The relaunch of Barbie "Dolls of the World Collection" has sparked a debate over cultural stereotypes.
The dolls are part of the legendary Barbie line and they are being relaunched as part of an effort by Mattel, the makers of Barbie, to appeal to a new generation of doll enthusiasts. Mattel says the Dolls of the World collection features the native fashions, while celebrating the cultures and diversity represented within each country in a way that will appeal to Barbie fans of all ages.
However the campaign has provoked a backlash for promoting tired stereotypes. With the new collection showcasing Barbies from countries including Spain, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, the Mexico doll, in particular, has caused a bit of a stir. On the Barbie collector website, the doll is described as having the facial sculpt of a "new Hispanic", and a skin tone that is LA tan. Dressed in a pink ruffled dress for a "fabulous" fiesta, the Mexico Barbie is accompanied by her Chihuahua, and a bright-pink passport.