On Jan. 28, Time Magazine release a cover story revealing the new collection of 2016 Barbie dolls. According to Barbie Media, Barbie’s first launching was in March of 1959, yet the doll remains largely the same in design today as in 1959 and has still been portrayed as an image of American beauty: a petite figure with curves in all the right places.

But the 2016 line praises a variety of body shapes and ethnicities, making the doll more accessible. For over 50 years Mattel Inc. has been making adjustments and additions to its products to fulfill the requests of the public.

In 1959, Barbie was introduced as a Caucasian woman in a zebra-print bathing suit with a choice between the blonde-haired beauty and the brunette. The original doll was 11.5 inches tall, giving it a height of 5 feet 9 inches on a one-sixth scale. According to research by the University Central Hospital in Helsinki, Finland, Barbie’s vital statistics were estimated at 36 inches (chest), 18 inches (waist) and

33 inches (hips).

While many children came to love the toy, the reality of the body measurements caused social controversy. The issue centered on the concern that many children do not consider Barbie as just a toy, but also as a role model.

With Barbie promoting an unrealistic body image, there was significant risk that children would go beyond healthy measures to imitate her physically. Mattel Inc. responded to consumer criticism by remodeling the body in 1997; Barbie’s breasts were reduced in size and her waist was thickened.

Yet, there were many other issues called into question with the toy manufacture such as its releasing of the so-called first African American Barbie, Francie, in 1967. The Conversation blog explained the doll as an exact replica of the original Barbie, only with darker skin.

Noticing she lacked many characteristics of African American women, Mattel Inc. launched a new black doll styled for superstar Diana Ross in 1980. It wasn’t until September 2009 that Mattel Inc. created a Barbie collection that depicted more realistic features of black people.

Given the history of Barbie and Mattel culturally inclusive challenges, it is no surprise the ‘new body’ story reflected widespread excitement. Barbie is finally becoming part of the everyday world of imperfect women who are not models, actresses or superstars.

Barbie now offers girls a realistic and recognizable image to identify with. The 2016 Barbie collection includes four body shapes, seven skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles.

Growing up in the 90s, my peers and I weren’t granted this selection. As stated in the Creighton mission, “… appreciation of ethnic and cultural diversity are core values of Creighton,” and as a student here, the evolution of Barbie is certainly something I stand by.

However, there’s one question I cannot seem to avoid: why did it take 57 years to create a collection relative to people of all sizes and races? It only makes me wonder what Mattel’s true intentions are. Was the 2016 Barbie collection created out of desire to be inclusive, or was the company running out of ways to keep up with competitors? Was this done for social reasons or to be ahead of the compeition?

For quite some time, Barbie has been overlooked by consumers of baby dolls, Disney princess merchandise and other dolls in the market. Forbes Magazine reported in 2014 that Frozen merchandise and Elsa dolls outsold Barbie.

In addition to the ongoing rivalry between Mattel’s Barbie dolls and MGA Entertainment’s Bratz dolls, there was a lawsuit supporting MGA Entertainment in 2011. According to the Los Angeles Times, Mattel was ordered to pay $310 million dollars to MGA for attorney fees and stealing trade secrets.

It would be nice to believe the 2016 Barbie collection was released for efforts of cultural diversity and acknowledgement, but its timeliness seems a bit ironic. After being sued for a great amount of money, the development team is likely desperate to bring more money in.

Aside from all the media attention, creating a variety of body shapes for dolls requires a wide range of clothes and wardrobe for the dolls as well, since Barbie’s original outfits can’t be shared across different sizes. Does the new body story represent clever marketing and business rather than a transition to an image of reality and acceptance?

You may have to decide for yourself.