Barbie’s range has been expanded for years to reflect more of the diversity of society.
American toy giant Mattel has announced a version of its most iconic Barbie doll that is visually impaired. They talk about it, among other things CNN, BBC and The Guardian.
The blind doll has been designed in collaboration with the United States and Great Britain associations for the visually impaired. The Barbie in question has dark glasses and a white cane that helps the visually impaired to move.
The material of the doll’s clothing is purposely made in such a way that a visually impaired child can feel it as well as possible. Of course, Barbie’s name is written on the box in Braille.
The doll, who turned 65 in March, has been criticized over the years for creating unrealistic appearance pressures for young girls. The original Barbie is slim and blonde.
Over the years, however, the range of dolls has diversified.
– We recognize that Barbie is much more than a doll. It reflects self-expression and can create a sense of belonging, Barbie’s vice president Krista Berger comment on the release of the new blind doll.
The first dark-skinned Barbie entered the market in the 1970s. Today Barbie is available in 35 different skin tones, 97 different hairstyles and nine different body types. Barbies are also available, for example, in wheelchairs and with Down syndrome.
British actress Helen Mirren, for example, has also been made into her own version of Barbie. However, only one song was made in honor of the actor. The doll in question was holding the Oscar statue that Mirren received in 2007 for her role in the movie The Queen.
In 2023, the doll became a huge phenomenon Greta Gerwig directed by and Margot Robbie’s mixed Ryan Gosling’s with the movie starring Barbie. It was both globally that in Finland the most watched movie of the year.