Mattel is expanding its cringe-worthy “diversified” Fashionista line of Barbie dolls with two new ones meant to appeal to those with disabilities.
The woke corporation is brazenly pandering to specific communities with disabilities. It announced on Tuesday that it would be releasing a “Blind Barbie” and a “Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome.” The dolls were developed by Mattel in partnership with nonprofit organizations, according to Fox Business.
“We recognize that Barbie is much more than just a doll. She represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging,” Krista Berger, who is the senior vice president of Barbie and the global head of dolls for Mattel, commented in a statement.
“We proudly introduce a new blind Barbie doll and Black doll with Down syndrome to our Barbie Fashionistas line, reinforcing our commitment to creating products that represent global belonging and inclusivity in the doll aisle,” she stated.
Barbie has announced two new additions to its growing line of diverse and inclusive dolls: the first ever blind Barbie and the first Black Barbie with Down syndrome. pic.twitter.com/5heuCWjFhs
— Sumner (@renmusb1) July 23, 2024
The nonprofits involved in the design of the dolls were the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).
According to Mattel’s press release, each doll will sell for $10.99.
“Blind Barbie is the first Barbie Fashionista doll with blindness, the doll’s description said. Its accessories include a ‘white and red cane with an identifiable marshmallow tip,’ as well as ‘stylish and functional sunglasses,’ the description also said. The design of the blind Barbie’s body is also different from that of other Barbie dolls, Mattel noted,” Fox Business wrote.
Ok, so we now have blind Barbie..
What next , deaf Barbie?
I hate to think what the pull string terrets Barbie will be like pic.twitter.com/B0e8Qxl725
— mark howsham (@MarkHowsham) July 23, 2024
“Unlike other Fashionista dolls, the blind Barbie doll includes elbow articulations to ensure comfortable cane use,” the press release continued noting that her eyes are “facing slightly up and out to accurately reflect the sometimes-distinct eye gaze of a blind individual.”
Blind Barbie dons a bright pink top and a purple tulle skirt. Mattel claims they tested the colors on children who were blind or had low vision. It would be interesting to know how you can test actual colors on those who cannot see them.
“With their guidance, Barbie designed the doll’s fashion to include a satiny pink blouse with a textured ruffle skirt for tactile interest,” the company remarked. “There is also a brightly colored high-contrast hook and loop fasteners for closure on the back of her top, as well as an elastic waistband on her skirt to make swapping Barbie’s outfit easier.”
The packaging is designed for blind and low-vision children. “Barbie” is written in braille on the box containing the doll and is easier to open.
“Our packaging team went back to the drawing board and came up with a new design featuring a tab to pull and open on the back of the box,” Mattel claimed. “When AFB received the updated package for testing, they said it made all the difference.”
Then there is the Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome. This Barbie has the same physical characteristics as the original Barbie with Down syndrome. Those include “a horizontal line across her palms, a flat nasal bridge and eyes that are ‘slightly slanted in an almond shape,'” Fox Business noted.
We are thrilled to announce the release of the first Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome! It is an honor to continue our partnership with @Mattel to expand representation for Down syndrome community in the toy aisle. Purchase yours at https://t.co/WoAgeqhDUF. pic.twitter.com/2rpqWEfd8V
— National Down Syndrome Society (@NDSS) July 23, 2024
“NDSS is thrilled to introduce a second Barbie doll with Down syndrome. Having this doll launched alongside the new Barbie doll with blindness marks another important step in expanding representation for the disability community,” Kandi Pickard, NDSS president and CEO, proclaimed in the press release.
According to NDSS, the doll’s dress contains symbols that are “meaningful” to the Down syndrome community.
“The blue and yellow color palette represents Down syndrome awareness,” the company said. “The three arrows in some of the hearts of the dress represent the third 21st chromosome that individuals with Down syndrome have.”
The doll’s hair has a “braided texture.” That was reportedly important to the Black Down syndrome community.
“We are proud to partner with Barbie as they grow to reflect our diverse and beautiful world,” Pickard gushed.
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