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Rachel Treisman

Is Barbie a feminist icon? It's complicated

Barbie Mattel Ruth Handler Greta Gerwig Feminism

The 50th anniversary of Barbie, in 2009, was commemorated in New York by a lineup of Barbie dolls from different eras, starting with the original in a black-and-white swimsuit. (Craig Ruttle/Associated Press)

The Barbie movie has smashed box-office records, brought dress-up back and put feminism in the spotlight.

Specifically, it has many asking: Has a doll long criticized for perpetuating outdated gender norms and unrealistic body image become a feminist icon? Has she always been one?

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