BARBIE TRISOMY 21. The toy manufacturer Mattel has developed a Barbie with trisomy 21 in partnership with an organization specializing in the genetic anomaly. The doll will be marketed from summer 2023.
We know her to be slender, fine and blonde… but Barbie has been breaking the codes for a few years. Mattel, the company that owns the famous American doll, has unveiled one of the next models that will be marketed from summer 2023: a Barbie with Down syndrome. From the collection of Barbie Fashionistas 2023, the plastic doll puts diversity in the spotlight with characters with less wiry silhouettes and bodies that are more representative of reality. “Our goal is to allow all children to find themselves in Barbie, but also to encourage them to play with dolls that do not look like them”, defended in a statement Barbie Brand Manager Lisa McKnight.
Taking on the physical characteristics generally present in people affected by trisomy 21 (also called Down syndrome), Barbie with Down syndrome is smaller than most of her plastic friends. She has a slightly rounder face, smaller ears, flat bridge of the nose, and almond eyes, but retains her traditional long blonde hair. Like all her colleagues, Barbie with Down’s syndrome can count on personalized accessories: tibial orthoses that support the ankles and feet of many children with Down’s syndrome, a necklace in the shape of three chromosomes – in reference to the genetic peculiarity of the disease – and a spring dress that uses the codes regularly used in awareness campaigns for Down’s syndrome.
What is Trisomy 21?
Trisomy 21 is a genetic and more specifically chromosomal anomaly due to the presence of an additional chromosome on the 21st chromosomal pair out of the 23 in a cell. This anomaly is often accompanied by physical characteristics: a smaller body, a trunk larger than the rest of the body, a round face, almond-shaped eyes, etc. Trisomy 21 mainly causes growth disorders and mild to moderate intellectual disability.
Trisomy 21, vitiligo, wheelchair… Barbie diversifies
Barbie with Down syndrome is the next step in the doll brand’s diversification strategy. After having declined the famous blonde according to 9 different morphologies, 35 colors and skin and more than 90 haircuts since 2016, Mattel has decided to push the representativeness of the doll by putting her in a handicap situation since 2021. In recent months, Barbies with vitiligo, moving around in wheelchairs or wearing prosthetic legs or hearing aids have emerged. It is with the same ambition that the toy manufacturer has developed the Barbie with Down syndrome in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), the American organization dedicated to people with Down syndrome. An honor for the organization’s management: “It means so much to our community, which for the first time can play with a Barbie doll that looks like her. This Barbie reminds us that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It’s a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment we celebrate.”
In France, Barbie with Down syndrome has found its ambassador: Éléonore Laloux herself affected by the genetic anomaly. It is with pride that this Frenchwoman and the first person with Down’s syndrome to stand for municipal elections, during the 2020 ballot, appears alongside the new doll which has a role to play in raising awareness of Down’s syndrome. “It’s great that this Barbie has found its place in the range, just as I have found my place in society. I want to share my experience and show the world that you can live happily with Down syndrome”, rejoices the municipal councilor in the press release from Mattel. And to insist: “The most important thing is that the parents see this doll and keep hope”.