UPDATE: Black Youth React To “Ghetto” Barbie
As we reported on Tuesday, Mattel’s new and improved black Barbie line was released this week, but it is already being criticized by some African-American girls who claim the company went too far with the dolls associated “hip hop” accessories.
The New York Daily News showed the new “So In Style” trio of dolls – Grace, Kara and Trichelle – to several girls in New York to get feedback.
“Not all black people like hip hop,” said Barbara Mootoo, 15, of Manhattan, looking at Kara’s silver rope chain necklace. “They gave her a chain like a 50 Cent video.”
Tyaine Danclaire, 15, of the Bronx, liked Trichelle’s straight, long hair because it looked like “a weave,” but she thought the idea “was sorta racist.” She continued, “They say black girls are ghetto with the gold earrings, with the big bling; I don’t agree with that.”
Veteran Barbie designer Stacey McBride-Irby, an African-American mother of two, created the dolls so her kids could have toys that look like their neighborhood friends.
Meet the designer here:
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“Barbie Finally Goes Ethnic”
Mattel announced today their introduction of new Black Barbie dolls. The new dolls have fuller lips, a wider nose, more distinct cheekbones and curlier hair. Deemed the “So In Style” line, or S.I.S, the line features Kara, Trichelle and Grace who are three best friends in tune with fashion, fun and music.
Take a look at the dolls below:
And don’t worry ladies, the dolls come with “Aqua Curl” technology that allows you to curl, straighten and style their doll’s hair with a spray of water and hair styling tools.
Italian Vogue strikes black again with Barbie Doll
GOOD MORNING BEY
HOT CELEB PICS!
Comments 154
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blackrosepeddle10-13-2009 2:51 pm
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jloganV10-11-2009 8:10 pm
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fireman797110-10-2009 11:35 pm
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xXHunny-BunnyXx10-9-2009 2:17 pm
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I am of the older generation were the only doll my parents could find was a black doll. I don’t see what the complaints arre about. Everyone complained years ago when we didn’t have black dolls or when the dolls that were eventually created were black faced with nappy hair. But has anyone ever thought before they started creating ethnic dolls; our ancestors created bleack dolls out of cloth and cotton, drawing faces on them. I can’t understand what wrong with our society of african american. They complain whenthey don’t have and they complain when they do have. Futher more I see nothing wrong with these dolls. It could be worse. They could have created the hair of heeps wool with the hair sticking up, wearing raggedy clothes. Find something else to complain about. These dolls are no different from the way they dress the caucation dolls. I’ve never raised my daughter to identify with any doll as being different.
jloganV
To those young ladies who feel these dolls are racist, more emphasis should be put on the stereotypes we portray and our intraracial predjudices. We as a race in general tend to gravitate towards ignorance because of the lack of knowledge of self. Be more worried about the fact that what we portray in public, what we glorify, and how we act is more damaging than your negative reactions to this so called ethnic Barbie. I think the dolls are beautiful, and they are depictions of style and culture that is displayed in the general black population and it’s communities. Would you be satisfied with a Madea Doll instead? Would you have a problem with the dolls if they were simply colored with different complexions, and have no accurate physical characteristics or black features? Yes indeed, the young ladies that I see walking the streets of New York everyday dress this way. Though it may not be all of them, it’s an overwhelming majority of them that dress this way, a black woman created these dolls not a white woman. Fish for an education instead of negative, misinformed blind opinions due to your ignorance. Ms. Matoo age 15, from Manhattan it figures, where exactly is your geographical location and who do you hang out with? That’s bad to not have a clue about who you are at such a young age. You need to sit down and talk to a seasoned black woman that’s been around. Your sociological view is off young lady. Buckwheat, and Madea as well as some Hip Hop artists are modern day stereotypes and coonish in the way they act. They don’t need clothes to portray that.
fireman7971
i like it…..how can you not be happy, why find a negative angle?
i remember growing up in the 60/70’s playing with GI Joe’s, the life-like hair and the kung fu grips. I had 10 of them, the dark-haired, the blond, the red head and the black-afro American. they were all equal. if people find a necklace racist, then i will write a letter to Mattel to take the dolls away. i find this very ungrateful, if you’re going to be so negative. it sounds like black people will never appreciate anything.
xXHunny-BunnyXx
Pix # 4 looks like some wack ass group Puff Daddy will be trying to promote next week.
LOL