Barbie has some new friends — actually, a lot of them!
The legendary doll brand just announced a new Inspiring Women Barbie Collection that honours female historic figures who have each made a major mark on the world — just in time for International Women’s Day on March 8.
The doll stirring up the most buzz is legendary artist and activist Frida Kahlo. She is part of the brand new Inspiring Women line which will be available in stores, alongside famous aviator Amelia Earhart, and NASA icon Katherine Johnson who was honoured in the hit film Hidden Figures.
However, a closer look at Frida Kahlo‘s doll reveals something a little troubling. It seems to have just a few hairs above her nose at the brow line, making her look more or less like so many other Barbies. Sure, the eyebrows are close.. but it’s not a unibrow.
I know it sounds silly to be frustrated about a thinned-out unibrow, but to me, honoring an iconic woman while “adjusting” her appearance in your tribute seems…counterintuitive.
— Sam H. Escobar (@myhairisblue) March 7, 2018
ICYMI: The artist is known for embracing her unibrow and upper lip hair, which has prominently won the hearts of art enthusiasts around the world with her unique style. She was also left disabled by polio (paralysis) as a child, which required her to use a wheelchair for the rest of her life.
Twitter users were quick to express their disappointment on Barbie’s usual representation of what they think young people should look up to — perfection, instead of loving the real qualities. Perhaps, this is why plastic surgeries and face enhancements are becoming a norm now.
https://twitter.com/sciagurata/status/971052924607631361
https://twitter.com/hondacivic1999/status/971212257165172736
https://twitter.com/Loki_Leigh/status/971144260585013248
Tbh, this is pretty hypocritical of Mattel, since the international toy brand claims on Twitter that, “US moms are worried about the type of role models their daughters are exposed to,” which is why Barbie is, “committed to shine a light on empowering female role models in an effort to inspire more girls”.
Surely, you don’t need to take away the person’s prominent features to shine a light on someone.
[Source]
