Ken (Barbie)
historyKen (or, Ken Carson) is a Mattell toy doll introduced in 1961 as the fictional boyfriend of toy doll Barbie introduced in 1959. Similar to his female counterpart, Ken had a fashionable line of clothing and accessories. In the Barbie mythos, Ken and Barbie met on the set of a TV commercial in 1961. Since his debut, Ken has held at least forty occupations, from Olympic gold medalist (1974, 1997), to hair stylist (1991, 1992, 1999).
From 1961 to the debut of Superstar Ken in 1977, Ken had straight arms and a head that could only turn left and right. Ken's hair was felt in his first year but replaced with a plastic, molded haircut when the felt hair was found to fall off when wet.»Keeping Ken 101 Superstar Ken featured a dimpled smile, a head that could swivel, bent arms, a more muscular physique, jewelry, and underwear permanently molded to his body.
In 1993, a version was released called Earring Magic Ken. The style of the doll resembled fashions among some segments of the gay community, and the doll attained a cult following. »The Man Behind The Doll presents Earring Magic Ken
Ken's best friend, Allan Sherwood was introduced in 1964. The first African-American male doll was introduced in 1981, in contrast to Barbie's African-American friend, Christie, who was introduced in 1968. »http://www.mattel.com/About_Us/History/mattel_history.pdf Another male doll, Alan, was introduced in 1990 and married Barbie's friend, Midge.
The unrealistic physiques of Barbie and Ken caused comment. Yale University psychologist, Kelly Brownell, observed that to size up to what Barbie looks for in a mate, "a man would have to grow 20 inches taller and add nearly 8 inches to his neck circumference, 11 inches to his chest and 10 inches to his waist to resemble the muscular Ken." [http://0-web.ebscohost.com.mercury.concordia.ca/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=112&sid=244fa23c-2edc-4c0a-bcb0-e611e1b26725%40sessionmgr102 Concordia University Library (Montreal, Canada)]
In February, 2004, Mattel announced a split for Ken and Barbie, with Russell Arons, vice president of marketing at Mattel, saying that Barbie and Ken "feel it's time to spend some quality time - apart...Like other celebrity couples, their Hollywood romance has come to an end." Arons indicated that the duo would "remain friends." Arons hinted that the separation might be partially due to Ken's reluctance to getting married.»Barbie and Ken: History In February, 2006 however, a revamped version of the Ken doll was launched, and it appeared that their relationship was official again. »CNN.com - It's splitsville for Barbie and Ken - Feb. 12, 2004 »CNN.com - Madeover Ken hopes to win back Barbie - Feb 10, 2006
Like Barbie, Ken is named after one of Ruth Handler's children. In January 2009, the media reported on the publication of a book entitled Toy Monster: The Big, Bad World of Mattel by Jerry Oppenheimer. In the book, Oppenheimer claims that Ken Handler "grew up embarrassed and humiliated by having an anatomically incorrect boy doll named after him with no hint of genitalia." Oppenheimer also claims that Ken Handler was diagnosed with AIDS in 1990.»Man who created Barbie and Ken dolls was 'kinky swinger with manic need for sexual gratification'
Gallery
- "Barbie and Ken: History." Olsen, Eric. Blog Critics Magazine, 15 February 2004. »http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/02/15/130739.php 15 February, 2004.
- "How do Barbie and Ken Measure Up?" Berg-Cross, Linda. Psychotherapy Letter. Apr96, Vol. 8 Issue 4, p3, 1/3p. »http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=9604241835&site=ehost-live
- Mattel History. »http://www.mattel.com/About_Us/History/mattel_history.pdf 2001 Mattel Inc.