Not long after Barbie released its first doll with Down syndrome, the fashion doll came up with a chromosomal disorder, releasing a “blind Barbie.”
The entertainment company, Mettal, that built the doll says this year Barbie is offering a “Black Barbie With Down Syndrome” in addition to the debut model “Blind Barbie” all set to release this week.
The different dolls are a part of the Barbie Fashionistas line, a unique collection that aims to promote inclusivity; it offers more than 175 options of Barbie dolls which vary in skin tones, eye colours, hair colours and textures, body types, disabilities and fashions.
Barbie is Much More Than Just a Doll
Krista Berger, the senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls, said, “We recognize that Barbie is much more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging. We proudly introduce a new blind Barbie doll and a Black doll with Down syndrome to our Barbie Fashionistas line, reinforcing our commitment to creating products that represent global belonging and inclusivity in the doll aisle.”
The Blind Barbie can stretch her arms comfortably using a red and white cane and features a characteristic eye gaze. The doll comes with “sunglasses” that help with light sensitivity and her clothing is designed to promote tactical interest and convenient outfit changes. To add more preferences, the Barbie Doll’s package includes “Barbie” written with Braille on the box.
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The Black Barbie With Down Syndrome
Not just a visually impaired Barbie, the fashion doll company has debuted another option, a Black Barbie With Down Syndrome. The new Barbie has a low muscle tone, a shorter frame, a longer torso, and a lower muscle tone. The debuted doll’s features are as follows, “smaller ears, a flat nose bridge and eyes that are slanted, almond shaped and have white dots in the iris.
In addition to it, the Barbie comes with glasses since many people with the disorder have vision issues. The outfit of the doll is blue and yellow, to raise awareness about Down syndrome.
The manufacturer of the American toy, Mattel, said that the doll was designed with the assistance of the American Foundation for the Blind and the National Down Syndrome Society.
The newly debuted Barbies, Black Barbie With Down Syndrome and Blind Barbie, are set to feature in the YouTube series, Barbie Doll Adventures.
Currently, the dolls are available online and will be sold at retailers this summer for $10.99 each.
Netizens Trolls Barbie’s Decision
While a section of social media users were thrilled with the introduction of a Blind Barbie, another slammed the American toy company for its decision. An Instagram user, went on to troll the Blind Barbie with the statement, “When I grew up in the 80s and 90s we didn’t need this woke crap, we used our imagination. If we decided Barbie was blind we would believe it.”
