
Feminism and the way women were viewed and treated was a popular topic in America during the 1960s. Marge Piercy discussed this matter in her influential poem “Barbie Doll.” This poem tells the story of a young girl whose life was greatly influenced by others and it led to a desolate ending to her life. The reader is informed that the girl was intelligent, strong, and healthy but all of these wonderful qualities were overlooked and she was teased for having a large nose and legs. The girl began to see herself as nothing more than what others saw her as. The poem was an important contribution the the second wave of feminism era because it gave people a clearer understanding of how women were viewed. Through out this era, American women were limited when it came to making choices about their everyday life. Women were seen as nothing but a pretty face who was not capable of living a full, successful life. Piercy’s poem reflects how women were often over looked during this time being deemed, unable to make decisions for themselves. 

Marge Piercy got the title for her poem from the beloved toy doll Barbie. Barbie was a controversial toy during this time period because the doll was an icon of beauty, one that was almost impossible to attain. The doll had a perfect face, perfect hair and a perfect figure. It was so controversial because it gave women the idea that, that is what they should look like, when in reality not many people do. The doll symbolized the changes in criteria and gender roles in American culture, it was a symbol that women were restricted to objects of beauty.   

With the presidential election coming up, I think about how I am traveling home to vote tomorrow and it makes me think about how women did not always have this opportunity. I think deeper about all of the rights I have that I would not have had in an earlier decade. An unknown speaker once said, “The female doesn’t really expect a lot from life. She’s here as someone’s keeper—her husband’s and children’s.” This is desolate to read and think about because it is sad to think that our female ancestors were unable to do many of the things we take for granted today. It makes me think about how far women have come and all of the rights we have today because of this era. 

One advancement women have made since this era is reproductive rights. The birth control pill became significant during the second wave of feminism. The pill gave females more jurisdiction over their own bodies, and more freedom to choose when and whether to have children. The penalties of sexual relations between women and men were not fair. The male population was rewarded for sexual competence and women suffered a damaged reputation, being told women were not supposed to engage in such actions. When you think about it, this is still kind of a double standard problem in today’s society. Men are praised the more sexual relations they have where females are deemed as immoral given names such as “slut.” During the early 1960s, birth control was banned in many states and if a pregnancy occurred, the woman was left with the responsibility. Leah Lawrence stated that “with more choices about the timing of starting a family, women could complete or extend their education and then remain in the work force longer before having children.” The fight for birth control was important because it gave women the freedom to make choices about their own body and it extended the possibility for women to get a full education or be in the work force.

The historical and cultural information about this time period shaped my reading of Piercy’s poem by, perceiving it as a symbol of how women were viewed. This poem showcases that the young girl had many wonderful qualities and had great potential but that was shut down because of her appearance. During this time period, women were objectified, being seen as matters of beauty, being seen as nothing more than a pretty face. Females were often retained in the household or in low-paying jobs. The fight against this began with objections against the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City in 1968. Feminist mocked the pageant by holding a “cattle parade.” This mock parade was held to show that women were much more than their looks.   

Since women were only seen as objects of beauty, they were often not considered in the workforce. Steinem and Betty Friedan, active leaders for the women’s movement, had a goal to raise women up from home and work situations that were considered less important. Hard working women and college students, organized marches and protests in order to gain equal rights in the workforce. The women’s movement activist fought to end the stereotype that women could only be the happy homemakers that was depicted in television shows in earlier decades. The role models for young girls growing up in the ’50s were the housewives in shows such as Leave It to Beaver, The Donna Reed Show and Father Knows Best. The women on these shows had career goals of getting the kids off to school and serving dinner on time. Although the workforce is still not completely equal, thanks to the feminist movement, women in the workforce has come a long way since the 60s. Today, women make up almost half of the U.S. labor force. This is what the feminist were fighting against during this second wave of feminism. They wanted to show America that women could be capable of much, much more.

Marge Piercy’s poem was an insightful poem that showcased views on women during the 1960s. This poem opened the eyes of the public about how women were viewed and treated. During this time era woman were limited when it came to voicing their opinions and making decisions for their lives. The second wave of feminism brought great changes for women. Some of these changes included, gaining reproduction rights with the birth control pill, which gave many women the choice of when and whether they have children. The feminist wave also brought changes in how women see themselves. Instead of sticking to the status quo of being a stay at home wife, whose sole purpose was to take care of the husband and family, women were being to see themselves as individuals who could gain their own success.  It also brought about change in the work force, with women now making up almost half of the work force. All though it is not perfect, women have come along way in America since the 60s. Reading this poem and studying this topic closer, makes me appreciate all of the rights I have today. The feminist movement and Marge Piercy’s poem showed America that women could be capable of much, much more.
