I came across this photograph titled Girls, Barbies, Harlem, 1970 in an art museum that was showcasing some of the work of Camilo José Vergara. These young, impressionable girls are enjoying a day out on the stoop, playing with their collection of barbie dolls, and appearing to be discussing the details of their young lives. What spoke volumes to me is that not one of the pictured barbie dolls looks like the young girls who are playing with them. I couldn’t help but wonder what it was like growing up as an ethnic girl in Harlem in 1970, and if there were any impacts to their self awareness and self appreciation. Granted, there is absolutely nothing wrong with playing with a doll that portrays another race, but it had to be disheartening for their mothers not to be able to find a single barbie doll that their daughters could identify with. Thankfully, barbie dolls are now created in all shapes and colors, and there are even free dress up games available on the internet that girls can customize to look just the way they want.