My Life Influenced by Barbie

This week we were assigned to read chapter 3 in Intimate Relationships, Marriages, and Families by Mary Kay DeGenova. In this chapter it says that there are many influences on kids to learn gender roles. One of the influences can come from toys, and toys that you play with when you are young can influence vocational choices. I can personally relate to this. I loved barbies, and whatever Barbie did I wanted to do. I didn’t ever notice this connection before reading a chapter, but just like Barbie I wanted to be a ballerina, teacher, and fashion designer. I never thought about Barbie being the reason I have an interest in textile and apparel design. Also becoming a fashion designer is a stereotypical feminine career, and the only careers Barbie had were also stereotypical. This knowledge is a direct connection to my professional development because I found where my passion came from. Knowing where this came from might help me find inspiration for some of the pieces I design.