Mattel Inc. introduced a brand new Barbie doll with Down syndrome. It was created to provide extra youngsters a possibility to see themselves in Barbie, the corporate mentioned.


Mattel


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Mattel

Mattel Inc. introduced a brand new Barbie doll with Down syndrome. It was created to provide extra youngsters a possibility to see themselves in Barbie, the corporate mentioned.

Mattel

The first Barbie doll representing an individual with Down syndrome was launched by Mattel “to allow even more children to see themselves in Barbie,” the corporate mentioned.

“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,” Lisa McKnight, the chief vp and world head of Barbie & dolls at Mattel, mentioned in a press release.

In the previous, Mattel’s Barbie has been criticized for spreading unrealistic magnificence requirements for the kids who play with the doll. In latest years, the corporate has moved to deviate from that popularity by providing extra numerous dolls. It began making Barbie and Ken dolls with wheelchairs, vitiligo, listening to aids, and prosthetic limbs. The firm unveiled its “most diverse doll line” in its 2023 Fashionistas lineup, which incorporates the doll with Down syndrome.

“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. 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,” McKnight mentioned.

Barbie labored with the National Down Syndrome Society with a purpose to precisely characterize an individual with Down syndrome. That included shaping the doll’s physique to incorporate a shorter body and longer torso and a spherical face that options smaller ears and almond-shaped, slanted eyes, the NDSS mentioned of their announcement.

The doll wears a yellow and blue gown with butterflies, all symbols related to Down syndrome consciousness, in line with NDSS.

Even the doll’s pink necklace has particular that means. Its three upward chevrons are supposed to characterize “the three copies of the 21^st chromosome, which is the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome,” in line with the group.

NDSS President and CEO Kandi Pickard mentioned within the group’s assertion, “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.”

Ellie Goldstein, a British mannequin with Down Syndrome, took to Instagram in a partnership with Mattel to share how necessary seeing the doll was to her.

“When I saw the doll I felt so emotional, and proud. It means a lot to me that children will be able to play with the doll and learn that everyone is different. I am proud that Barbie chose me to show the dolls to the world,” she wrote on Instagram. “Diversity is important as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away, Barbie will help make this happen.”

The Barbie doll with Down syndrome will probably be out there at main retailers this summer time and fall for $10.99.