text: if barbie is so popular, then why do you have to buy her friends?   barbie doll represents an imagination of young girl's all over the world.  barbie friends represent the barbie world's community.  girls can create her own seanario like barbie having date with ken, or going to see the movie with teresa, or having thanksgiving with her family.  barbie's friend and playset will help children to extend the imagination and learn to socialize with others in the real society.  popularity is just for market value, but imagination icon is for everyone.... agree? =)