One of the best-selling dolls in the world continues in the project of making the game also a moment of education in inclusiveness. The novelty is now the first Barbie in the series Fashionistas with behind-the-ear hearing aids, coming in July. In the same line, announced Mattel, Ken with vitiligo (already released in a female version last year) and a Barbie with prosthetic leg will also be introduced.
In the Fashionistas series, Mattel explains, many varieties of skin tones, eye colors, hair colors and types and hairstyles, body shapes and types of disabilities are already represented. In 2021, eight of the top ten most popular dolls of the line globally represented diversity.
The doctor Jen Richardsonan expert in educational audiology, explains: “I am honored to have worked with Barbie in creating an accurate reproduction of a doll with hearing aids. As an educational audiologist with over 18 years of experience advocating for hearing loss. , I feel that seeing themselves reflected in a doll is inspiring for those experiencing hearing loss. I am extremely excited that my young patients see and play with a doll that looks like them. ”
“Barbie strongly believes in the power of representation and we, as the most inclusive doll line on the market, are committed to continuing to introduce dolls with a variety of skin tones, body shapes and disabilities that reflect the diversity that children have. they see the world around them. It is important that children see themselves reflected in the product and that at the same time they are encouraged to play with dolls that do not look like them to help them understand and celebrate the importance of inclusion “- Lisa McKnightExecutive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel.