the initial success, Barbie faced criticism for its unrealistic proportions. When Ruth initially proposed the idea, the company’s officials were unconvinced by her proposal of an adult-looking doll. They claimed that no mother would purchase a doll with breasts for their daughter.
While on vacation in Europe in 1956, Handler found a German doll named Bild Lilli in a store, and the concept took off from there. The doll was inspired by a comic strip depicting a pin-up with an alluring form as a seductive souvenir for WWII troops.
Returning to the United States, Handler sent one of the dolls to show the designers at Mattel that they could make a comparable product. Ruth, however, remained committed to the doll’s empowering potential. Over the years, Barbie evolved to reflect diversity and inclusivity, staying relevant in an ever-changing world.
Ruth Handler’s legacy
Between 1945 and 1975, Handler reigned over Mattel as its president. Throughout her 30-year tenure, she played a crucial role in creating Barbies and helped propel the brand to its current status as a cultural phenomenon.
Beyond Barbie, Ruth Handler’s legacy is one of breaking barriers and empowering girls. Her journey demonstrated that a woman could navigate the business world successfully. Barbie became more than a toy. This young girl’s doll symbolized empowerment, challenging stereotypes, and encouraging dreams without limits.
Dreams without limits
Ruth Handler’s pioneering spirit not only transformed the toy industry, but also contributed to a cultural shift in how you perceive the potential of young girls. Under her guidance, Barbie became a symbol of empowerment, breaking barriers and encouraging dreams without limits.
So as you can see, Ruth Handler’s story is an inspiring reminder that one person’s vision can shape the world in profound and lasting ways.
