Mattel Launches Groundbreaking Barbie Doll Representing a Person with Down’s Syndrome
Mattel has taken a significant stride towards promoting diversity and inclusivity with the launch of the first-ever Barbie doll representing a person with Down’s syndrome. The move aims to combat the stigma surrounding physical disabilities and promote varied representations of beauty.
As part of the Barbie Fashionistas line, the new doll represents a wide range of ethnicities, abilities, and body types. Mattel worked closely with the National Down Syndrome Society to ensure the doll accurately portrays a person with Down’s syndrome, including its features, clothing, packaging, and accessories.
The aim is to foster empathy and understanding among children who play with dolls that are different from themselves. The introduction of this Barbie doll is a significant moment for the Down’s syndrome community, as it allows children with the condition to play with a doll that looks like them.
Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s executive vice president and global head of Barbie & dolls, said, “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.”
Mattel has made significant efforts in recent years to introduce more diverse representations in its dolls, including manufacturing Barbie dolls with realistic body types, reintroducing them in four different body types, seven skin complexions, 24 hairstyles, and 22 eye colors. The Barbie Fashionistas line was launched three years later.
Mattel’s commitment to promoting inclusivity through its dolls is a crucial step towards creating a more diverse and accepting world. The new Barbie doll representing a person with Down’s syndrome is a significant milestone in this effort.
