In 2019, the Barbie doll turned 60. Plasticity in body and persona allowed the Mattel toy company to position and reposition their high-achieving money-maker as relevant by exploiting social trend, political movements and historical shifts. As a complex international celebrity and feminist bête noir, Barbie is a mirror helping us to reflect on ourselves.
This lecture is based on my book, Plastic’s Republic, a poem collection centering on the Barbie doll as an enduring cultural icon. I will examine her creation, her impact on female beauty and discuss how her mouldable nature made her a “capital doll” and free market diva. Following the book’s themes, I will elaborate the philosophical, feminist and social issues she engenders and discuss how Barbie became plastic surgery’s prophet by spawning “plastic positive” humans. Finally, plastic’s reach extends to the dollification of romantic relationships via silicone sex dolls and ends (un)naturally in our plastic infused lives and smothered oceans.
I will follow the lecture by reading from Plastic’s Republic.
The Wilfrid Laurier Department of Communication Studies presents a talk by Dr. Ghislain Thibault: Look Up! A Media History of Aerial Communication.
Celebrate UWaterloo English's new Creative and Professional Writing Program!
Writer and poet Matthew Kee will provide tips on how to perform your poetry. Hone your skills reading your own work for an audience! Drop in to the English Department Library (HH 232) anytime during the workshop hours.
The Department of English Awards Ceremony celebrates the achievements of English undergraduate and graduate students.
Advertisement for Poster Showcase.
Science Communication Showcase features poster presentations from students taking ENGL/COMMST 193: Communication in the Sciences.
Student Poster Showcase: Communication in the Engineering Profession, Feb. 14, DC.