How often did you play with your Barbies in family scenarios?

"The only families my barbies had were siblings. My parents were divorced, and I didn't know or like the portrait of a "normal" family."


-Helena, 15, Persian, heterosexual female from Toronto, Canada

How did other people influence the way you played Barbies?

"My friends were freaked out by the bondage (I was always contriving some way to get them tied up-guys and girls alike) and crime related plots. My siblings were annoyed by my obsession with fantasy, insisting that wizardry and hobbits not be involved. Also, my father's failed attempt to get me to give up my favorite doll (who was black) and comments by some kids was something that influenced how I thought of racism (mainly that the doll was still as beautiful and perfect as ever, but that people were mean)."


-Reese, 22, White and Native American, genderqueer individual from the United States