Corey O. sent in a link to the Hard Rock Cafe’s Goth Punk Barbie:
It’s a good example of the appropriation of subcultures. Barbie represents mainstream ideals of American feminine beauty–ideals that are safe and predictable and therefore, at least in theory, incongruent with the goth punk subculture. But here that subculture is stripped of any real content; it’s just a fashion statement, not a challenge to the mainstream world Barbie represents.
For other examples of the commodification of punk or alternative subcultures, see here and here.
Thanks, Corey O.!
Comments 11
irene — November 29, 2008
Is it just me or does goth barbie seem to have smaller breasts than her 'normal' counterpart? If so, what would that signify?
Elena — November 29, 2008
Looks more like they aimed at punk loli (and missed) to me, and that hair is just daft. Beehive 'do? Seriously?
This outfit is a lot cooler than that, for example.
When I hear "goth punk" I think of groups like Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cramps or The Misfits. Totally different look than that tartanned 80's Madonna thing that Barbie's got there.
Chicho — November 29, 2008
The appropriation of subculture is a very peculiar process. The current of 'punk' originated from the counter-culture idea, differentiation from the general public, everything DIY. But for increased comedy value, much of the current image (safety pins, tartan) came from The Sex Pistols who were a product of a record label trying to bring punk into mainstream.
It goes round and round.
Elena — November 29, 2008
Siouxsie Sioux called, she says she wants her label back. The guys from The Cramps and The Misfits say hello, too.
Dubi — November 29, 2008
"a challenge to the mainstream world Barbie represents". Is it?
(extra points: watch the "vampires vs. goths" episode of South Park, recently aired.)
Will — November 30, 2008
I'm amazed Mattel would sanction this. Although it seems like with the rise of "Hot Topic" and highly appropriated subculture fashion at the malls (preteen/teen market), the kids I see dressing like this are younger and younger, so maybe it's not such a challenge like Dubi said.
I guess your clothes show your identity, except when they don't.
Amy G — December 6, 2008
They're just clothes.
casey oneill — March 15, 2009
she looks super scary
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Sherry — December 25, 2009
Last time I checked Goth and Punk were 2 different scenes, so how can you fuse the two?