I just attended an event at NY Toy Fair hosted by Mattel, at the event I saw a very important milestone that 60 years ago, nobody in the industry would recognize, a black Barbie doll in a realistic wheelchair complete with a ramp to access her redesigned dream house.
Kim Culmone, Vice President of Barbie Design, told Teen Vogue that one of the most frequent requests Mattel received was for a doll in a wheelchair. In addition to listening to its customers, the company worked with people with disabilities to bring the dolls to life in the most accurate way possible.
Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation, which works to advance the inclusion of people with disabilities throughout society, celebrated the move.
“Mattel’s announcement … is such a huge step forward. It is not only empowering for young girls with disabilities, but it will break down stereotypes developed at a young age that will help remove stigmas adversely impacting people with disabilities,”
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This is important. People with disabilities are traditionally not represented in pop media toys or collectibles. Even though they make up 20% of the U.S. population. Young girls collecting and creating their own Barbie adventures now have the option to have a doll that is in a wheelchair or a prosthetic limb.
“Where were the dolls that look like me?”
Representation matters. It’s not a hard concept. Kids like to see themselves represented in their favorite fandoms and toys.
“Kids need to see examples of humans that are different from themselves, but also be able to see toys, movie characters, and other figures that remind them of themselves, “If everyone can be represented, it creates a culture of acceptance, rather than one of ignorance, fear, and hate.” –
Rachel Wright NY Psychotherapist
A toy company as large as Mattel leading a push for inclusion isn’t an insignificant thing. In 1997, the company introduced Barbie’s friend Becky, who was in a wheelchair. But her wheelchair never fit in the Barbie Dreamhouse, and she was eventually discontinued.
We have legislation on the books, it’s called The Americans with Disabilities Act. It states public buildings and businesses should make reasonable accommodations for everyone, every child is guaranteed the chance to access public schools and be educated.
This isn’t “political correctness” these are human rights.
“Becky’s departure matters, because the truth is Becky didn’t fit into Barbie’s world,” disability advocate Karin Hitselberger wrote in a blog post. “Becky’s discontinuance reflects how we are often taught to think about disability, in terms of fixing people rather than society. It matters because it echoes a way of thinking that suggests people are problematic when they are different.”
I recall the headline “Barbie Adds Curvy and Tall to Body Shapes.” in a piece in the New York Times written by Rachel Abrams that described Mattel’s change to the body types of Barbie dolls they produce. Dolls sold with various skin tones, eye colors, and hairstyles.
I’m a huge advocate for these types of moves made by companies surrounding inclusive representation of it’s customers. It makes sense fiscally and ultimately not only helps kids embrace whomever they happen to be, but build bridges for all kids to learn about and accept each other. Particularly girls, who need an inspiring representative and more normalized examples of what women can achieve today. What’s so wrong about that?
As a father of a nine-year-old girl, I support their continued efforts, 60th Birthday Barbie! Look for my continued coverage of Toyfair 2019 in All Things Geek!
Images: Mattel/author