Barbie launches doll with Down Syndrome, hopes to increase diversity

Barbie has introduced its first doll with Down syndrome in hopes of enabling diversity and increasing representation in its aisle. Mattel, multinational toy company and manufacturer of Barbie, launched the doll on April 25, 2023.

Barbie has launched its first-ever doll with Down's syndrome in bid to make its range more diverse. The brand-new doll is a part of the Mattel Barbie Fashionistas series, which, according to media reports, strives to provide young children with more diverse portrayals of beauty and combat the stigma associated with physical limitations.

In order to guarantee that the newest Barbie doll appropriately reflects a person with Down syndrome, Mattel (MAT) stated that it carefully collaborated with the National Down Syndrome Society on the doll's form, features, dress, accessories, and packaging. The genetic condition affects cognitive ability, causing mild to severe learning disabilities and distinctive facial characteristics.

The NDSS president and CEO, Kandi Pickard, said in a statement: "This means so much for our community, who can now play with a Barbie doll that looks like them for the first time. This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. We are happy with the development for inclusion at this particular time."

The doll is dressed in patterns and symbols associated with the Down syndrome community and orthotic sneakers sometimes worn by people with the disorder.

Barbie dolls remained light-skinned, white, slim, and blonde for many years following their release in 1959. They also had an enormous breast and were constantly perched on absurdly high heels.

In 2016, Mattel finally created Barbie into a more realistic representation by making the latest dolls more inclusive and varied in their looks as it dealt with decreasing sales of the doll. With 22 eye colours and 24 hairstyles, Barbie was resurrected in four body types and seven skin tones.

(Photo: @tcomer4418 | Twitter)