Sandra Cisneros "Barbie-Q"

How Sandra Cisnero's Life Influenced "Barbie-Q"

"Barbie-Q" by Sandra Cisneros describes a little girl's love for Barbie dolls despite her low socioeconomic status. Due to her economic standing, she can only afford waterlogged or burnt Barbies. However, most readers fail to realize the symbolism behind the damaged dolls. 

Who is Sandra Cisneros? 

"I am a woman, and I am a Latina. Those are the things
that make my writing distinctive. Those are the
things that give my writing power" (2). 
Sandra Cisneros, a Mexican American writer, was born in Chicago on December 20, 1954. She was the only girl in a family of seven children. Cisneros is best known for her book, The House on Mango Street, which allowed her to win the National Medal of Arts in 2016. Furthermore, she helped create the Latino MacArthur Fellows group, also known as Los MacArturos. Additionally, she continues to make a positive impact on the Latino community by founding the Macondo Foundation and the Alfredo Cisneros Del Moral Foundation (1). Overall, Cisneros is a proud advocate for Latinos and women alike.                                                                                                                                                                                     


Why Did She Write "Barbie-Q"? 

The historical lack of representation and diversity in
Barbie dolls (4)
In a writing workshop in Iowa, Cisneros had a wake-up call. She realized her culture was never truly represented in any books she read while growing up. So, she decided to do something about it. As a writer, she believes she must represent all beings, including ones like herself. Cisneros has the rare gift of being able to express people's feelings, and she refuses to let her gift go to waste. The world is at a time and place where there is such open hate for people of color, immigrants, and working-class people, and Cisneros, through her writing, chooses to rectify this hate. Cisneros says in an interview, "If you can recognize yourself in the person most unlike you in literature, then the book will have done its work" (2). 

The Main Symbolization in "Barbie-Q"

A collage inspired by the story "Barbie-Q" (5)
There are two types of dolls found within this story, the blonde Barbie ideal or the damaged and burnt Barbie. Ironically enough, these two dolls represent the constant beauty competition brought on by society between American women and Latina women. The burnt, water-logged Barbies are flawed and represent racial identity and economic status. Furthermore, these Barbies represent the Latina community's desire to assimilate and become white-passing by hiding their "left foot that's melted a little"(Cisneros 162). Blonde Barbie portrays the cultural norm for the perfect woman, but as the story progresses the young Latina girl knows she will never achieve this ideal because of her economic status and racial identity (3). As well as race, the story also addresses the objectification of women by the male gaze. Barbies are designed to be looked at much like women in society. The idea that "beauty is pain" is supported throughout the story when Barbie is only seen wearing stilettos and coordinated outfits. Ultimately, this story represents the oppression of both females and the Latino community, both of which Cisneros strongly advocates for. 

Sandra Cisneros grew up without her community and culture being recognized within literature, so she made a change. As a result, there is no doubt that Sandra Cisneros', "Barbie-Q", was inspired by her own life and beliefs. 

Works Cited:

1.  “Sandra Cisneros Biography.” Chicago Public Library, www.chipublib.org/sandra-cisneros-biography/.  

2. “Hispanic Heritage Flashback Friday: Sandra Cisneros on Recognizing Ourselves.” National Endowment for the Arts, www.arts.gov/stories/blog/2020/hispanic-heritage-flashback-friday-sandra-cisneros-recognizing-ourselves.  

3. Author links open overlay panelHafize Gül Koparanoğlu Artuç, and AbstractSandra Cisneros has become one of the well-known and respected Chicana authors by addressing themes of otherness. “Being a Barbie or Barbie-Q.” Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, Elsevier, 27 Dec. 2014, reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S1877042814061461?token=C74E7F405F7FC3060B13D820BD3C9F0699719AEFCC7FC1137399F40C25DEE873886698271E9B88C491DEA279D9342109&originRegion=us-east-1&originCreation=20230413225625.

4. Shen, Serena, et al. “Barbie and the Terrifying Lack of Diverse Representation.” The Odyssey Online, 5 Aug. 2020, www.theodysseyonline.com/barbie-terrifying-lack-diverse-representation. 

5. Kaitlynkarp. “Barbie-Q Written by Sandra Cisneros.” Kaitlynkarp, 26 Sept. 2014, kaitlynkarp.wordpress.com/2014/09/26/barbie-q-written-by-sandra-cisneros/.  






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