I absolutely love this! Barbie has launched its first-ever doll with Down's syndrome, and personally, I think they've done a really good job!
Mattel's 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."
British model, Ellie Goldstein helped launch the new Barbie doll and gives her thoughts in the video below:
Mattel collaborated with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the US to create a doll that would better represent women who have Down's syndrome. The doll's physical attributes include a smaller height, a longer torso, and features that are typically associated with Down's syndrome.
There's some nice subtle touches to her outfit such as the butterflies and the blue and yellow colour palette - both symbols which represents Down syndrome awareness 💙💛
The pink pendant necklace worn by the doll features three arrows, which signifies the three copies of the 21st chromosome that individuals with Down's syndrome possess. This necklace also serves as a symbol for "the lucky few," representing those who have someone in their life with Down's syndrome
Kandi Pickard, the NDSS president and chief executive said “It was an honour working with Barbie on the Barbie doll with Down’s syndrome. This means so much for our community, who for the first time can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them. This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.”
Mattel launched the new doll as part of its inclusive Fashionistas range, which includes dolls who use wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and hearing aids... designed to reflect the world around us as it really is
If you're on the lookout for the doll, you canpre-order it on Amazon for £13.99 (couldn't see it anywhere else right now)
Lisa McKnight, the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls, Mattel says
'Doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience can teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy, leading to a more accepting world. We are proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play,' she added.
The Barbie brand is far from perfect, but it looks like they are taking steps in the right direction! Representation is important for both children and adults, and dolls like this are a great way to enable more children to feel represented during playtime.
(Please take the time to watch the videos) ❤️
Mattel's 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."
British model, Ellie Goldstein helped launch the new Barbie doll and gives her thoughts in the video below:
Mattel collaborated with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the US to create a doll that would better represent women who have Down's syndrome. The doll's physical attributes include a smaller height, a longer torso, and features that are typically associated with Down's syndrome.
There's some nice subtle touches to her outfit such as the butterflies and the blue and yellow colour palette - both symbols which represents Down syndrome awareness 💙💛
The pink pendant necklace worn by the doll features three arrows, which signifies the three copies of the 21st chromosome that individuals with Down's syndrome possess. This necklace also serves as a symbol for "the lucky few," representing those who have someone in their life with Down's syndrome
Kandi Pickard, the NDSS president and chief executive said “It was an honour working with Barbie on the Barbie doll with Down’s syndrome. This means so much for our community, who for the first time can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them. This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.”
Mattel launched the new doll as part of its inclusive Fashionistas range, which includes dolls who use wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and hearing aids... designed to reflect the world around us as it really is
If you're on the lookout for the doll, you canpre-order it on Amazon for £13.99 (couldn't see it anywhere else right now)
Lisa McKnight, the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls, Mattel says
'Doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience can teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy, leading to a more accepting world. We are proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play,' she added.
The Barbie brand is far from perfect, but it looks like they are taking steps in the right direction! Representation is important for both children and adults, and dolls like this are a great way to enable more children to feel represented during playtime.
(Please take the time to watch the videos) ❤️
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29 Comments
sorted byWill they do a chubby blind guy with alopecia so my nephew can feel a little more involved
Minus the T-shirt stain... I have to have some standards!
Reduced Regatta clothes from Millets/Blacks is a standard! (edited)
Statistically it might do, but other than gender this doll visibly seems to share no obvious characteristics with her or any other female with Down's I've ever seen.
Great idea but must try harder Mattel - how about making an Ellie doll that looks more like Ellie and less like Angelina Jolie?
It sounds like you're trying to be supportive but your terminology is outdated, here's a helpful link: globaldownsyndrome.org/abo…rt/
See section 'people first language' (edited)
Excellent PR job!