So In Style Barbie
I have to admit, I’m a bit jealous that it’s not 1984 and time for me to get my first Barbie, but on a brighter note, Christmas shopping just got a whole lot easier!
Toy giant Mattel, recently introduced the So In Style Barbie doll, and I am genuinely very happy about this. Why? Because the dolls are black! Not only are they black, but they have black features, like a wider nose, and fuller lips, and are not just painted versions of existing Barbie dolls, like the original black Barbies from the ‘80’s. They tried to make them in the image of today’s little black girls, which I think should be applauded.
I know many of you can relate to growing up playing with dolls and watching TV shows with characters that looked nothing like you. I had Barbies and Cabbage Patch Kids but the closest character I had that was a bit different from the “norm” was Scarlett from G.I. Joe because she had red hair, so this is definitely a long over due step in the right direction.
As with every Barbie, the dolls have a back-story. The line features Kara, Trichelle, and Grace; three best friends who are into fashion, fun, and music. Each doll is very book-smart and comes with a little sister to encourage mentoring and big-sisterhood in the little girls who play with them.
S.I.S Barbie, because it’s Barbie, is fashionable and has long, flowing “good hair” (read: weave-ish) that can either be curled or straightened with a spritz of H20. S.I.S Barbie’s hair will undoubtedly be discussed in the usual circles given the current “climate” (if I may) with Chris Rock’s new documentary, Tyra Banks making an issue of taking out her weave, and Solange Knowles cutting her hair off. They could have thrown in a girl with a short curly ‘fro or dreadlocks, but I digress. One step at a time. Little girls will be scalping these dolls in no time anyway.
Asian, and East Indian dolls next? Hmm, Mattel?
I was in Toys R’ Us recently looking for a present for a little girl and I was in the Barbie section and totally fell in love with them. I want to start collecting Barbie dolls because some of them are just so pretty (fashion-wise). My parents rarely bought toys for us when we were little and the 3 Barbie’s I had were all gifts but they each only had one shoe because I kept on losing them.
Hey Josette! I think it’s SO GREAT that you brought up Barbie in terms of it’s social context FIRST instead of the fashion part. I’m so glad that you pointed out the features of this new Barbie resembling closer to it’s actual ethnicity rather than just producing “brown” Barbies, as you’ve pointed out.
I definitely agree with you that this black Barbie SHOULD have dreadlocks or ‘fros and even some traditional outfits (did you know Indian Barbie wears a sari? They were forced to re-brand after American Barbie didn’t do so well in India! UNFORTUNATELY, Indian Barbie is still white. :| There’s some other story behind it, but I’m getting off-topic.. :P) with lesser-Americanized names, but as you said, it takes time! Hurray! Let’s continue moving one step forward, Mattel! Although I am not too fond of the Barbie phenomenon because of what it represents, I agree that if little girls MUST play with Barbies, they shouldn’t be brainwashed into the stereotypical, “idealized” image of the “universal woman.” :)
Hey Katy – they’re gorgeous but they’re expensive! I was never a Barbie kid for some reason though, there was something about the plastic that turned me off. Was more of a plush animals kid :)
And thanks for your comments Sandy, I always love those insights that you have and the backgrounds that you provide ;) Thanks so much for taking the time to write it out!
Asian Barbie next, please!
Thank you so much for the comments ladies!
Yes Sandy, I thought it was very important to talk about Barbie in terms of it’s social context….I love that there’s a black version but really, there’s still some way to go. I try not to buy dolls for kids that aren’t reflective of they’re own culture..but I think it’s fun Mattel made them fashionable and cute!
I think this is quite interesting and I do like on top of the facial features you’ve mentioned, the varying skin tones. The whole issue of lighter vs. darker skin tones have played a role not only in America but also places like Jamaica (and I’m sure parts of Asia with lighter vs darker) and it’s nice to see they’ve taken to reflect that in the dolls.
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