Commodifying cultures and traditions

Commodification refers to turning an idea, value, item, belief into a commodity for the purpose of profit. Differences in cultural and religious values exert a considerable influence on the process of commodification. 

Barbie - Original American Style

Based on a study in USA on the issue of the commodification of Islam, I have found out that Barbie doll, which is America’s famous cultural icon, is now transformed and being associated with religious value of the Islam. Muslims are criticizing Barbie for subverting female piety, decency and morality. This emerging phenomenon has created an increasing demand for the morally acceptable hijabi doll. 

Indeed, there are issues and concerns on whether these hijabi dolls which are transformed from Barbie dolls are categorized as decent and moral, and whether it would exert an influence on young Muslim girls. However, putting aside the issue, Barbie dolls have indeed been commodified as the new Muslim dolls, with clothing and accessories which are accepted by the Muslims. 

Hijabi Dolls - Commodified Islamic Dolls

Hijab, simply refers to veil and these Hijabi Dolls are being packaged and marketed by entrepreneurs as “Islamic Dolls” or “Muslim Dolls”. Through this, a new meaning for doll has emerged, changing an innocent toy into a powerful symbol for religious correctness and piety. 

The dolls are also symbols which bring up a necessary debate on the significance and implications of religious commodification. 

Personally, I feel that different countries have different culture and traditions, and should not be criticized by others. Commodification is hard to avoid, as more and more scheming traders are coming up with more items to be commodified. Nonetheless, if one country is strong in his own culture stand, commodification would not cause much of an influence to them.