When did ken come out as gay

The case of Earring Magic Ken shows how marketing and focus groups can inadvertently create a kitsch classic. Mattel found this out the hard way. Notable lines Earring Magic Ken InEarring Magic Ken was released. The style of the doll was thought to resemble fashions and accessories worn by some segments of the gay community at the when did ken come out as gay, and "Earring Magic Ken" subsequently attained a cult following, becoming a collector's item.

[12]. The doll rocketed off the shelves, particularly because gay men, including Savage, hurried out to get their hands on one. Earring Magic Ken became the best-selling Ken doll of the early 90s due to its showy element. Before seeing Barbie, in theaters July 21, find out how Ken became the most iconic boy toy in history. Read more: Our cover story on Barbie.

The Melbourne Age reported in that Barbie’s boyfriend: “has finally come out of the closet.” After surveys revealed girls found Ken somewhat dated, Mattel tried to make him ‘cool’. They succeeded so well that the doll officially called Earring Magic Ken was more popularly known as Gay Ken. “The newest Ken Doll – Earring Magic Ken – is dressed in a purple nylon vest and. If you liked this story, check out the story behind this Barbie with vitiligo.

By: Bryan Young Updated: Jun 1, When asked him about it, he quickly emailed a brand-new photograph of it, sex toy and all, proving that it had left at least some impression — if nothing other than as a relic of a unique time in quickly changing American popular culture. The doll has a long history as a gay symbol, which stands to reason: minus a handle-bar moustache, he embodies the kind of beauty ideals that in the 70s and 80s would find you atop the sexual hierarchy of Fire Island.

Sponsored by Illinois Lottery July 2, July 2, That's because a panel of 5-year-olds when did ken come out as gay isn't sophisticated enough to parse the subversion of gender norms, to understand the flouting of when did ken come out as gay masculinity, to ken the coded language of underground fashion — or to predict the cluelessness of toy designers. But if you're sticking around beyond this paragraph, things get a little more adult.

InMattel had Barbie and Ken split up. It was directly after the height of the AIDS crisis in the United Statesand stigma around queer sexuality was rampant. Mobile Newsletter banner close. Hoards of gay men rushed out to buy it ironically, making it to this day the best-selling Ken doll of all time. And it is still giggle-worthy to this day: Mattel wanted Ken to be cool enough for Barbie, but instead accidentally made him gay.

While clueless moms picked up Earring Magic Ken for their kids, queer men flocked to toy stores, scooping up the doll accidentally modeled in their image. Can you solve it faster than others? The doll flew off the shelves, especially since gay men, including Savage, rushed out to buy a Ken doll. He is also, of course, extremely kitsch — a vibe which has always been popular among gay men.

Earring magic ken controversy

Ultimately, Savage thinks the Earring Magic Ken incident is more of an amusing cultural blip than some kind of important moment, noting that neither the doll nor the hubbub is well-known today. They wanted Barbie to stay with Ken, but wanted Ken to look a little cooler. Return to Homepage. The little girls of our great nation wanted a hipper Ken, and Mattel gave them a hip Ken. June 30, June 30, But her boyfriend is a bit bland, a true dork best known for wearing satin tuxedos.

Solve the daily Crossword 25, people played the daily Crossword recently. It only mattered that Ken was wearing a super sexual necklace, a mesh lavender shirt and had his left ear pierced. We reached out to Mattel for comment when did ken come out as gay times — to find out just how well the doll sold and whether it remains the No. Perhaps you'd like to read about solar eclipses, or how 3-D printing works? The resulting product, Earring Magic Ken, went down in history as one of the most disastrous marketing decisions of all time.

Pricing and availability are subject to change. When Barbie is released next summer, we are sure to see the continuation of this rich tradition. But Mattel's choice for Ken's necklace would cause a row that the company would soon regret.