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Black Barbie Gets Real
Back in 1967, Mattel came out with their first so-called African-American Barbie doll. Her name was Colored Francie and other than her hair and skin color, she looked exactly like the white Francie doll. Since that time, the toy company hasn’t done much better in creating a Barbie doll that African-American girls could identify with. But last month, Mattel gave it another shot with the debut of three new black Barbie friends: Grace, Kara and Trichelle. Did they get it right this time?
The answer to that question depends upon who you ask. With varying skin tones, fuller lips and wider noses, the dolls are being praised for having more realistic features than previous efforts. In addition, they have been given scholarly interests and are sold with cute little sister dolls to mentor.
But there are complaints that the dolls are not “black enough,” especially when it comes to their hair. While one of the three has medium length curly hair, the other two have nearly straight flowing locks. What’s more, these dolls are part of the “So in Style” line which includes accessories for curling, styling and straightening the dolls’ hair. This hair straightening option, say critics, perpetuates the idea that naturally curly hair is something to be corrected.
Considering the fact that Barbie has been accused of setting up unrealistic expectations in girls since 1959, these criticisms are not surprising. Whether it is their tiny waists, gigantic breasts or unrealistic hair, there is always going to be something “not right” about Barbie and her friends. But I think these new dolls are gorgeous and applaud Mattel for their attempts to get real.
Image: AP Photo/Mattel
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[...] Black Barbie Gets Real | Strollerderby October 10, 2009 Author: admin What’s more, these dolls are part of the “So in Style” line which includes accessories for curling, styling and straightening the dolls’ hair . This hair straightening option, say critics, perpetuates the idea that naturally curly hair … See the rest here: Black Barbie Gets Real | Strollerderby [...]
Black Barbie Gets Real | Strollerderby | Beauty Tips Blog commented on Oct 09 09 at 10:27 pm[...] as black Barbie is getting some positive reviews for getting real, the First Lady doll (is it still an action figure when it’s female??) [...]
Michelle Obama Action Figure Coming Christmas | Droolicious commented on Oct 12 09 at 8:57 amBec commented on Oct 09 09 at 1:59 pmAs a teacher once said to me, 10% is still better than 0%. So if this is even a tiny bit better than what Barbie had on offer for black girls before… I’m not going to start a protest.
Just as long as they are stocked in a reasonable volume in the same stores. It’s not helping anyone to know the doll is out there if the stores aren’t ordering it.
Mistress_Scorpio commented on Oct 09 09 at 11:30 pmNot feelin it. There’s nothing realistic about Barbie. No matter how Mattell tries to keep it real.
Crys commented on Aug 11 11 at 4:35 pmCome on; really?! I have never met a girl/woman that hasn’t curled, straightened or styled their hair at some point. It’s obvious you can’t please everyone, most complainers are just looking for something to complain about, though the ones you need to worry for are those that look for a reason to sue.
Lynn commented on Sep 23 11 at 11:04 amThe majority of Black women in America straighten and curl their hair or wear straight/curly extensions. These dolls represent the majority. Get over it!
Rosalind commented on Oct 12 11 at 2:02 amHonestly, I wasn’t so sure I liked them when they first came out. Reading this article kind of changes my mind though. I’ve had tons of barbies, but lot of my African-American dolls looked the same. All like Christie. Or some variation of Christie. It’s nice to finally see some more black dolls who have different features. I don’t have a big issue with the hair. When I was younger my mother would sometimes straighten my hair or curl it, and my grandmother did the same for my mom as she was growing up. Why not be realistic about it?
gah commented on Oct 27 11 at 12:57 amwomen of all races straighten their hair (i do and i’m as white as you can get). you know what, i also CURL it. i’m not correcting my hair- i’m STYLING it – gah people, chill
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