Diabetic Barbie and More
Most little girls like playing with dolls that resemble them, whether that means they share the same color eyes or a similar hair style, or even if they share a disability of some form. Think about it. Don't you like knowing there are other people facing the same challenges you face each day, that you're not alone?
Well, little Emma and her mom Amy are trying to convince Mattel, the maker of the Barbie line of dolls, of that, too. Emma has diabetes and wants a Diabetic Barbie. She's not trying to preach any critical social message about what to eat or how to treat it. She simply wants a Barbie that resembles her, with her special pump that is such a critical part of her daily routine. Emma's mom even created a mock up of what it would look like. Seems simple enough to me.
She has a Facebook group started to help build support for the idea.
There's an effort underway for a bald and beautiful Barbie for cancer patients, too.
Seems to me there could be a complete line of Barbies created for children with special needs.
Why not? They would probably sell well in hospitals around the country, but beyond that, would do so much for the children facing these issues. And how could that be a bad move Mattel?
Bald Barbie, Barbie, Diabetes, Diabetic Barbie, Mattel 
Reader Comments (4)
I have the same issue with this as I do with the "Bald Barbie" campaign. The Barbie itself is nothing like children, teens or women. I'm not a Barbie fan. I wish more realistic dolls would be the wish of those who wish for inclusivity. On that note, a guy named Ward Foley makes "ScarMan" dolls (they're actually sexless) for kids going through surgery. The kids draw on the canvas dolls to create someone who has their own looks/scars. I believe this speaks so much more to the good intentions.
If a little girl wants a Barbie that resembles her daily struggles with Cancer or Type 1 diabetes, who gives a dung that you think Barbie is wrong. I grew up in the 60's and never thought for a minute that Barbie was me. I just thought she was fun and made houses for her. Relax. Women have made great strides with a Barbie background. Save the hand wringing for the Kardashions. That is what is messing up girls, not Barbie. Frankly as a little girl - I wouldn't have wanted a Scar Baby doll.
Well, it doesn't seem that many little girls are clamoring for Scar Barbies and Bald Barbies, either. It's their moms and other women who are going after Mattel to make what amounts to the blonde dolly version of a Kardashian.
Peace out. :-)
Sweet sweet Emma. Thanks for sharing Desiree.