Black Barbies receive mixed response
Posted on October 21, 2009
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Do you happen to know Grace, Kara and Trichelle ? No, they aren’t some girls you can go checking out, but the new Barbie BFFs “So In Style” line of dolls. The distinct feature of these dolls are that they are designed having fuller lips, curlier hair and other features that the company says more accurately represent African-American women. The designer, Stacy McBride-Irby, mother of a 6-year old, said that she designed the doll keeping in view that her daughter gets to play with something that is more like her.
However, these dolls have been receiving lots of criticism as well. Some people believe that they are not in conformity with real Black features. The dolls reflect varying skin tones — light brown, chocolate, and caramel — and Trichelle and Kianna have curlier hair. But, it seems like it is not being accepted as quintessentially black. Many people have criticized the dolls for either having hair that’s too long or too straight. More natural black hairstyles, such as afros or braids might be required.
It is not only the hair that is getting all the attention, but people are also concerned about the dolls’ thin framework. Author Kumea Shorter-Gooden feels that it will have a negative imapct on black girls who are already struggling with messages that,
“black skin is not pretty or their hair is too kinky and short”.
Some have cheered the new dolls, others jeered them. Though, Mattel doesn’t release sales figures. But Michelle Chidoni of Mattel said the dolls are resonating with girls of all colors and ages. They are planning to extend the line this new year with Rocawear clothing, new dolls Chandra and her little sister Zahara, and Darren, who will have a little brother he mentors.
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