These days, representation is a significant topic. Many businesses today make sure to include minorities and underrepresented communities. And with their new Barbie, Mattel is once again in the forefront. To find out more, continue reading!
Mattel unveiled the first-ever Barbie with Down syndrome on Tuesday.
The doll is a part of Mattel’s Barbie Fashionistas series, which celebrates diversity in an effort to combat the stereotype that people with physical limitations are “undesirable.”
A prosthetic limb doll, a Barbie with hearing aids, a wheelchair-wielding Barbie, and a Barbie with vitiligo—a skin ailment that results in color loss in parts of the skin—were among the earlier dolls released as part of the range.
To ensure that the doll was accurate, Mattel claimed to have worked closely with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). To ensure the representation was as accurate as possible, they conferred with the NDSS regarding the doll’s shape, characteristics, clothing, accessories, and packaging. Down syndrome is a hereditary disorder that impacts cognitive functioning and may result in mild to severe learning impairments. There are facial features associated with the illness as well.
“This means so much for our community, who for the first time can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them,” said Kandi Pickard, president and CEO of NDSS, in a statement. “This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation,” the speaker continued. We are applauding this significant advancement for inclusivity.
NDSS Fashionista Doll x Barbie
Because playing with dolls helps kids develop empathy and social skills that may help them better understand and empower others as well as themselves, we are thrilled to be launching the first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society.According to Kandi Pickard, President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society, “this means so much for our community.” “The importance of representation should never be undervalued. It is a significant advancement for inclusivity.bit.ly/diversity-barbie
Although Mattel has only lately placed more of an emphasis on diversity, the company has long faced criticism for encouraging unattainable beauty standards for girls worldwide.
Mattel changed the makeup of their dolls after observing a little drop in sales. Four body kinds, seven skin tones, twenty-two eye colors, and twenty-four hairstyles were added in 2016. They introduced further diversity with the Fashionista line, which was debuted three years later.
Mattel claimed that medical experts had examined their dolls. The new doll has a redesigned face and body sculpt that represents ladies with Down syndrome, such as a longer torso and a smaller frame. Along with these features, the face is rounder, with smaller ears, a flat nasal bridge, and almond-shaped, slightly slanted eyes.
Additionally, the doll has a single line on its palm, which Mattel explained is a feature frequently associated with individuals who have Down syndrome.
The toy company Mattel hopes to expand its well-known doll line by introducing the first Barbie with Down syndrome.
The most recent Barbie is dressed in pink ankle-foot orthotics. Since some children with Down syndrome require orthotics to support their feet and ankles, her sneakers have a zipper to symbolize those individuals. Take a look at this Down syndrome Barbie.
The new Barbie dress is colored blue and yellow with butterflies; these hues are meant to raise awareness of Down syndrome.
The doll’s pink pendant necklace, which features three upward chevrons—a sign that connects the Down syndrome community—is another small detail worth noticing. The three copies of the 21st chromosome, which is the genetic material responsible for the traits linked to Down syndrome, are represented by this symbol.
“We want every child to be able to identify with Barbie and be inspired to play with dolls that don’t look like them,” stated Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and worldwide head of Barbie & dolls at Mattel.
“A youngster can learn comprehension and develop a stronger sense of empathy through doll play that is not based on their own lived experience. To strengthen our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play and to better reflect the world around us, we are happy to offer a Barbie doll with Down syndrome, the spokesperson continued.
Overall, I think Mattel is doing a great job with this campaign to ensure that kids feel included and that all forms of beauty are appreciated! Tell people about the new Barbie by sharing this with them!
