the Black Barbie...
So Mattel's brought in a new line of black Barbie dolls, featuring wider noses, dark skin (obviously) and thicker/curlier/slightly frizzy-but-only-from-the-bottom hair.
The article on yahoo.ca regards the news a little more critically, certain that the hair has a hell of an influence on young black girls, because their hair isn't naturally smooth, long and straight. And that these new barbies will only reinforce the pressure to have perfect, straight hair no matter what the means - and for black girls, the process is usually far more dangerous for their hair because more complicated (and usually expensive) procedures are required - namely, mad chemicals. I find myself recalling Katara's hair- long, but undeniably thick and wavy. I especially recall her making no effort to hide this, but instead totally working it. Cue flash of pride in Avatar!
Personally, I'm just so amazed Mattel got around to bringing in black barbies that aren't actually white-painted-brown that I find it hard to complain. I love that they paid specific attention to facial features; the wider nose and fuller lips. I'm hoping that this is only the beginning of a bigger step towards more diverse barbies - not the kind that barely scratch the political surface by mass producing one body type in several different colors, but the kind that actually pay tribute to the different shapes and sizes of girls from a wide array of backgrounds. Producers could hardly have anything to lose in pursuing this further - I mean, the more the girl can relate to the doll, the more she'll want it. Both sides can win, it just needs a little more time and effort.
Now, I know it's not as simple as that (is it ever?), but it never hurts to hope. And it sure as hell doesn't hurt to speak out about it, and spread the word around. You'd be amazed by how far your voice alone can take you.
P.S. FINISHED WATCHING SMALLVILLE EPISODE 2, SEASON 9 - I KNOW RIGHT, TOOK ME LONG ENOUGH - BUT OMG ASDLFOERKSDF984SJDF!!!!!!!!!!! YUM <3.
Also... I miss Jimmy. :(
The article on yahoo.ca regards the news a little more critically, certain that the hair has a hell of an influence on young black girls, because their hair isn't naturally smooth, long and straight. And that these new barbies will only reinforce the pressure to have perfect, straight hair no matter what the means - and for black girls, the process is usually far more dangerous for their hair because more complicated (and usually expensive) procedures are required - namely, mad chemicals. I find myself recalling Katara's hair- long, but undeniably thick and wavy. I especially recall her making no effort to hide this, but instead totally working it. Cue flash of pride in Avatar!
Personally, I'm just so amazed Mattel got around to bringing in black barbies that aren't actually white-painted-brown that I find it hard to complain. I love that they paid specific attention to facial features; the wider nose and fuller lips. I'm hoping that this is only the beginning of a bigger step towards more diverse barbies - not the kind that barely scratch the political surface by mass producing one body type in several different colors, but the kind that actually pay tribute to the different shapes and sizes of girls from a wide array of backgrounds. Producers could hardly have anything to lose in pursuing this further - I mean, the more the girl can relate to the doll, the more she'll want it. Both sides can win, it just needs a little more time and effort.
Now, I know it's not as simple as that (is it ever?), but it never hurts to hope. And it sure as hell doesn't hurt to speak out about it, and spread the word around. You'd be amazed by how far your voice alone can take you.
P.S. FINISHED WATCHING SMALLVILLE EPISODE 2, SEASON 9 - I KNOW RIGHT, TOOK ME LONG ENOUGH - BUT OMG ASDLFOERKSDF984SJDF!!!!!!!!!!! YUM <3.
Also... I miss Jimmy. :(