Great Moments In Journalism: Does Barbie Have Cankles?

If there’s one thing that the media likes, it’s investigating trends with cutesy names: “freegans,” cougars,” “sexting,” and now, “cankles.” Designer Christian Louboutin set off a firestorm when he told WWD that Barbie’s ankles are “too fat.” Insensitive comment, there may have been a language barrier, etc. But it went on and on. Lots of outlets covered this, but as noted media theorists Fark pointed out, one network took it to the next level, hitting the streets and conducting a flurry of interviews:CBS HD News interviewed at least 8 people to solve this pressing dilemma, including 6 (!) man-on-the-street interviews. None of them thought that Barbie had cankles, although a Polish tourist thought that she had “smaller breasts… than she used to,” and an unnamed New Yorker said there was something wrong with her bootie (maybe he was speaking on condition of anonymity?).

A highlight:

The whole idea of fat ankles didn’t quite ring true with New Yorkers. 

“I don’t even know what you’re talking about,” McGruder said.

Here’s the Early Show segment on the controversy:

(via Fark)

Related: For the body conscious, ‘cankles’ offer another obsession [CNN Health]

Couric on Cankles [CJR]

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