The toy company Mattel presented, in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), a Barbie with Down syndrome. The company said this version of the popular doll was "created to allow more children to see themselves reflected in Barbie, as well as to allow Barbie to reflect the world around them" and encourage "inclusion through play."
“This is a great win for everyone who has been fighting for our kids to get noticed and included […],” Bassey, whose daughter Anoushka has Down syndrome. “Everyone wants to see themselves reflected, and it’s just the beginning.”https://t.co/7iBtIA34HD
— National Down Syndrome Society (@NDSS) April 26, 2023
Barbie, the "most diverse" doll on the market
In a statement, Mattel notes that this initiative confirms Barbie as "the most diverse line of dolls on the market." According to executive vice president Lisa McKnight, they aim to "create a greater sense of empathy, leading to a more tolerant world" and "better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play."
Mattel collaborated on the toy with NDSS to ensure that people with Down syndrome could identify with the doll. The organization's president, Kandi Pickard, thanked the organization for the gesture and was delighted with the final result. "This means a lot to our community, who for the first time can play with a Barbie doll that looks just like them. This Barbie reminds us that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It's a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment we celebrate," the release said.
Exclusive modifications
As directed by NDSS, Mattel has made exclusive modifications to this design. Thus, the doll features "a new face and body sculpting more illustrative of women with Down syndrome, including a shorter body and longer torso. The new face sculpting features a more rounded shape, smaller ears and a flat nasal bridge, while the eyes are slightly slanted in an almond shape. The palms of the hands at the wrist even have a single line, a feature often associated with people with Down syndrome."
The fashion and accessories that accompany the new model have also been taken into account, which have been filled with symbolism. Thus, "the dress with puffed sleeves of the doll has butterflies and yellow and blue colors, which are symbols and colors associated with Down syndrome awareness. The pink pendant on the wrist with three stripes facing upwards represents the three copies of chromosome 21, which is the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. The three chevrons, or arrows, are a symbol that unites the Down syndrome community and are intended to represent 'the lucky few' who have someone with Down syndrome in their life." It also includes orthopedic ankle braces as a tribute to those children who need them to support their feet and ankles.
