We May Be Plastic, But Our Love Is Real - Ken

Who hasn't heard of Barbie and Ken - the most popular dolls made by the world's biggest toy company - Mattel. The two were marketed for ages as a couple with absolutely stunning and charming looks. 

However, in 2004 Ken and Barbie had split up after 43 years. Barbie moved on with an Australian surfer dude doll called Blaine. Ken was out of her life. In Toy Story 3, Ken's role was particularly liked because he was single and seemed to be missing Barbie immensely. Ken admitted in the movie that Barbie is the only doll for him.

 Blaine and Barbie

Blaine - the Australian surfer

Now after seven good years, Mattel has put the fate of Barbie and Ken in the hands of Facebook users who can vote whether they want Ken and Barbie to be re-united. If she does decide to get back with Ken, Mattel hasn't disclosed what will happen to the other dude Blaine.There is a Facebook page for voting and people can also vote on barbieandken.com.

Mattel is trying to involve Barbie and Ken lovers all over again and is promoting that Ken wants to back with Barbie on Valentine's Day. In fact, Mattel has put up huge billboards in New York and Los Angeles in which Ken is confessing his love for Barbie. One of the billboard says:

"Barbie, we may be plastic but our love is real."

Dora Grows Up

I just read that now Dora the Explorer is also growing older. The creators are making an older doll of Dora with miniskirt and long hair for the tweens. While the little Dora version will also be around for the kids.

But many parents are questioning this move. They feel why cant' a doll stay ageless. Thus petitions are being signed to pressurize the makers of Dora - Mattel and Nickelodeon.

This has become a trend with Barbie celebrating its birthdays every decade with some element of surprise.

It seems that the commercial aspect can't be lost in anyway - the modern age, fashion, style and trends are being highlighted in almost every way with all products. There is resistance to these changes when actually people themselves are the reason to these changes directly and indirectly.

Anyway, I will be looking forward to the older Dora as well though.

Zaira Rahman