Barbie Doll ~ Brook M.Wilken

This piece clearly portrays a feminist’s view of societal forces that rule the internal psyche of young impressionable women. The overall tone of this piece suggests that our society judges members on external characteristics alone and compels outcast individuals to constantly apologize for their lack of gender congruency. The masculine version of this piece may be depicted in a piece entitled The Tender Warrior. Although times have changed, men were often stereotyped by society and strict societal standards have required that men possess the distinct qualities that reflect masculinity including: bulging muscles, strong masculine facial features, as well as a character void of emotion. This piece should paramount on the pretense that a man with soft facial features, a fragile body frame, and the ability to express sympathy and empathy should not be allowed to defend his country and participate in combat. Each man called into the draft would be evaluated on their physical features alone and not based on the pride they have for their country, the willingness to fight, or their extensive desire to better the lives for future generations.