ManBehindTheDoll.com is a collection of information and links about Ken, the doll.
Title
Keeping Ken
Description
It started off innocently, became an obsession then a crusade! I always wondered if starting a hobby in my free time was a good idea and searched awhile for something I wouldn't lose interest in. Then I remembered Ken®. He first showed up Christmas 1970, Independence, Missouri. He was a gift to my older sister Brenda when I was 6 years old. He was "New Good Lookin' Ken®" M#: 1124 BD: 1969; (pictured bottom) and I vividly remember everything about that Christmas. It was my favorite gift...and it wasn't even mine! My middle sister Missy got a P.J.® and they split a "Dream House" that was two levels. What a HAUL!! This was my first recollection of the fantasy world Barbie® can take you to and boy was I envious! Suddenly a boy had entered the world. Did this give me the liberty to play with Barbie's now? One thing's for sure...the Ken® sort of became MY toy. It became a bridge between my two older sisters in a world I secretly admired...but was not supposed to be included in. So I played with Ken®...AND Barbie®. Played with my sisters, my cousin Lisa and all the neighbor girls. My mother Claudette never questioned my play time and I love her dearly for that.
ABOVE: Forget that train set I received this Christmas, even as I grew older, I was still fascinated more with the presents my sisters got (like this doll furniture).
Fast forward 20+ years to Cedar Rapids, Iowa and you'll find me recapturing my youth by breaking down the taboo...Ken® can be for boys too! Isn't it time he got a little more attention? Didn't he turn 40 in 2001? After all, he's had great careers and put in almost as much time as his "girlfriend". In a world where you are considered only an "accessory," I think it's nice to know someone has great reverence for you!
