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Meet the 2013 “Black Barbie.” The image above of a brown Barbie doll surfaced on the Internet recently and quickly went viral.
The blonde haired, dark skinned doll, sporting gold chains, cleavage, and two bags that are strikingly similar to the Louis Vuitton monogram multicolor collection, has many questioning if this new image is supposed to be the next version of Mattel’s African-American Barbie.
If so, it wouldn’t be the first time Barbie has ventured into scandalous territories…
[READ: From Oreos to Video Hoes: Scandalous Barbies Throughout the Years... (PHOTOS)]
Fact or fiction? Is this doll the epitome of African-American culture in the eye’s of the worlds largest toymaker?
Find out under the cut…
It’s not clear where the image originated but MSN News tracked it to the Facebook page of R&B radio station WBLS 107.5, which posted it along with the question, “Is this the true essence of our beauty and how America perceives the black woman?”
Check out some of the responses…
According to MSN, this rumor is FALSE! The image above is NOT the new African-American Barbie.
Mattel, Inc., which owns the Barbie brand, issued a statement Monday denying that the doll whose image is being circulated on the Internet was ever made or sold by them.
In a statement to MSN News Monday, Mattel, Inc., which owns the Barbie brand, said that the doll in the picture above “is not a Barbie doll and is not created or sold by Mattel.”
The image is still circulating and has sparked outrage on the Internet. As you can see from the responses above, many found it offensive, while there were some who see nothing wrong with it, comparing the image to celebrity icons like Mary J. Blige and Beyonce.
YNaija.com, an Internet newspaper for young Nigerians, said that the doll strongly resembled “imagery of African-American women that is seen in some of the most famous celebrities,” such as Beyoncé, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj.
If the rumor were true, who would be the blame? Our daughters do all idolize Beyonce’s blond hair and Nicki Minaj’s cleavage… so what’s to stop Mattel from creating a doll that represents that?
What are your thoughts on the image of the new “African-American” Barbie?
**UPDATE 2/19/13 12:50pm:
Just FYI… Yakini from RealityTVFashion sent over a bit of information about the origin of the doll.
Just wanted to clear up that silly rumor about the new “Barbie” doll. I’ve seen it posted on numerous sites. I’m a doll collection since 2004 and that’s not the new Barbie at all.
That’s a line of dolls called Fashion Royalty, created by designer Jason Wu in the early 2000’s. This doll pictured on your blog is called Perfect Skin Adele.
There are many Adele dolls available actually – and not all of them have such an “around the way” look. Some of the other Adele dolls look quite classy and are dressed more conservatively.
So there you have it. Those of you who are in love with the doll now have a name to search to add her to your collection.
Thanks for the info Yakini!
This doll has a reality version walking around in many cities and featured in the appearance of your favorite artists and television shows. While I absolutely respect her work ethic and do think she is one of the best entertainer in the business, this EXACT look is how Beyonce has appeared in a couple of videos. Yes, she may represent class off the camera but it doesn’t change that she has been seen as this doll before. So, for everyone who thinks that this doll is disgraceful, don’t be mad at the doll for telling the truth, be mad at the people who portraying that truth….
Have to say I sadly agree with this post, this whole idea of being a ‘blond’ black woman is so sick and self hating to me its not even funny, from Scary J Blige to Beyonce in thier blond lace fronts, they seem to think that blond is better and then it trickles down to others and this is the outcome, total self hatred is all this obsession with light skin and blond hair is and that’s coming from me, one who would be deemed ‘light skinned’ a term I loathe.
Oh so its ok for white women to dye their hair all different colors but black women cant? Most blonde white women are not naturally blonde either, they bleach their hair and tan their skin in tanning beds but yet theres no outrage. I personally like that doll
I agree I saw Nene on the View yesterday and her hair was more blonde than the other white lady! It’s a stupid look to be a black woman in a blonde weave.
Man, I was thinking the same thing.
Not just beyonce….u got nicki Minaj, lil Kim, Tamar Braxton, Mary j. Bilge, and other wig wearing, weave toting black women rocking blonde hair and showing clevage and rocking expensive clothes.
We make a issue out of everything. Now if they had made her fat with big lips wearing watermelon lip gloss, And holding a bucket of chicken…then protest.
Who wants a doll reflecting reality…that’s why we dream.
Barbie is a fantasy doll. We make believe and we grow up.
Thank God Mattel inc. is not involved with this. It is a sad day for all of us when someone would manufacture such nonsense and that someone will actually purchase this for their daughters. This does not represent any of the black women that I want to be a role model for my child….this represents the slew of women who flocked to the all-star game in search of a come up. I just can’t….
half of them wish they lace front looked as believable as this doll, lmao
Haha! The Ghetto rats would love this doll for their children.
IKR. Agree w/ all of the above comments. Women may dress like this in the videos and clubs, but that’s not everyday reality. And the titties all out…really? lol
It’s too early for this…
I agree!
Her face is BEAT to the GAWDS!!!
Yes the hell it is! I think she’s kinda fierce myself.
Flatlined ________________________
I’m right there on the floor with ya! Did they HAVE to debut this doll during Black History Month??
She looks like one of the basketball birds, real housewife or love and hip hop pigeon!
Welp…thank you VH-1 for exploiting my races garbage!
This is one of those expensive Fashion Royalty dolls by designer Jason Wu of Integrity Toys. They are not meant for little girl play.
Actually this doll is a fashion royalty doll. Designed by Jason Wu. THe dolls are HOTTT and this one’s name I believe is Adele. Look them up…they’re expensive as shyt and they’re clotehs are high end designer clothing made specifically for the Integrity Toy line. Check them out. THere are blogs and flickr pics dedicated to Fashion Royalty dolls.
clothes
Are they saying AA women wear fake bags?
Listen although this is not how the average AA woman sees herself, but a hard dose of reality is this…….
This is what a lot of people within our own race see as beauty. If the hair was 1 or 1b would people still be as upset? This is what beauty has become. You see an on tv, @ the club, @ the mall, dating athletes, rappers, & movie stars, @ the normal 9-5. This is the image the media has pushed down our throats.
Get mad if you want to but this doll looks like a lot of African American woman. There’s three women who I work with who are way too dark for that platinum blonde in their hair and they too old for "the girls" to always be on front street. (We can all be Nene.)As much women as I saw in the streets with Fire Engine truck red as a hair color last year, I am surprised that the doll didnt have that color. (We can not all be Rihanna)
Girl, I just saw this girl yesterday with the most neon reddish-pink hair I’ve ever seen. Noticed her from all the way down the street. A hot mess. And she kept running her fingers through it (damn near down to her butt…smh).
I found the commentors tweet about the doll having an afro funny as hell. Whenever someone is natural on black blog sites, many folks say they like that person with straight hair. Anytime someones hair is too short and natural,they say get a weave and straighten that hair. Only time I actually see natural hair in abundance is in the DC (DMV) area because of all the dreads, and some of them really need washing and twisting. People get braids when Beyonce does, other than that the vast majority is rocking that creamy crack, lacefront, sewin, weave cap…
Really? I’m from the dc area and you’re right this is loc/natural hair central! I just assumed it was like this everywhere…
Let’s see: Long, blonde, fake hair, breasts out, fake Loui, facial expression shows attitude…. Yep she fits right in with the Ratchet click!
Now that, I agree with what you said.
Typo: you’ve
I have several collections of fabulous items and this doll would have been mine in a nanosecond! LOL! Love, love, loving this image as it is only a doll. FYI blond hair is natural to our people, not only on aborigines but around the world. Take a look around the world people, blond hair and fair eyes are natural and not a distinct feature or quaint resemblence to a European. And we can and do dress killer. I have no problem with this my sisters, I love it, and it really touched my heart. Awesome!!!
This is NOT a good image of African American women, nor is it a good example to set for young women. This doll portrays a materialistic, skanky image of African American women. Everything on her is FAKE! They should pull the doll from the shelves.
It looks like a black reality show Barbie….virgin hair/lace front and handbag….ooh and I bet she has on Red Bottoms #ratchet
Why the platinum blonde hair?
Because having the doll come with interchangeable wigs was too much, lmao.
Actually…they do come with interchangeable wigs. They’re cute dolls and have been around for some time now. Check them out. They clothes are sick and EXPENSIVE!
Learn something new everyday. I know they have different characters and they are dressed and styled different. For example the doll in the photo has black hair and a more toned down on the website; guess this her Sasha Fierce look
She’s beautiful! Black women can be anything they choose! They can go natural, get a relaxer, a weave, or wear any color they want!!! It’s 2013….who cares!!!!
Minus the cleavage, I like it!!
#Ghetto
looks like puffy’s mom lol
Michelle…______________________Dead! Sure does!!
Children are the target for this toy. I’m not understanding why they would have her looking so promiscuous. Wake up folks their planting seeds in our children heads. Are we going to raise our “own” girls to be respectable black women or allow society to raise them to become black Barbies?? #YouChoose
Yes, they won’t be satisfied until every six year old is popping the butts in the air, with a matching lace front in tow. Subliminal messages can destroy from the inside out. Yes, she fly for a doll, but at what cost.the main community they are gunning for is? Guess who?"US"!
Actually these dolls are for doll collectors and adults. They can range from $50 to $200 or more. Check them out. Kids are not the target. And let’s keep it really real…uhm…sista’s wear blonde, red, purple, green….a host of other colors that I refuse to list cuz I think unless you are in showbiz….y in the hell is your hair period red??? Just Sayin!
I agree with you MarQuetta
is this for my age group??
I’m pretty sue if people should want to be offended there are more important things to be offended by than a doll
Ijs….how is it a “Barbie” if she wasn’t made by Mattel?! Then The Barbie is Original, there was never a black doll named Barbie. Any black doll made by Mattel was named Shanequa or ….anything else but Barbie! !
I didn’t read the entire article…..after seeing a picture of the African American Barbie Doll with long straight blond hair I was through.
I really don’t understand the uproar. Sometimes we get so bent out of shape over the silliest thing. So what she has blonde hair. So does a lot of black women. So what her cleavage is showing. Cleavage is cute in the right attire and if done respectfully. At least she looks classy and not trashy.
@ Shay Shay: What specifically do you consider to be trashy attire?
This is an insult to our ancestors/women who paved the way for the younger generations. Why do black women want blond hair? It is self-hatred?. In this country, most blacks do not have natural blond hair. It doesn’t even matter about the complexion, as it looks a mess on all blacks (and not that great on some whites either). Some women wear too tight clothes, needing a bra, horsehair on their heads and think they look good. It’s sad that most to not own a mirror or have a friend to tell them how ridiculous they look. Whatever happened to exhibiting “class” at all times and being proud of your heritage? Most of the stars and singers today look a hot mess and have to be told not to exhibit too much “skin” on the red carpet. I would be embarrassed if someone had to put this in writing to me if I was participating. What happened to leaving something to the imagination? If I were a man, I would never date anyone looking like a lot of these females (I wouldn’t care how much money they had). Class is something that it taught, and not bought. You either have it, or you don’t. Unfortunately, most do not have it. Or if they do, they don’t exhibit it on a daily basis.
Standing Ovation."clapping"
Agree w/most of what you said. Our community is under attack, people. In many subtle ways. Just because a black person designed it doesn’t mean it’s a positive thing. This is inappropriate the same way having cartoon characters on cigarettes were. They removed them because even though it was an adult product, they had the possibility of appealing to children. This may be targeted to adults, but it’s a toy (collecter’s item or not). WE have to take control of our image, not play into the misperception being pushed.
A double standing ovation from me. That’s why other groups don’t take us seriously. They think we are all obsessed with having material things and all that other bs and that’s not the case. Everytime I pass by one of those chinese or middle eastern beauty supply stores I cringe every darn time because they think we all like that ghetto ass crap they sell (apparently, someone does or they wouldn’t sell it). I will never patronize their stores.
Is that gold digger Barbie!!!!!! Lol why not 1st Lady Barbie, or Soulful Jill Scott Barbie, or Lisa Leslie Barbie…..Maybe if this Barbie had a lab coat over her outfit and a stethoscope around her neck, with medical instruments in her Louis V duffle bag I would not be offended.
The clevage, The only breast I like and want to see are mine.That aside I dont see anything wrong with her. The style of dressing that is represented is not a “black” thing. White, asian hispanic ect… mimic this style.
Very offensive! But the sad truth is many black women do look like that. ghettofab
That’s their mothers, sisters, aunties, grannies and that ratchet scene on tv. Look at your FB pictures. Not all dolls are for kids. It’s a giant market.
Now if you want a truly real doll it’ll be obese, (red,blond, gold) hair, too small shoes, thong strangling out the pants, belly out over the pants, clown make up and fake purses. That’s the average Black woman today being shown.
Sad but true….it is a very disappointing truth.
jason wu? Is this the same designer that First Lady blew up?
Yes
This does not appear to be a real Barbie and yes it is stereotypical for sure. Two Chains!!!!
Thought they already had black barbie.???? Who is this skeeza?
Why her boobies gotta be out? #ratchet
No. I have seen African AMERICAN WOMEN who look similiar to this doll. We really need to stop being so sensitive. African American women dye hair, wear weaves, and get relaxers….
Lmao @ 2 Chainz.
I think people missed the memo. Stop being so sensitive and make everything about race. If you don’t dress like this then it shouldn’t offend you. Im just tired of this sensitive a** world of ppl. It’s a freaking doll..nobody said u had to purchase it or like it..but stop whining..lol! Anyway a few tv reality ppl did come to mind when I saw this..she’s cute. Nobody accused African Americans of dressing like this everyday…maybe sometimes..I know I may rock similar clothing to the club or something..breathe ppl:)
Who cares? The doll is not geared towards children. She looks no different than the women we see daily on TV, at work, in the club,even in church…NEXT
This Barbie looks like Beyonce. Lol… Mattel wishes they could make a black doll look so good.
Dana T.
yes why the black one got to look houchie
Totally! eew
The same Jason Wu who outfits the First Lady?
I would love to hear his inspiration for this doll in his own words. This should be interesting…..
Mattel put that shit out, so these birds can see how fucking ridiculous they look. Black folks wanna get pissed, but the majority of you bitches look like this, a prostitute with blonde weave and titties out. Emulating a white woman and mad when our men run to one. Sensitive bitches.
SAY DAY SHYT!Certain celebrities that I refuse to name have morphed into this barbie and are currently trying their hardest to appear damn near white…and you broods emulate them and have no problem letting your daughters do the same-but now you mad? So y’all all for the natural look in February, but keep it weaved up, gelled up for the other 11 months? Get some shyt rite in ya life ASAP.
blonde hair,,,fake eyes,,fake asses,,,,fake boobs,,,fake nails,,,,,,wooordd!
so this is what it has come too,,,,my sisters my sisters,,,,,psss!!!,,,,more
things change the more they stay the same,,,peace to all my nubian sisters
with knowledge of self,,,you are loved,,trust,,,
my sisters have many different looks,,,why is this one the one they chose to display,,,,my sisters rock twists,in there hair,,or short dreads,,,how come she isn’t wearing a dress,,,and why is her cleavage leaking out,,,,,im saying don’t marginalize my sisters,,,there are too many different flavors
I want to see different types,,,damn all that,,,,weaves pull out your hair at the edges,,,chemicals are in relaxers,,,and nail polish,,,and implants,,,,
Im just sayin,,,do the knowledge,,,,, before you do you,,,,,,
I love you my sisters,,,,,,,,dont fall victim,,to the european images,,,peace
I’m not AA but I actually like this one. ITA it definitely does NOT represent every AA women, but it def does some. She got style though. I think the cleavage is a little bit too much though. If it was just your normal cut top than that out fit seems real classy IMO. Hoi…I guess us Polynesians won’t ever have to worry about Mattel making a Barbie for us cause I know they won’t ever make a "Big Boned" one..lol
LOL, all of yall not big-boned. It would be nice if Mattel did make one Polynesian, one thing about it she’ll have naturally long thick wavy hair.
I’m glad Mattel didn’t make "Ratchet Raquesha" and it’s not being marketed to our young girls.
And by the way, Rawhunee, there is a Polynesian Barbie doll and she does have long thick black hair. She’s also wearing a hula skirt.
I find the doll quiet beautiful maybe cause am not american , i am begining to think you guys complain about everything there is room for various looks in this world. And if a doll is dressed like that then you obiously wont buy it for a child as its telling you its an adult toy. Simple.
STRAIGHT BLOND HAIR!! is that what BLACK WOMEN LOOK LIKE smh