Barbie launches their first Barbie Doll with Down Syndrome, furthering “commitment to celebrating inclusion through play.”
Lifestyle
Barbie just released their first “most diverse doll on the market”: Barbie Doll with Down Syndrome.
Children have the capability to soak up anything we teach them. Barbie Toys by Mattel, celebrates inclusivity today with their release of another beautiful doll looking the same, but different.
Barbie, Barbara Millicent Roberts, was “born” on March 9th, 1959, her “birth” put Barbie directly in a 19-year-old’s body; Blue eyes; High heels; Blonde hair, and a very desirable physique. It wasn’t until 1980 that Mattel named their first Barbie doll of color (black and Hispanic) dollie Barbie.
Over the years, Barbie has created the most diverse line of dolls with over 175 variations of eye color, hair, skin tones, and hair styles for children to choose and see themselves in. Collectors can fetch a few thousand for first editions of dolls but generally, pricing is between $15 to $40 per Barbie doll.
The Barbie Fashionista Line features 176 dolls with nine different body types, 35 skin tones, and 94 hairstyles in both male and female dolls. Barbie Doll Fashionista with Down Syndrome joins the family.
Mattel Barbie dolls have reigned the toy industry for decades, each doll has a story attached to their character and also amongst themselves, not to mention kids playing create their own stories.
Creator Ruth Handler christened the doll Barbara Millicent Roberts after her daughter, but not all Barbie Dolls are called Barbie. Barbie and her sisters: Chelsea, Stacie and Skipper, play with their extensive list of friends and make time for their immediate and extended family. Just like any good relationship, Barbie and Ken (Kenneth Sean Carson) had a “short break” and got back together in 2011.
Hot gossip is that Barbie had “a very busy year” in 2004, which provoked Barbie and Ken’s split up after a good 43-year run. Not to mention Ken was left behind for a surfer from Down Under named Blaine – perfectly fitting.
Although the most controversial underlying issue for Barbie has always been her looks. Why? Many argued Barbie’s unrealistic curves promoted body issues and unhealthy habits.
Barbie with Down Syndrome is not the brand’s first inclusive Barbie, in 1997 the Barbie Fashionista Doll #166 with Wheel Chair and crimped long beautiful brunette hair made the brand’s extensive list of Barbie dolls.
Barbie Fashionistas Doll #189, Prosthetic Leg
“We are proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play,” said Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls Mattel.
Barbie with Down Syndrome is accurately represented with help from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). The doll features a shorter frame with a longer torso, rounder-shaped face, smaller ears, almond eyes and flat nasal bridge.
Kandi Pickard, NDSS President and CEO 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.”
There are three types of Down Syndrome: Trisomy 21, Mosaism and Translocation. There is no way to prevent Down Syndrome, nor is it always hereditary. Barbie with Down Syndrome has Trisomy 21. Down Syndrome is named for the English physician John Langdon Down.
Barbie is more than a doll.
So why is this new Barbie so important? According to NDSS, there is a 1 in 350 chance of a child being conceived with Down Syndrome if the mother is over 35; Increasing to 1 in 100 for women over 40; instances becoming a closer 1 in 30 for women over 45. With couples waiting to start a family later on in life because of career or finances, people born with extra chromosome are expected to increase. “Doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience can teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy, leading to a more accepting world,” said McKnight.
“The Lucky Few”
Barbie with Down Syndrome’s accessories is nothing short of fabulous too. The doll’s short dress is patterned with bright blue and yellow flowers, colors that are associated with Down Syndrome awareness, in between cute butterfly prints. The doll wears a bright pink necklace in the shape of three upward arrows, representing chromosome 21 three times copied and a symbol that unites the Down Syndrome community.
The Barbie Fashionista Doll with Down Syndrome also wears light pink ankle foot orthotics (AFOs), worn commonly for foot and ankle support.
Barbie with Down Syndrome was reviewed by medical professionals.
No matter how old you are, Barbie somehow always makes it back to your house, and if not Barbie, then the Mattel family of iconic brands: Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®.
At Fueler we celebrate inclusion.
Barbie Doll Fashionista with Down Syndrome. Barbie celebrates inclusivity.
