Betty Dodson with Carlin Ross

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When I was a wee lass, I really didn't care what the complexion of my Barbies and Kens were. As you may have read in my last post, I was far more concerned with other matters than looks. Again, for me, it was all about what Barbie's could do that I couldn't.

And I feel like it's the same issue with Mattel's new line of Afrocentric Barbie dolls. Designer, Stacy McBride-Irby, created what she considers accurate portrayals of "African-American" women:

"The new black Barbies released by Mattel have fuller lips, curlier hair and other features that the company says more accurately represent African-American women."

I have yet to see someone mention this, but this description of the new "Black Barbie" parallels the original concept of "White Barbie"'s body image. While our blonde-haired ingenue was made to illustrate Jack Ryan's lustful image of his lovers, the "Black Barbie" is meant to represent girls that looked just like McBride-Irby's children:

"My daughter loves the dolls. I've had dads thank me for creating this line of dolls that represent their little girls. These dolls are for girls all over the world."

PS: Why are dads thanking her? Where are the moms?

To me, the very conception of Barbie was born out of sexual fantasy and objectification. Obviously, Jack Ryan proved that to be true. Bear this in mind when you want to argue that the new "Black Barbie" reflects an image in our society that young girls of color can look up to. These are images that no girl can (or should) ever aspire to become. Barbie, as she was made, to look like someone's else fantasy.

Sure, we do need more "Black Barbies" represented fairly in the media. But, Mattel already have a stable of "Black Barbies" - does no one remember Kira?

Grace, Trichelle, and Kara (Kira's more ethnic sista, I suppose) have received both cheers and jeers. Unsurprisingly, hair is a major issue! While the dolls do sport afrocentric features (is that the correct term?), many were put off by their lustrous straight hair. Truth be damned, when I first saw these dolls, I was instantly turned off when I saw their long, fake-looking manes. Even Barbie had curlier hair than these ladies.

But, since we have to accurately represent the "African-American" community, it has been noted by many that these dolls lack in this department. On some level, however, they do represent the community, or at least a group in the community that do prefer straightened hair and extensions to naturally curly, kinky, and short hair. In my New England hometown, my kinky hair was berated by my female peers, who regularly had their hair flat-ironed and permed (and I, eventually, followed heed).

One woman was quoted to say that Barbie cannot capture all of the various shapes, sizes, and looks apparent in the black community. But, it should also be said that we cannot capture the look of Barbie either. She doesn't exist in our society because she is a doll.

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