Black(er) Barbie?

What IS it about Barbie?

Rapper Lil’ Kim (Brooklyn girl) likens herself to one- “Black Barbie.”

Lil Kim as “Black Barbie”

As does rapper Nicki Minaj (Queens Girl) who calls herself “Harajuku Barbie.”

Nicki Minaj

In a box

As "Harajuku Barbie"

"All girls are Barbie," Nicki says.

And Now…Mattel has a new line of Barbie Dolls out … black Barbie dolls, from the new “So In Style” line, which are supposed look more like real live black girls and “[feature] more authentic-looking facial features such as fuller lips, a wider nose, more distinctive cheek bones and curlier hair.” According to a Mattel press release,

“The So In Style(TM) line features Grace(TM), Kara(TM) and Trichelle(TM) dolls, three best friends who are all about fashion, fun and friendship. Each of the dolls features its own unique personality and style and reflects one of three varying skin tones. The S.I.S.(TM) line also introduces a mentoring theme; each doll is accompanied by a smaller doll or “little sister” and has different interests – from music and math to science and drill team. The big and little sister dolls are meant to introduce and inspire girls with mentoring themes.

eh…if you say so Mattel…who knew Barbie needed a mission statement?

Here’s what the designer had to say,

Thoughts? Now, granted, I could critique the dolls (that hair weave), as nothing is perfect but hey, we’ve got to start somewhere, right?

So, talk to me. You all, I’m sure, no longer play with Barbie Dolls, so I doubt any of you will be running out to pick one up for yourselves. (Or maybe you will) But what about your little sisters, cousins, or daughters? How important do you think it is for young girls to see themselves represented in the toys that they play with? Or for teenage girls to see themselves represented on tv programs, on the runway, in ads, on commercials  or in the movies? And what, seriously, do you think about these dolls?