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Meet Realistic Barbie’s Boyfriend – Dad Bod Ken

Barbie just received a complete makeover, with 4 new body types and several skin tones. Now, men around the globe are clamoring for an updated and more realistic Ken doll that looks like an actual, albeit out of shape, man. Reactions to this reaction have been mixed, but TheMarySue chips in with this practical overview:

“Ken’s origin story is a little different from his girlfriend’s,” writes TheMarySue. “[he] was originally designed to resemble designer Ruth Handler’s husband…Yale University psychologist Kelly Brownell wrote in 2006 that most men would have ‘to increase 20 in. in height, 11 in. in the chest, and 7.9 in. in neck circumference’ to achieve Ken’s look.’”

What do you think? Should Ken receive the same treatment as Barbie?

More info: The Mary Sue (h/t: neatorama)

“Most men would have ‘to increase 20 in. in height, 11 in. in the chest, and 7.9 in. in neck circumference’ to achieve Ken’s look'”

realistic-barbie-ken-dad-bod-body-shape-2

Image credits: Mattel / Will McFadden

The dad bod Ken is a response to the new curvy Barbie

realistic-barbie-ken-dad-bod-body-shape-3

What do you think about this trend?

realistic-barbie-ken-dad-bod-body-shape-4

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What do you think ?

POST

DariaB 8 years ago

Actually, I thought about Ken too. But, please, don't make only chubby Ken to be the realistic one. Men vary on their shapes and sizes too.

36points

JustAGirl 8 years ago

Yes, and make a colored Ken! I love Barbie's new change, but they still need a bit more diversity.

12points

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CuckuVaya 8 years ago

Change Ken as well for sure. But curvy barbie is not overweight......

26points

Xenthia 8 years ago

Realistic doesn't equal obese...

10points

BrutalSun 8 years ago

Honestly? This reeks of MRA trolling to me. I think Ken's proportions are fairly realistic compared to Barbie. Whoever says his proportions are unrealistic obviously was a moron holding a GI Joe instead of Ken. Most Ken dolls have a fairly skinny neck, and no six pack (Mattel has been using this lightly-toned body for Ken for almost two decades now). Ken still looks more realistic than curvy Barbie, who still has tiny pencil neck. Moreover, curvy Barbie still looks hot. She is not the equivalent to this Photoshopped dad bod Ken.

8points

DariaB 8 years ago

Yeah, GI Joe, or Action Man. But I still welcome Kens' modifications simply for the sake of diversity, because diversity is the true realism. On the other hand, I agree these Barbie dolls could be made even more diverse by, for example, as you suggest, adding different neck lenghts. However, being curvy-ish with a Barbie-long neck myself, just wanna remind this is not that unrealistic, it's just one of the curvy versions somebody can look like. But let's not be too demanding from the start. It takes a lot of different mold to create such detailed variety, it's technically difficult to be realistic.

8points

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CerriDwen 8 years ago

Th "curvy" barbie is just normal...

6points

TomaszEnder 8 years ago

Yeah, they should change Ken too. Or else all the curvy barbies will be looking for a still perfect Ken who is, pretty rare really :D.

5points

EvansBaker 8 years ago

Honestly, body images is a global concerns for any age and any gender. While society has put more emphasis on women, men are increasingly feeling the pressure to look "right". That's the real trend in society. So this is not a bad move to bring the issue to the surface in a more humorous way for us to think about an issue that has been needing attention for so long...

5points

TeoHoble 8 years ago

I think it's amazing how men picked up this simple, positive thing, that has nothing to do with them... and they made it about them. I'm sorry to let you guys know but "curvy" Barbie has wide hips and a wide chest, but she's still rocking an hourglass figure. Whereas your "dad bod" Ken is just a beer-belly piece of lard. If you think these two are equivalent then you've got a problem.

4points

DariaB 8 years ago

I'd disagree it has nothing to do with them, but I like the second part of this comment. They are surely no equivalent, and indeed it's a problem that some people think so. But now that opens new possibilities for an actually overweight Barbie and various kinds of Kens, in their various kinds of body shapes and sizes. How about an average healthy Ken that has skipped the gym to start with? Just a suggestion.

7points

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Diandra“MistressDidi”Blackthorn 8 years ago

This trend sux. While the original Barbie was a ridiculous standard of "womanhood," the chunky versions are NOT supportive of healthy lifestyles.

3points

Talise Snyder 7 years ago

being slightly "chunky", as you put it, is not unhealthy! everyone has their own healthy weight and you can talk to your doctor and find out how to stay healthy in your own body

2points

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SapphireDolphin10 8 years ago

Love it! Except make them have acne, eczema, stuff like that and every person doesn't have perfect facial features(mouth, nose, etc.)

2points

AnyaSimon 8 years ago

I think the ken should be changed, but not to that extent.

1point

InaMichel-Neda 8 years ago

Next time overweight barby and ken with accessories - insulin for diabetis and oversized pizzas?! I don't see nothing great in this fat cruisade which tells you 100 kg and unhealthy is fine...

1point

VG 8 years ago

I agree. I have also noticed a trend: it is now socially acceptable for fat people to openly body shame slim people. WTF?!

0points

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EmilynWorstell 8 years ago

Sad.......:/

1point

ChrisHill 8 years ago

They are toys kids.

1point

AnyaSimon 8 years ago

This is grammar good

2points

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JuanAlcorta 8 years ago

The curvy Ken looks like a chubby gay beach boy. Try making him a hard working man for a change.

1point

EmiliaRumi 8 years ago

They should also change their faces, now, they are so fake.

1point

EmiliaRumi 8 years ago

They could also change their faces... they are so fake.

1point

ErinGibbins 8 years ago

dad bod ken looks like schmitty the college years (New Girl)

1point

Peter Nielsen 1 year ago

Barbie and Ken were used by my daughters to develop dreams of womanhood, for which Barbie and Ken's original shapes were perfect . . .

0points

Kathy Vondracek 5 years ago

I love the variety, it's more like real life. How wonderful!

0points

Jace 8 years ago

My dad never looked like that.

0points

GlitterGlitch 8 years ago

Lol! that ken looks like Gay Ryan Reynolds in Just Friends or old Hilton Perez

0points

Soon Tekh 8 years ago

THIS TREND IS F*****G IDIOTIC!! IT'S PROMOTING THIS F****D SOCIAL ENGINEERING CAMPAIGN OF THIRD WAVE FEMINISTS WHO ACTUALLY DON'T CARE ABOUT WOMAN!! Sure, it's not healthy to be too thin but it's not f*****g healthy to be fat either. If you want some logic, here is a good video portraying the truth about fat acceptance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2QB00ZXbpA

0points

Kieleenterprise 8 years ago

I think this is something that should be recognized because there are not just skinny people in the world there are different sizes shapes colors everything this is brilliant. If people think you are overweight or too skinny they should be ashamed you are you . You are beautiful for who ever you are.

0points

VG 8 years ago

I am not convinced these unhealthy looking dolls will achieve more than merely condoning unhealthy lifestyles.

0points

VG 8 years ago

Oh dear! Mattel proves once again they can only think in extremes. This doll is not just chubby – it is obese!

0points

DariaB 8 years ago

Not Matel. This comes from a different source this time.

1point

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JuliuszGrygierczyk 8 years ago

Curvy Barbie looks like Kardashian

0points

ChristinaFalkner 8 years ago

I'm sure Barbie would enjoy Dad Bod Ken pounding away on top of her. What's up with Curvy Barb she looks like Kim Kardashian.

0points

catiekent 8 years ago

I like the new barbies but HATE the new ken do you think anyone is going to buy that?!

0points

DariaB 8 years ago

It's just the concept, as far as I have understood, not the actual product. Or is it? Somebody, please, explain....

0points

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mydailyramen 8 years ago

that is perfect! XD Yeah we need beer gut ken to go with chubby barbie. that is only the fair thing to do.

0points

KenBromley 8 years ago

Young Ken looks a lot like Bieber.

0points

MadisonRuss 8 years ago

I think they should change every thing about Barrie's and some of the names, I have never heard of a girl named Barbie.

0points

DariaB 8 years ago

Barbie is nickname version of Barbara. Lots of girls carry that name.

0points

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SunCe 8 years ago

I think that some psychopath is behind this. Yeah yeah, "dad" body, and young barbie. What you really wanna teach little girls?

-1point

GertieSmith 8 years ago

why couldn't curvy barbie date the normal ken? can plus size women date only overweight men? and why can't there be gay and bisexual barbies and kens? what about trans and genderqueer dolls? this is better, but it doesn't mean that the battle is over.

-1point

mydailyramen 8 years ago

Oh for the love of God. gay and bisexual barbies and ken? How about transgender ken and barbie? Why stop there? why can't we have barbies and Ken who are into BDSM? Aren't these people too. These are children's toys. Not our political correctness toys dreams come true. You want gay ken and barbie? buy a normal ken and barbie and call them gay or bisexual. Viola! Instant gay dolls. You didn't even need Mattel's help to achieve this simple goal.

6points

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AnyaSimon 8 years ago

*buys two ken dolls* done. Just because the doll doesn't specifically say it's gay, or doesn't look like it, doesn't mean it's not

1point

DariaB 8 years ago

Whom your doll shall date depends on the stories you invent for them to be starring in.

1point

VG 8 years ago

Your comment is what I will use from now on to justify not hanging out with non cis people: self-centered and very narrow range of topics.

-1point

BradWescott 8 years ago

Where are the feminists on this one??

-3points

Sarah 8 years ago

I have noticed a lot of people in comments sections, complaining about feminism yet they don't even know what it is or why it exists or just refuse to understand it. Instead they think it's about women who hate men, not women who know they deserve to be equal to their male counterparts in society.I guess that's why you don't see all the feminists here.

1point

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POST

DariaB 8 years ago

Actually, I thought about Ken too. But, please, don't make only chubby Ken to be the realistic one. Men vary on their shapes and sizes too.

36points

JustAGirl 8 years ago

Yes, and make a colored Ken! I love Barbie's new change, but they still need a bit more diversity.

12points

Load More Replies...

CuckuVaya 8 years ago

Change Ken as well for sure. But curvy barbie is not overweight......

26points

Xenthia 8 years ago

Realistic doesn't equal obese...

10points

BrutalSun 8 years ago

8points

DariaB 8 years ago

8points

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CerriDwen 8 years ago

Th "curvy" barbie is just normal...

6points

TomaszEnder 8 years ago

Yeah, they should change Ken too. Or else all the curvy barbies will be looking for a still perfect Ken who is, pretty rare really :D.

5points

EvansBaker 8 years ago

5points

TeoHoble 8 years ago

4points

DariaB 8 years ago

7points

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Diandra“MistressDidi”Blackthorn 8 years ago

This trend sux. While the original Barbie was a ridiculous standard of "womanhood," the chunky versions are NOT supportive of healthy lifestyles.

3points

Talise Snyder 7 years ago

being slightly "chunky", as you put it, is not unhealthy! everyone has their own healthy weight and you can talk to your doctor and find out how to stay healthy in your own body

2points

Load More Replies...

SapphireDolphin10 8 years ago

Love it! Except make them have acne, eczema, stuff like that and every person doesn't have perfect facial features(mouth, nose, etc.)

2points

AnyaSimon 8 years ago

I think the ken should be changed, but not to that extent.

1point

InaMichel-Neda 8 years ago

Next time overweight barby and ken with accessories - insulin for diabetis and oversized pizzas?! I don't see nothing great in this fat cruisade which tells you 100 kg and unhealthy is fine...

1point

VG 8 years ago

I agree. I have also noticed a trend: it is now socially acceptable for fat people to openly body shame slim people. WTF?!

0points

Load More Replies...

EmilynWorstell 8 years ago

Sad.......:/

1point

ChrisHill 8 years ago

They are toys kids.

1point

AnyaSimon 8 years ago

This is grammar good

2points

Load More Replies...

JuanAlcorta 8 years ago

The curvy Ken looks like a chubby gay beach boy. Try making him a hard working man for a change.

1point

EmiliaRumi 8 years ago

They should also change their faces, now, they are so fake.

1point

EmiliaRumi 8 years ago

They could also change their faces... they are so fake.

1point

ErinGibbins 8 years ago

dad bod ken looks like schmitty the college years (New Girl)

1point

Peter Nielsen 1 year ago

Barbie and Ken were used by my daughters to develop dreams of womanhood, for which Barbie and Ken's original shapes were perfect . . .

0points

Kathy Vondracek 5 years ago

I love the variety, it's more like real life. How wonderful!

0points

Jace 8 years ago

My dad never looked like that.

0points

GlitterGlitch 8 years ago

Lol! that ken looks like Gay Ryan Reynolds in Just Friends or old Hilton Perez

0points

Soon Tekh 8 years ago

0points

Kieleenterprise 8 years ago

0points

VG 8 years ago

I am not convinced these unhealthy looking dolls will achieve more than merely condoning unhealthy lifestyles.

0points

VG 8 years ago

Oh dear! Mattel proves once again they can only think in extremes. This doll is not just chubby – it is obese!

0points

DariaB 8 years ago

Not Matel. This comes from a different source this time.

1point

Load More Replies...

JuliuszGrygierczyk 8 years ago

Curvy Barbie looks like Kardashian

0points

ChristinaFalkner 8 years ago

I'm sure Barbie would enjoy Dad Bod Ken pounding away on top of her. What's up with Curvy Barb she looks like Kim Kardashian.

0points

catiekent 8 years ago

I like the new barbies but HATE the new ken do you think anyone is going to buy that?!

0points

DariaB 8 years ago

It's just the concept, as far as I have understood, not the actual product. Or is it? Somebody, please, explain....

0points

Load More Replies...

mydailyramen 8 years ago

that is perfect! XD Yeah we need beer gut ken to go with chubby barbie. that is only the fair thing to do.

0points

KenBromley 8 years ago

Young Ken looks a lot like Bieber.

0points

MadisonRuss 8 years ago

I think they should change every thing about Barrie's and some of the names, I have never heard of a girl named Barbie.

0points

DariaB 8 years ago

Barbie is nickname version of Barbara. Lots of girls carry that name.

0points

Load More Replies...

SunCe 8 years ago

I think that some psychopath is behind this. Yeah yeah, "dad" body, and young barbie. What you really wanna teach little girls?

-1point

GertieSmith 8 years ago

-1point

mydailyramen 8 years ago

6points

Load More Replies...

AnyaSimon 8 years ago

*buys two ken dolls* done. Just because the doll doesn't specifically say it's gay, or doesn't look like it, doesn't mean it's not

1point

DariaB 8 years ago

Whom your doll shall date depends on the stories you invent for them to be starring in.

1point

VG 8 years ago

Your comment is what I will use from now on to justify not hanging out with non cis people: self-centered and very narrow range of topics.

-1point

BradWescott 8 years ago

Where are the feminists on this one??

-3points

Sarah 8 years ago

1point

Load More Replies...

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Meet Realistic Barbie’s Boyfriend – Dad Bod Ken

“Most men would have ‘to increase 20 in. in height, 11 in. in the chest, and 7.9 in. in neck circumference’ to achieve Ken’s look'”

The dad bod Ken is a response to the new curvy Barbie

What do you think about this trend?

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