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Earring Magic Ken

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Earring Magic Ken
Emagicken.jpg
Earring Magic Ken, complete with accessory
TypeFashion doll
CompanyMattel
CountryUnited States
Availability1993–1993

Earring Magic Ken is a model of the Ken doll introduced by Mattel in 1993 as a companion to its Earring Magic Barbie figure, one of six dolls in the Earring Magic Barbie line.[1] This generation of the Ken doll featured an updated look, including blonde highlights in his traditionally brown hair, outfits including lavender mesh shirt, purple leather vest, a necklace with a circular charm and, as the name indicates, an earring in his left ear.[2]

The doll is historical for being the highest-selling Ken doll in history, and for the controversy that ensued upon its debut.

Product and History[]

Mattel had conducted a survey of girls asking if Ken should be retained as Barbie's boyfriend or whether a new doll should be introduced in that role. Survey results indicated that girls wanted Ken kept but wanted him to look "cooler."[3] The redesigned Ken was the result. Observers quickly noted the resemblance of Earring Magic Ken to a stereotypical gay man, from the pastel-colored clothes to the earring to the necklace, which was described as a "chrome cock ring."[4] Kitsch-minded gay men bought the doll in record numbers, making Earring Magic Ken the best-selling Ken model in Mattel's history.[5]

The doll received news-media press, even making it to the cover of New York Times Arts and Leisure section. The clothing choices led to speculation that Mattel toy designers unknowingly taking inspiration for the doll from Gay raves in LA or NY. The doll debuted in stores for around $11 USD, and had completely sold out by the Christmas season, largely due to gay men buying the doll in droves.[6]

Despite the commercial success of the doll, a public exposé[7] on the secret meaning of the "circular charm" as a gay sex toy from gay-community commentator Dan Savage in the Seattle, Washington alternative weekly newspaper The Stranger, led Mattel to discontinue Earring Magic Ken and recall the doll from stores.[3][8]

See also[]

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References[]

  1. ^ Jones, Amelia (2003). The Feminism and Visual Culture Reader. Routledge. p. 338. ISBN 0-415-26705-6.
  2. ^ Lawson, Carol (February 11, 1993). "Toys Will Be Toys: The Stereotypes Unravel". The New York Times. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b Haig, Matt (2005). Brand Failures: The Truth about the 100 Biggest Branding Mistakes of All Time. Kogan Page. pp. 45–47. ISBN 0-7494-3927-0.
  4. ^ Paley, Maggie (2000). The Book of the Penis. Grove Press. p. 197. ISBN 0-8021-3693-1.
  5. ^ Melendez, Mel (Fall 1997). "Show Me Your Billy". Prism. Archived from the original on February 20, 1998. Retrieved December 19, 2007.
  6. ^ http://www.manbehindthedoll.com/mbtd_earring.htm
  7. ^ Young, Bryan (July 24, 2017). "How Barbie's Boyfriend Ken Became an Accidental Gay Icon". HowStuffWorks.com. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  8. ^ Savage, Dan (July 22, 1993). "Ken Comes Out". Chicago Reader. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
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