Welcome to the History Tricks where any resemblance to a boring old history lesson is purely coincidental.

Hello! Did you hear, I say, kind of sarcastically.

The live-action Barbie movie directed by Greta Gerwig is opening this week.

It's a Barbie world out there and we are so here for it.

Beckett and I both started thinking about our coverage of Barbie that we did a few years back

in the history of this icon as well as the history of the woman who created her.

Ruth Handler.

You know, it feels like we are all Barbie girls right now.

So let's don our pink even if it's not Wednesday and listen to the history of Barbie.

On with the show.

And here is your 30-second summary.

Although she's made of plastic, this American icon has reflected the culture in which she grew up

for better or for worse.

And in her teeny tiny cha cha heels, she's walked straight into our hearts.

The End.

Let's talk about Barbie.

But first let's drop her into history.

In 1959, Hawaii and Alaska became U.S. states.

Both of the clown and Disney sleeping beauty both premiered.

Motown records was formed and Charles de Gaulle became president of France.

16-year-old Jimmy Hendrix played his first gig and was subsequently kicked out of the band

for his wild unusual guitar playing.

...