Mattel introduces two new 'inclusive' Barbie dolls with disabilities

Mattel is expanding its “diversified” line of Barbie Fashionista dolls with two new ones aimed at appealing to people with disabilities.

The woke corporation is blatantly pandering to specific disabled communities. She announced Tuesday that she would release a “blind Barbie” and a “Black Barbie Doll with Down Syndrome.” The dolls were developed by Mattel in collaboration with non-profit organizations, they said Fox business.

“We recognize that Barbie is much more than a doll. It represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging,” said Krista Berger, who is the senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls at Mattel.

“We are proud to 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 inclusion in the doll aisle,” she said .

Barbie has announced two new additions to its growing line of diverse and inclusive dolls: the first blind Barbie and the first black Barbie with Down syndrome. pic.twitter.com/5heuCWjFhs

— Sumner (@renmusb1) July 23, 2024

The non-profit organizations involved in designing the dolls were the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).

According to Mattel's press release, each doll will retail for $10.99.

“Blind Barbie is the first Barbie Fashionista doll with blindness,” the doll's description said. Her accessories include a “white and red cane with an identifiable marshmallow tip,” as well as “stylish and functional sunglasses,” as well the description said. Blind Barbie's body design is also different from other Barbie dolls, Mattel noted,” Fox Business wrote.

Ok, now we have Blind Barbie…

What next, deaf barbie?

I don't like to think what the barbie of the terraces will be like pic.twitter.com/B0e8Qxl725

— mark howsham (@MarkHowsham) July 23, 2024

“Unlike other Fashionista dolls, the blind Barbie doll features elbow joints to ensure comfortable cane use,” the press release continued, noting that her eyes are “slightly up and out to accurately reflect the sometimes different look of a blind individual”.

Blind Barbie wears a bright pink top and purple tulle skirt. Mattel claims they tested the colors on blind or low vision children. It would be interesting to know how you can test the actual colors to those who cannot see them.

“With her guidance, Barbie designed the doll's fashion to include a pink satin blouse with a textured ruffle skirt for tactile interest,” the company commented. “There are also high-contrast hook-and-loop closures in bright colors to close at the back of the top, as well as an elastic waistband on the skirt to make it easy to change out of Barbie's outfit.”

The packaging is designed for blind and low vision children. “Barbie” is written in braille on the box containing the doll and is easier to open.

“Our packaging team went back to the drawing board and came up with a new design with a pull-open tab on the back of the box,” stated Mattel. “When the AFB received the updated package for testing, they said it made a difference.”

Then there's the black Barbie doll with Down syndrome. This Barbie has the same physical characteristics as the original Down Syndrome Barbie. These include “a horizontal line across the palms, a flat nose bridge and eyes that are 'slightly slanted almond-shaped,'” noted Fox Business.

We are excited to announce the release of the first black Barbie doll with Down syndrome! It is an honor to continue our collaboration with @Mattel to expand representation of the Down syndrome community in the toy aisle. Buy your a https://t.co/WoAgeqhDUF. pic.twitter.com/2rpqWEfd8V

— National Down Syndrome Society (@NDSS) July 23, 2024

“NDSS is thrilled to introduce a second Barbie doll with Down syndrome. The launch of this doll along with the new Barbie doll with blindness marks another important step in expanding representation of the disability community,” Kandi Pickard, president and CEO of NDSS, proclaimed in the press release.

According to NDSS, the doll's outfit contains symbols that are “meaningful” to the Down syndrome community.

“The blue and yellow color palette represents Down syndrome awareness,” the company said. “The three arrows on some of the hearts on the dress represent the third chromosome 21 that people with Down syndrome have.”

The doll's hair has a “braided texture”. This was reported to be important to the Black Down syndrome community.

“We are proud to partner with Barbie as they grow to reflect our diverse and beautiful world,” said Pickard.

Terresa Monroe-Hamilton is a constitutional conservative who researches and writes extensively on politics and current affairs.

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