Hasbro has recently decided to extend the variety of their most popular toy, Barbie. The famed doll will now be coming in various ethnicities and body types, including a ‘curvy’ Barbie.
“I love the new dolls. Even though I probably won’t buy one, I like the idea that younger Indian girls will be able to see dolls that look like them,” said senior Gitanjilu Ajay.
In the past, most ethnic Barbies came from models of Disney Princesses and the only differing body types were mermaid and fairy dolls. These ‘alternative’ dolls have been the worst sellers since the doll was introduced to the market.
The introduction of these new dolls exemplifies the need for Barbie to come in all shapes and sizes. Children introduced to the new dolls, especially curvy Barbie, did not like the doll as much as the traditional model.
While they may not be popular with younger children who are not used to seeing these dolls, the adult community is enthralled with the concept of equal representation by way of the dolls.
“We have to let girls know it doesn’t matter what shape you come in, that anything is possible,” said Tania Missad, Director of Consumer Insights for the doll line.
The doll has be praised as a good role model for adolescents because of all the occupations she has had over the years, showing that girls can be anything they want. These new body types will perpetuate this belief for young girls.