Midge Doll

Midge Doll, Mattel Inc., 1962

Midge Hadley, seen here with her trademark red hair and freckles, was introduced in 1963 as Barbie’s best friend. Following the concerns of parents who saw Barbie as too sexually intimidating, Midge was supposed to be more appropriate for her audience. Throughout the years Barbie has become a controversial figure, especially in terms of body image. The doll’s impossibly small waist has been criticized for creating unrealistic body standards for young women. There have been a number of other Barbie controversies, including the 2002 “Happy Family” line, which included a pregnant Midge and her husband Alan. It was pulled from some store shelves after many parents claimed the doll promoted teen pregnancy.