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
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!
