INTERNATIONAL toy company Mattel has officially released its first Barbie doll with Down syndrome, which it said is meant to “allow even more children to see themselves in Barbie, as well as have Barbie reflect the world around them.”
/Mattel.com)
Mattel said it worked with the National Down Syndrome Society to design this doll to celebrate the community.
Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls, said the release of the Down syndrome Barbie is meant to “counter social stigma through play.”
“Our goal is to enable all children to see themselves in Barbie, while also encouraging children to play with dolls who do not look like themselves,” McKnight said in a statement.
This could teach children understanding and help them develop a greater sense of empathy, she said.
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The doll’s features
According to Mattel, this new Barbie has a shorter frame and longer torso to be more illustrative of women with Down syndrome. Her features also include a face with a rounder shape, smaller ears, a flat nasal build, and eyes slightly slanted in an almond shape.
The doll’s palms also have a single line, which is a characteristic associated with those with Down syndrome.
She has blonde hair and is wearing a floral dress with puff sleeves. Mattel said it incorporated the use of butterflies in the doll’s outfit as it is a symbol of Down syndrome. The blue and yellow colors represent awareness.
She has a pink pendant necklace with three arrows, which represent the third 21st chromosome that people with Down syndrome have. The arrows are pointed outwards to represent rising up and moving forward.
The doll is also wearing pink ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) to help her as she walks. Mattel noted that some children with Down syndrome use AFOs to support their feet and ankles.
The doll is included in the Barbie Fashionistas line, which seeks to celebrate diversity.
A welcome move
Positive responses greeted the release of this new Barbie doll.
Kandi Pickard, President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society, thanked her team and Barbie for helping raise awareness with this collaboration. It benefits the Down syndrome community and the disability community, she said.
“This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them. This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating,” she said in a separate statement.
A parent with daughters who have Down syndrome also shared how happy she is that her children felt represented.
British model Ellie Goldstein, who has Down syndrome, said she loves the new doll because it’s like her.
“It looks like me, and it’s beautiful, and I love it to pieces,” Goldstein said.
The push for inclusivity and diversity
Throughout the years, Mattel has been working to improve its line of Barbie dolls to make it more inclusive.
The release of the Barbie Fashionistas is one such move toward this goal. The dolls in this line are designed to reflect the world kids see today while also showcasing bright and trendy styles. The inclusion of different skin tones, eye colors, hair colors, body types, and dolls with disabilities helps empower kids with these traits.
Kids may choose from different Barbies and Kens. There is a Ken doll with a wheelchair, a Ken with twisted black Hair, a Barbie with curly brown hair, a Barbie with a wheelchair, a Barbie with a curvy body, and many more!
These are intended to make kids feel represented.
Meanwhile, there is also a forthcoming Barbie live action movie that is expected to promote feminism and women empowerment.
