Posts Tagged ‘ethnic dolls’

SiS Dolls in Asia, Australia or Europe?

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

So we all know that the So in Style dolls are being sold in the USA at Toys’r'us, Target and Walmart stores now… but how about outside the USA?

Asia = ??? does anyone know?

Australia = good news – Mattel Australia are quick with their responses! bad news – I quote “we have not immediate plans to range these Dolls in Australia. You could try the Ebay Website.”
EvilBAY??? – are you kidding? do you know how EXPENSIVE African American (and generally most other non-European) dolls go for *there*?

Europe = ??? the UK email contact function is down so I can’t enquire and um, I the only European language I can understand is English -_-’
So does anyone else know if the SiS dolls will be sold in Europe?

South America? Africa? Anywhere else? Antarctica?

Firstly, people of African descent don’t just live in the USA.

Secondly, people of African descent aren’t the only ones with “African-ish features” and dark skin. People of Indian/Desi, Melanesian, Polynesian, Australian Aboriginal and some South East Asians also have dark skin and some similar physical features. It would be great to see a better range of more diverse dolls to choose from, to show our kids who are of non-European ancestry that they are also being represented in popular culture and I’m getting impatient waiting around…

And you’d think that if individuals and small companies can utilise international postage, a large company such as Mattel should be able to do so too.

Ethnic Barbie, Beauty @ Sociological Images

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

While on the search for any new information about the new SiS dolls, I’d stumbled across this blog and found these interesting articles.

Ann Ducille on “Ethnic” Barbies @ Sociological Images 081027

White As Beautiful, Black As White @ Sociological Images 080320

These blog articles discuss how the standards of white beauty defines black beauty and how “ethnic barbie dolls” reinforce a westernised view of different cultures and ethnic groups.

The second article showcases some make up ads that show white models alongside black models who look very much like a black twin of the white model.

Barbie Loves MAC Collection

Barbie Loves MAC Collection

These images also show that black women can naturally have features that are more associated with European women, well… of course there is great genetic variance within the vast continent of Africa, it is the cradle of human life after all.

So the problem isn’t making too many dolls that might look like white girls in black paint it is more an issue of not enough black girls showcasing other black features. Variety/diversity is key here.

BTW I didn’t find anything new about the SiS dolls – I tend to end up coming back here to this website which is a bit annoying because I already know what I’ve written!

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