It looks like the 2014 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue will feature a little more plastic than normal. In a controversial move, Sports Illustrated and Mattel have partnered up to feature none other than Barbie in the Swimsuit Issue. Yes, the plastic doll that young girls have been playing with for decades will be featured in a one-piece bathing suit in the Swimsuit Issue.
Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue turns 50 this year, and the magazine plans to bring back some popular ladies that have been featured in the past to celebrate. While many of the women don’t come as any surprise, such as Tyra Banks and Christie Brinkley, including Barbie will come as a bit of a head-scratcher to the guys flipping through the issue. Not only will Barbie appear in the issue, but she will also grace the cover of 1,000 special editions of the issue.
Barbie has a Twitter account, which was used to announce the collaboration with Sports Illustrated yesterday.
The doll that started it all! Barbie is joining the ranks of legendary women in @SI_Swimsuit http://t.co/NART2Xj5VU #Unapologetic #SISwim50
— Barbie (@Barbie) February 11, 2014
According to a spokesperson for Mattel, the complaints surrounding Barbie in recent years sparked the “Barbie #Unapologetic” campaign. Barbie has come under fire quite often for her unrealistic size, plus many women claim that the doll makes young girls self-conscious about their bodies.
“As a legend herself, and under criticism about her body and how she looks, posing in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit gives Barbie and her fellow legends an opportunity to own who they are, celebrate what they have done, and be unapologetic,” the Mattel spokesperson said.
The 2014 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue will come out on February 18. Check out Barbie’s cover below.
The worst part about this #Unapologetic article the way they report on tweets. http://t.co/RUh7eGK9mF pic.twitter.com/3P9zs1Nwpi
— Paul Steward (@paul_francs) February 12, 2014
The move to include Barbie in the Swimsuit Issue has quite a few people crying foul. Eva Vawter from Mommyish says the decision will make wives and daughters both feel bad about themselves. The decision has generated numerous complaints on Twitter as well.
http://t.co/lQpYWLFUui Barbie promotes unrealistic attitudes about the female body. #Unapologetic @Barbie is a contemptious message #dumb
— Kris (@Rieashma) February 12, 2014
Adult male sexuality tied to little girl toys? CREEPY, @Barbie & @Mattel. Toys shouldn't sit on Uncle Moneysex's lap! http://t.co/BTsThEgaf9
— mariachong (@mariachong) February 12, 2014
Image via Twitter