Mattel introduces first blind Barbie to promote self-acceptance
This is the doll thousands of girls have been waiting for. Mattel has launched a blind Barbie, complete with a distinctive walking stick. The new toy has been endorsed by a blind influencer who shares the challenges of living with a disability on social media.
The cult status of Barbie dolls is undeniable. Most adult women, teenagers, and girls have had at least one doll with sky-high legs and a narrow waist in their toy box. Although many accuse Barbie's manufacturer of promoting unrealistic beauty standards, which can lead to many complexes among young, impressionable girls, Mattel seems to listen to these criticisms and learn from them. Barbie creators are increasingly producing dolls that deviate from traditional standards, reflecting a variety of skin colours, appearances, heights, and health conditions.
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Mattel launches first blind Barbie
The new Barbie produced by Mattel was created in collaboration with the American Foundation for the Blind. During the creative process, it was decided that the doll should be dressed in clothes made from textured materials, including a pink satin T-shirt and a purple tulle skirt, allowing children to imagine her appearance by touch. Barbie's clothes are designed for easy removal, featuring hook-and-loop fasteners and an elastic waistband. The toy's packaging also includes Braille lettering, enabling anyone to read the doll's information.
Lucy Edwards, an influencer and blind activist, became the face of the new Barbie campaign. Describing the doll, the woman stated that it ‘means everything to her’. Edwards added: "As a teenager, I felt isolated by losing my eyesight and not seeing role models like me. I was embarrassed by my cane – but knowing Barbie had a cane would have made me feel so differently about mine and helped me feel less alone on my journey to accept and embrace my blindness."
Blind people's organisations back new Barbie
Debbie Miller, director of customer advice and support at the Royal National Institute of Blind People, spoke out about the new Barbie doll in an interview with The Guardian.
"Barbie is all about joy – about discovering and understanding the world through play – and it’s wonderful to think that children with a vision impairment can now play with a Barbie that looks like them," said Miller. "We’re so pleased with the details that have gone into designing this new Barbie – the tactile clothes as well as the cane and the sunglasses. It’s an acknowledgement that not everyone can see well, which means a lot to the blind and partially sighted community. This is a positive step forward in helping children and adults with sight loss feel like they belong and are recognised."
Source: The Guardian
