New Toys Reflect Diverse Bodies

New Toys Reflect Diverse Bodies

Posted on January 28, 2016 at 11:22 am

Copyright LEGO 2016
Copyright LEGO 2016

This is progress. Barbie dolls will now come in diverse shapes, skin colors, and sizes, including petite and curvy. And LEGO is introducing disabled characters, including one in a wheelchair.

Copyright Mattel 2016
Copyright Mattel 2016

It is wonderful that children will be able to play with toys that reflect and validate their own lives and the world around them.

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Disabilities and Different Abilities Gender and Diversity Race and Diversity Toys

Another #Epicfail for Barbie — And a Non-Barbie Alternative

Posted on November 22, 2014 at 8:00 am

Copyright Mattel 2014
Copyright Mattel 2014

Remember when Teen Talk Barbie got in trouble for saying “Math is hard?” Well, Mattel did not get the memo because a new Barbie book intended to encourage girls’ interest in STEM subjects like computer programming completely misses the point. Daily Dot reports that a new book about how great it is that Barbie is a computer engineer is really about how Barbie can do some game design but when it comes time to actual programming or dealing with a virus she needs boys to come over and do it for her.

“I’m only creating the design ideas,” Barbie says, laughing. “I’ll need Steven and Brian’s help to turn it into a real game!”

Mattel has apologized and withdrawn the book. They said “The portrayal of Barbie in this specific story doesn’t reflect the Brand’s vision for what Barbie stands for. We believe girls should be empowered to understand that anything is possible and believe they live in a world without limits. We apologize that this book didn’t reflect that belief. All Barbie titles moving forward will be written to inspire girl’s imaginations and portray an empowered Barbie character.” But it is mind-boggling that it was actually written, produced, and marketed. There’s a nice remix of the book online — Mattel should think about issuing this version instead.

Meanwhile, Lammily has produced a Barbie alternative who has a realistic body and has options that include cellulite, stretch marks, freckles, acne, glasses, temporary tattoo, scratches, bruises, cast, mosquito bites and dirt stains.

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Books Commentary Gender and Diversity

Barbie’s Bald Friend

Posted on April 21, 2012 at 3:58 pm

Mattel has announced that they will make a bald fashion doll, a “friend of Barbie,” to give to children with cancer and illnesses that cause hair loss, following a Facebook campaign co-founded by the mother of a girl who became bald following cancer treatment.  The doll will not be sold; Mattel will distribute the doll in children’s hospitals and other treatment centers.  She will come with wigs, hats, and scarves “to provide girls with a traditional fashion play experience.”  This is a wonderful idea; I know girls will be comforted to have a doll who shares their experience.

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Not specified
‘Nerd’ Barbie?

‘Nerd’ Barbie?

Posted on February 18, 2010 at 8:00 am

barbie-computerengineer2-194x300.jpgWhile Ken is walking his little dog in Palm Beach, Barbie is crunching code as a computer engineer. Wired reports that the latest Barbie has a laptop and a bluetooth earpiece. Created in cooperation with the Society of Women Engineers and the National Academy of Engineering, Barbie is now the essence of “geek chic.” She wears classes and has a t-shirt featuring binary code. And of course her laptop is pink!

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Commentary Understanding Media and Pop Culture
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