In a world where diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly important, it’s surprising how often certain communities remain underrepresented in mainstream media and toys.
But what if the most iconic doll brand in the world could change that? Mattel, known for its beloved Barbie dolls, just made a bold move that is making waves. With their new Barbie, they’re not only reinventing the iconic doll, but they’re also bringing much-needed representation to the fore.
This new Barbie isn’t just about beauty standards; it’s about showcasing the beauty of all differences. Read on to find out how Mattel is leading the fight for more inclusive and empowering gaming experiences!
Representation is a critical issue today, and many companies strive to represent minorities and communities that are often overlooked. Mattel once again leads the way with a new Barbie doll. Read on to learn more!
On Tuesday, Mattel unveiled its first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome.
The doll is part of Mattel’s Barbie Fashionistas collection, which promotes diversity and aims to combat the stigma surrounding physical disabilities and their portrayal as “undesirable”.
Previous dolls in this collection have included one with a prosthetic leg, another with hearing aids, a Barbie in a wheelchair, and a Barbie with vitiligo, a skin condition that causes patches of discoloration.
Mattel worked closely with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to ensure the doll was as accurate as possible. NDSS helped with the doll’s features, shape, clothing, accessories, and packaging. Down syndrome is a genetic condition that affects cognitive abilities and can lead to learning disabilities ranging from mild to severe, as well as facial abnormalities.
Kandi Pickard, President and CEO of NDSS, expressed how meaningful the move is to the community, stating, “It means so much to our community to be able to play with a Barbie doll that looks just like them for the first time.” She continued, “This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It’s a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment to celebrate.”
When children play with dolls, they develop empathy and social skills that help them better understand themselves and the world around them. Mattel is proud to partner with NDSS to introduce this Barbie doll with Down syndrome, marking a significant moment in inclusivity.
While Mattel has faced criticism in the past for pushing unrealistic beauty standards for girls, it has made significant strides toward diversity in recent years. After experiencing declining sales, Mattel introduced a wider line of dolls in 2016 with more body types, skin tones, eye colors, and hairstyles. Three years later, the Fashionistas line debuted, offering even more diverse options.
The new Down syndrome Barbie was created with the input of medical professionals and features a unique face and body shape that reflects the common characteristics of women with Down syndrome. These include a shorter frame, longer torso, rounder face, smaller ears, flat bridge of the nose, and almond-shaped eyes. In addition, the doll has a single line on her palm, a characteristic often associated with Down syndrome.
This Barbie also wears pink ankle braces to match her dress, representing how some children with Down syndrome use braces to support their legs and ankles. Her sneakers are designed with a zipper to reflect this even more.
The doll’s dress features butterflies and the colors yellow and blue, which are widely used to raise awareness of Down syndrome. Another key detail is the doll’s pink pendant, which displays three upward-pointing trusses – a symbol representing three copies of chromosome 21, the genetic factor that causes Down syndrome.
Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s executive vice president and global director of Barbie & Dolls, emphasized the company’s commitment to inclusion, saying, “Our goal is to empower all children to see themselves in Barbiewhile encouraging them to play with dolls that may they don’t look like them.
Playing with a doll outside of a child’s own life experience can teach understanding and foster greater empathy. We are proud to introduce Barbie with Down Syndrome to better reflect the world around us and to continue to promote inclusion through play.”
In conclusion, Mattel’s initiative to create a Barbie with Down syndrome is a gratifying step towards ensuring that all children feel included and celebrated. This move embraces the diversity of beauty and ensures that everyone is represented. Share this exciting news with others to spread awareness about the new Barbie!
The introduction of the first-ever Barbie with Down syndrome is a powerful step towards promoting inclusion and representation in the world of toys. By working closely with the National Down Syndrome Society and ensuring that the doll accurately reflects the physical characteristics of people with Down syndrome, Mattel has created a toy that not only promotes diversity but also helps break down barriers and challenge stereotypes.
This initiative is proof that it is important to see ourselves in the toys we play with and sends a positive message to children about the beauty of diversity of all kinds. As we continue to celebrate inclusivity, Mattel’s new Barbie serves as a great reminder that representation matters and every child deserves to see themselves in the dolls they love.