Question

To what extent does barbie symbolize american culture to muslim iran? how is this an example of the power of global commerce?

Answer 1

Barbie symbolizes American culture to a great extent. Some of the reasons for this are: 

- it is a toy that is highly attractive to children, so there is a pressure (from the children to the parents ) to buy it
- it is not a toy that is wearing Islamic clothing, so the children would be exposed to western clothing at a young age
- it has a potential to influence self-image among children, and if they associate Barbie with a self-image, then their self-image will be that of a western person.

It shows the power of a global commerce because a doll that is made for an American market is crossing physical and cultural boundries - showing us the power of globalisation (new products can penetrate other cultures easier than ideas)<span />