Toys have an important role to play in the lives of kids, and Barbies are one of the much-desired toys among them. Children tend to develop premature thoughts and perceptions and a lot of early experiences playing with toys, and they try to see people through them. Mattel, a leading toy manufacturing company based in the US, led an impact on toy making by integrating Barbies with Down syndrome. This change will turn over a new leaf.
Down syndrome is a prevailing chromosomal condition existing in children. Despite being a congenital condition, children have to undergo societal stigmas that make it daunting for them to fit into groups. However, things are going to change tracks now. New Barbies with Down syndrome will inspire young children to be confident and accepting of their body conditions.
Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls, Mattel talks about this new exhibit “Barbies are the most diverse doll line in the market. It plays an important role in the child’s early development, and on our part, we are dedicated to trying to counter this social stigma through play.
“She continues, “Our goal is to encourage all children to see themselves in the Barbie while also nurturing them to play with dolls who do not look like themselves. Playing with these dolls will teach them understanding and build a great sense of empathy directing to a more accepting world.’
Lisa McKnight says the company is very proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down syndrome that fairly reflects the society and the people living in it and bestows our dedication to celebrating inclusion through play.”
What does Mattel’s new Barbie Down Syndrome doll look like?
To make sure the new Barbie doll looks similar to the kid with Down syndrome, Mattel has worked closely with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). NDSS is a human rights organization that aims to give people with Down syndrome the quality of life that they deserve.
The new doll has a face and sculpture illustrative of a woman with Down syndrome, with a shorter frame and long torso. The face is rounder, with smaller ears and a flat nasal bridge. The eyes are almond-shaped and slanted.
The dress code of the dolls has butterflies in yellow and blue colors symbolic of Down syndrome awareness. NDSS president Kandi Pickard said, “The Barbie serves as a symbol that we should not underestimate the power of representation.”
Moreover, Mattel says they have 175 Barbie looks. The debut of the new Barbie doll coincides with the most anticipated July premier of the live-action Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
Barbie dolls with Down syndrome garner great appreciation
The new Barbie model was welcomed by Carol Boys, chief executive of the UK Down’s Syndrome Association, who said: “The children in our society will be able to play with a doll that truly represents them.”
Ellie Goldstein, a British model with Down syndrome who participated in the new Barbie campaign, expressed gratitude and appreciation, saying, “Diversity is so important, and people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away.”
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Mattel’s long line of Barbie collection
The Down syndrome Barbie doll is a part of the Barbie Fashionistas line launched in 2022. It includes Barbie in a wheelchair and others with a prosthetic leg. The collection also has a male doll who is not like a conventional muscular man.
Mattel has described its collection of Barbie dolls as the “most diverse and inclusive doll line, offering a variety of skin tones, eye color, body types, disabilities, and fashion to inspire many new stories.”
What exactly is Down Syndrome?
For those who do not exactly know what Down Syndrome is, then, it is a condition when a child has an extra chromosome. This extra genetic material results in developmental delays or lifelong intellectual disability.
It is very common among children. The visible key features of a child having the syndrome are a flattened nose bridge, slanting almond-shaped eyes, a short neck, small ears, short height, and short arms, legs, and fingers.
People with Down syndrome have an IQ of mildly to moderately low range and are slower to speak than other children
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