Barbie Releases Its First Doll With Down Syndrome
Barbie Releases Its First Doll With Down Syndrome
Barbie is launching its first doll with Down’s syndrome in an effort to help more children find a toy that represents them. Mattel bosses said they wanted to bring out the doll to “enable all children to see themselves in Barbie”.
Mattel have partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the US to bring the product to market. Working with NDSS the company ensured the new Barbie accurately symbolised those with Down’s Syndrome, such as giving the doll’s body a shorter frame and longer torso.
In accordance with the NDSS, the doll’s pink pendant necklace with three upward chevrons represents the three copies of the 21st chromosome, which is the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with the condition.
“It was an honour working with Barbie on the Barbie doll with Down’s syndrome,” said Kandi Pickard, the NDSS president and chief executive. “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.”
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Lisa McKnight, executive vice president of Barbie at Mattel said: “As the most diverse doll line on the market, Barbie plays an important role in a child’s early experiences, and we are dedicated to doing our part to counter social stigma through play. Our 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,” she went on. “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’s syndrome to better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play.”
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Ellie Goldstein, the 21-year-old British model with Down’s syndrome who appeared in the new Barbie campaign said she was “so happy” to see the new doll.
“Seeing the doll, I felt so overwhelmed – it meant a lot to me and I’m so honoured and proud that Barbie chose me to show the doll to the world,” she said to The Mirror. “Diversity is important to me as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away.”
The new Barbie will go on pre-order from April 25 and is a part of the Barbie Fashionistas line, which was launched in 2022.
Images: Mattel
Chrystal Lovevintage
Chrystal is a writer and blogger who loves nothing more than watching back to back episodes of crime shows. Should she ever find herself needing to cover up a crime, she'll know exactly what to do! Her dream is to one day live in Palm Springs where she can do her writing poolside while drinking endless gin and tonics. Mum to the cutest twin boys in the world, she loves nothing more than the sound of their laughter (usually heard when they're conspiring against her). Entertainment writer and pop culture junkie, she will be bringing you all the celebrity gossip and news that your brain can handle. You can follow her blog at https://lovechrystal.com.au and on Instagram at Chrystalovevintage
