When Plus Size Modeling posted a picture of a fuller-figured Barbie doll on their Facebook page, they sparked an online debate about body image issues - a hot topic lately.
According to The Huffington Post, the image posted actually came from an illustration contest from Worth 1000.com, a website were artists are able to compete in daily competitions. The image in question was made by artist "Bakalia" who own a contest in 2011 called "Feeding Time 9."
The photo posted on Plus Size Modeling.com Facebook page, included the caption, "Should toy companies start making Plus Sized Barbie dolls?" While the photo was posted on Facebook, the heated debates did spread all over Twitter as well.
Many people reacted to the post, some positively, while others went for the negative. One commenter said, "No one is naturally fat for gods sake, that's sending the message to girls that it's ok to look like this and be unhealthy..."
Another also remarked, "Imo this is horrible. Maybe make her a little fuller,but in no way promote obesity. Triple chins?? Really?? Im a curvy girl, but come on this is ridiculous."
A Twitter user also said, "Barbie is a role model for young girls. Creating a #PlusSizeBarbie allows them to think obesity is acceptable when it's a growing problem."
This is not the first debate on body image that sparked the fashion world. Curvy Girl, a lingerie store, kicked off a campaign that shares images of regular women in lingerie, some of which are overweight. The campaign was criticized as one that encourages unhealthy habits and promotes obesity.
Still, other commenters on the 'Barbie' post showed concern on the body image issues, with one commenting, "Wish there was an 'average' Barbie. Not skinny, not obese. Normal proportions."
An artist, Nickolay Lamm, has already made a 3D model of an "average" doll with the measurements of an average nineteen-year-old. In an email to Huffington Post, the artist said, "If we criticize skinny models, we should at least be open to the possibility that Barbie may negatively influence young girls as well."
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