Shattering the Stereotypes: Mattel launches Barbie Doll with Down Syndrome

By Ruchi Sharma

One gift we always wanted for every birthday in our childhood? Undoubtedly it was a Barbie! Be it having those lovely tea parties or dolling the Barbies just like a baby, they were an essential part of our childhood. But there has been an evergreen controversy surrounding the Barbie and that is, its picture perfect image. Barbie has always been associated with flawless beauty and an hourglass figure. As children we might have envisioned ourselves as a barbie countless number of times.

Now Mattel has taken a welcome step in making Barbie more ‘inclusive’. Since its launch in 1959, Barbie models have always been synonymous with unrealistic beauty standards. On Tuesday, Barbie with Down Syndrome was launched, in an effort to make children having down syndrome associate themselves with it. 

The makers wrote on Instagram while revealing the look of the doll, “With a shorter frame, rounder face, smaller features, and palms including a single line, this doll introduces a new sculpt and details illustrative of common characteristics of women with Down syndrome."

The look of the Barbie has been closely made in association with the National Down Syndrome Society by Mattel, for accurately representing a person with Down syndrome.

More details in the post included, "She wears matching ankle foot orthotics, and a three-chevron necklace representing the three copies of the 21st chromosome that result in the characteristics associated with Down syndrome – and represents 'the lucky few' who have someone with Down syndrome in their life."

Since 2016, Barbies with a realistic approach towards body shape like curvy Barbie, Tall Barbie and Petite Barbie have been launched and now the Barbie with Down syndrome is surely a welcome change in breaking the stereotypes and taking a step towards a more inclusive approach even in toys!

News Source: NDTV, IndiaToday    Pic Source: IndiaToday