Opinion: why ‘Shero’ Barbies do disservice to real-life female role models
From Chinese volleyball star Hui Ruoqi to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, prettified dolls fail to inspire
You’ve let Team Female down. In 2015, you started rolling out Shero (that’s she-heroes) collections: Barbies that celebrate strong, inspiring female role models from around the world.
What a great way to stem the tide of criticism the iconic toy had received for reinforcing stereotypes and promoting an unrealistic body image. The days when Barbie came only with a slim waist, big bust and long legs, lashes and locks were over. RIP Unrealistic Barbie.
Sadly, your latest attempt to celebrate womanhood, launched this month on that oh-so-special day for gals, International Women’s Day, missed the mark.
Let’s begin with the Chinese “Sheros”. Why do they look so Western? Is this some lame attempt to appeal to the United States market? I agree with comments on social media that the only one that looks remotely Chinese is top ballerina Tan Yuanyuan. Volleyball star Hui Ruoqi and actress Guan Xiaotong … really?
Then there’s Frida Kahlo. No wonder Mexican actress Selma Hayek, who played the artist and activist in 2012 biopic Frida, launched a social media tirade over the way her compatriot was portrayed. What became of Frida’s famous mono-brow?