There is a phrase commonly cited in discussions of gender politics: 'behind every great man, there's a great woman.' It is often true. History is full of stories of men who wouldn't have reached their full potential without the unflinching backing of their female partners. In some cases, it's unquantifiable: would Barack Obama, for example, have been as well-liked as President without the constant presence of the amiable yet sharp Michelle? In others, it's hidden in the shadows, like with artist Margaret Keane or author Colette, whose work was presented deceitfully to the world as the fruits of their husband's labours. There are countless examples. But the phrase does work when reversed too. There are, of course, men who have stepped back and supported the women in their lives, helping them transcend in their careers. Top of the list? Ken. Yes. Barbie's dutiful boyfriend.
Today, April 11th, is Ken's 60th birthday. Mattel has marked the occasion by enlisting Sam Thompson of Made In Chelsea fame to dress up in some of his best looks, a fun way to portray his fashion prowess. But Ken is more than a clothes horse. Six decades ago, this male doll hit shelves of toy shops across America, and has been a major presence in the market ever since. And arguably, he is the most prominent, globally recognisable example of male allyship. I genuinely can't think of anyone - bar Prince Philip - who has stood beside his more important, more successful partner for so long.
Ken - full name Kenneth Sean Carson, starsign: Pisces - met Barbie on the set of their first advert together in 1961. Sparks flew, which is presumably a problem when you're made of plastic. Two years and two days younger than Barbie, their relationship is a subversion of cliched and problematic tropes of older men pursuing younger women. He has also enjoyed a varied professional career - as a doctor, a tennis player, a fireman, a lifeguard, a pilot and even a barista - and has forged a niche as a fashion icon, having been a muse for Gareth Pugh and Jean Paul Gaultier. He has experimented with his appearance - moulded hair, real hair, facial hair, different body sizes and even skin colour - and has a diverse friendship circle including Brad, his first Black friend who debuted in 1970. He has been an undeniable poster boy for versatility, all the while staring adoringly at his inanimate soulmate, never expressing any hint of chauvinism, or asking her to give up her career so that she could stay at home with the children. Sure, he can't actually speak, but sometimes a man's silence is the most beautiful sound of all. And when he eventually found his voice - via an appearance in the beloved film Toy Story 3 - he was a model of metrosexuality: his love of fashion bordered on narcissism, but his love for Barbie always won out.
There have been blips, of course. Barbie and Ken broke up in 2004. But they accepted that they were made for each other - literally - in 2011, and reunited. At no point in Ken's history has he outshone his girlfriend or drawn focus from her.
Is it a little bit tragic that Ken comes to mind as one of the greatest male allies in history, even though he's not actually human? Yes, that does jar a bit. But maybe his presence on the global stage for sixty years has, in some way, shown little girls that they should be looking for partners who complement rather than dominate, and told little boys that there's no shame in being a woman's equal. And all the while, not a hair has been left out of place.
So happy birthday Ken. Barbie's Dream House would be a darker place without you.
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