Barbie with Down syndrome sparks debate amid calls for Diversity
3 min read
Mattel has launched its first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome in the hope to make its range more diverse. However, it has sparked a debate on social media platforms.
Here is everything you need to know.
Barbie with Down syndrome is launched amid diversity push
American toy manufacturing company Mattel unveiled the Barbie with Down syndrome on 25th April.
Moreover, they released the new doll in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society. It is a self-proclaimed human rights organization ‘for all individuals with Down syndrome.’
In addition, the new doll is a part of the Mattel Barbie Fashionistas line, which aims to provide kids with different images of beauty. It is also an attempt to overcome the stigma around physical disabilities.
Barbie has launched their first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome. pic.twitter.com/FZKVw7ryrB
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) April 25, 2023
If you didn’t know, down syndrome is a genetic condition that affects the cognitive ability of a person. In addition, it causes mild to severe learning disabilities as well as facial characteristics that are distinctive.
Kandi Pickard, president and CEO of NDSS said in a statement, ‘This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the po wer of representation. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.’
Mattel first designed Barbie into a more realistic depiction back in 2016 after the doll was facing softening sales. Additionally, the new dolls were crafted to be more inclusive and diverse in their appearance.
Netizens React to new Barbie with Down Syndrome
It appears like Mattel’s new Barbie doll with Down syndrome has not only taken over the internet but also has left social media users divided.
Some users are praising the brand’s decision to push diversity and inclusivity while introducing a newer range of dolls in the market.
A user wrote, ‘Diversity, inclusion, and equity. Good to hear more companies are moving forward.’
Diversity, inclusion and equity. Good to hear more companies are moving forward.
— Shreyash (@shreyash88) April 25, 2023Advertisement
Someone else chimed in to say, ‘I’m surprised democrats aren’t boycotting this pro-life message.’
I'm surprised democrats aren't boycotting this pro-life message
— Ayayron Balakay (@AyayronB17) April 25, 2023
However, others criticized Mattel for designing a doll that appears nothing like a person with Down syndrome.
One user noted, ‘This would be great if the doll actually looked like she had Down Syndrome. Looks like @ Barbie needs to try again. She just looks like a normal person wearing braces. Swing and a miss.’
This would be great if the doll actually looked like she had Down Syndrome. Looks like @Barbie needs to try again. She just looks like a normal person wearing braces. Swing and a miss. https://t.co/mMK0f82nxL
— charmane harbert ✝️ 🇺🇸 (@callme_Chari) April 25, 2023
A different user added, ‘It is a great thought but don’t get any kind of Down Syndrome vibe from this doll..they might want to redesign and try again.’
It is a great thought but don't get any kind of Down Syndrome vibe from this doll. . . they might want to redesign and try again.
— Sarah The Wood Duck LLC (@SarahTheWoodDuk) April 25, 2023
Another user penned, ‘This is making fun of people with Down syndrome.’
I know I’m supposed to be outraged or something, but I’m honestly pretty okay with this. 🤷🏼♀️ If DS kids don’t want to play with it, that’s fine – but this just…isn’t a problem for me.
— Zelda A. Gabriel (@ZeldaAGabriel) April 26, 2023
I'd like to see the first design of this doll. Maybe a progressive, 1st to last layout of images of how they got to this final design. Betting the first one looked a lot more accurate to what someone would expect.
— Two Fists 👊👊 🏴☠️ (@TwoFists27) April 25, 2023
This is a nice doll. I’m glad that those among us with an extra chromosome have their own Barbie. Good job Mattel!
— Monroe Mann, PhD, Attorney, MBA (@MonroeMann) April 26, 2023
