Mattel's New Line of Black Barbies Receive Mixed Reviews
It's long been established that the traditional Barbie doll does not accurately represent the adult female form, and that the proportions are out of whack. Now that Mattel has launched a new line of black Barbies to appeal to those of African descent, they are receiving the same kind of criticism that the regular old white Barbie has been getting for years - that they don't authentically represent black women.
While many are pleased that their daughters can play with Barbie dolls that look more like them, others point out that the the line of "So in Style" black Barbies do not represent all black women. Some argue that they look more liked mixed race women, and features like afros, kinky hair, and more flattened noses and large lips noticeably absent. Instead, it is argued that the dolls look more like the black women featured in hip-hop videos - slim with small noses and straightened hair. Many say that they should have more natural black hairstyles, like braids and afros.
Others, however, point out that many black women in fact do straighten their hair. So in that sense, it is not an inaccurate representation.
The dolls were created by Stacy McBride-Irby, an African American who watched her daughter play with dolls and wanted to come up with a doll that looked more like her. She said she has heard the criticisms, but has also received a lot of praise:
"They mean so much to me because they did come from a positive place. My daughter loves the dolls. I've had dads thank me for creating this line of dolls that represent their little girls. These dolls are for girls all over the world."
Comments
Fun time is just that. Now Barbie's world is taking on the real world. Barbie playtime consist of postive real world experiences. Expanding ones Barbie collection, Yeah. One Barbie sharing her experience with another Barbie. True fun and in Barbie's world. Who knew. Great clothing and fun places and things to do. Oh yeah, nice hairstyles to encounter. Thanks
I don't know a lot of white Barbies that look like white girls I know, so I'm not sure Barbie's exactly going for accuracy in any race. I love Barbies anyway, so rock on Barbie. Rock on.
most Americans prefer White women and find Michelle Obama not pretty, this is no surprise as America is largely White, so why put a BLACK barbie in there? Please can mattel stop the Obamania, no black dolls please
Don't hate.....appreciate! Most Ameicans DO NOT prefer white women. Michelle Obama is an attractive lady and may I add a very intelligent lady. For the first time in a long time, we have finally gotten a President and first lady that represent values and good morals. Can you let our little girls enjoy baby dolls that look like them. I don't think that's to much to ask for. The difference between people like you and me is that we don't complain when it comes to change. We take change and deal with it and have put up with it for many years. CHANGE IS HERE!
@Guest 5:54: How in the world did the Obama's get into this conversation?
Does this look like a political forum to you?
We're talking about B-A-R-B-I-E.
Anyway, this issue isn't about 'white women' or even 'white people'...so I don't get how they found their way into the topic.
...and who in the h*ll cares what 'most white people' in America prefer?
*laugh*
Get over yourself. This is dialogue among BLACK people about BLACK people. Maybe it's an issue of poor comprehension skills...I dunno -- but you don't seem able to grasp the point of the article. You can't even stay on topic for going off on an Obama tangent!
...and y'know -- I get so dang bloody sick of 'outsiders-looking-in' forever trying to 'weigh in' with their silly a** opinions. You're not of the culture...so why talk about things you know nothing about? You have no point of reference. You don't know what you're talking about.
Just tend to your own business and culture and BUTT OUT!
...because you definitely aren't improving the quality of the conversation on this end.
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