Ever since Obama became President, White people are fascinated by Blacks! Funny, since we've been here all along. Anyhow, here is a new product Mattel has launched to break into the black doll market:
Obviously, I have an opinion about this...here are some key concerns raised:
1. Why isn't a book or laptop one of the accessories?
2. Why does each doll come with a "little sister?" Seems more like a kid to me...
3. Why are all the dolls light skinned, light eyed, and long haired?
4. Why is it called "So in Style?" Why not "So Well Educated?" "So INformed?"
5. Why is the product description written in what Mattel likely perceives as "black" instead of English?
6. Why are So in Style Barbies dressed like hoodrats?
7. Why are So in Style Barbies only into fun, friends, and fashion?
8. Why is that ghettofabulous music playing in the background?
9. Why is Grace from Chicago?
Mattel...let me help you out...as an African American woman.
1. My primary "accessory" is my PDA
2.I volunteer, and the kids I help don't follow me. I've also beat the odds and at 24 don't have a kid.
3. My skin and eyes are dark...not "tan" and my hair isn't long or flowing...unless I get a weave done, but I can't even get into all that here.
4. I'm usually not in style, and I don't care.
5. I say the whole word and completely spell out the word "in"
6. I like wearing clothes, normally suits from the Limited and sweaters from Express, not hoodies and shorts or shrugs and tights
7. I'm not into fun and fashion...I'm into politics and reading. I'm also into friends, but even more into networking
8. I listen to Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie, Shakira, Daddy Yankee, Whitney Houston, etc...so don't try to identify my blackness with R & B
9. All black people don't live in Chicago
As condescending as my list is, I'm trying to make a point and that is: stop stereotyping and calling it outreach. And just because you got an African American to design the dolls, doesn't make them legitimate or politically correct. (Yes, I know your best friend is black.)
Instead, why don't you talk to African-Americans rather than market them or market to them.
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