Latest Black Barbie Too Hip-Hop, Some Say

By: Daniel Carty
Topics: In The News

(MATTEL)

The latest generation of black Barbie dolls is a little over-the-top in relying on hip-hop stereotypes, according to some reviewers.

The plastic dolls – part of Mattel's "So In Style" line that comes out next week – feature "shiny bling, big earrings and fancy sneakers," according to the Daily News, which rounded up decidedly mixed reviews on Grace, Kara and Trichelle.

"Not all black people like hip hop," said 15-year-old Barbara Mootoo, who said doll Kara's silver rope-chain necklace looked like it was out of a 50Cent video.

Tyaine Danclaire, 15, said the dolls were "sorta racist."

"They say black girls are ghetto with the gold earrings, with the big bling; I don't agree with that," she told the News.

But the $30.99 dolls scored well with other girls, who felt they reflected their own lives and neighborhoods.

"They look like people where we live," 12-year-old Nikki Wright said. "I wear big earrings. The weave. Things that we use."

Mattel has been selling black Barbie dolls since 1980 and said the updated line had "authentic-looking facial features such as fuller lips, a wider nose … and curlier hair."

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by kamie24 October 5, 2009 8:43 AM EDT: Personally I think everything that anyone does someone will have something to complain about. People always focus on the negative things instead of the positive. I love the new African American Barbies. People complain that there isn't enough then they complain that they have white features. But there are so many different ones out there and truth be told, most African Americans are mixed with something. Thank you Mattel You did a GREAT job I LOVE THEM!!; Reply to this comment


by ellabeepr October 3, 2009 7:13 PM EDT: WOW, well check out an African-American doll that is inspired by beauty,style and grace-and NOT hip-hop. The Pretty As Is doll collection wants African-American women to know they are pretty the way they are: http://sisterhoodboutique.com; Reply to this comment


by babooph October 3, 2009 4:15 AM EDT: The black chics have become the socially conservative ones now.; Reply to this comment


by fariborzzak October 3, 2009 2:24 AM EDT: cool; Reply to this comment


by Iamthemango October 2, 2009 10:19 AM EDT: Where is El Barrio Barbie?
Where is Sephardic Barbie with the babushka and the baby stroller?
Where is jailhousedyke Barbie?
Where is Gaza Strip Barbie with the molotov cocktails?; Reply to this comment


by DaVicar8 October 1, 2009 10:57 AM EDT: Where can you buy a video for 50cent? They cost more than that.; Reply to this comment


by billpl-2009 October 1, 2009 10:50 AM EDT: Hmmm...

it means they like to dress nice, look nice, have nice things and have fun.

i think of about 50 black women stereo-types off the top of my head that are much worse; Reply to this comment