Many have called out Barbie, the brand, after their recent re-launch of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 collection. The Mattel brand first launched its collection in February and had 5 different dolls representing the culture of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.
The theme was set on the 5 different sports that have been added or re-introduced to the 2020 Olympics. The 5 sports are baseball, sport climbing, karate, skateboarding, and surfing. All 5 sports have been represented by 5 different characters, which are also a representation of all the continents that are taking part in the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
#Barbie is committed to empowering girls to participate in sports by capturing the fun and friendship of the season, and inspiring kids to find the athlete within.🏅 #YouCanBeAnything #tokyo2020 #Olympics https://t.co/MFjn2ZhfvW pic.twitter.com/XftIDTaZMo
— Barbie (@Barbie) July 28, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
They all have the proper uniforms as well, with the Tokyo Olympics 2020 jacket and gold plastic medals attached to a ribbon. Those have been for the children to hold their own award ceremonies.
While different ethnicities, skin tones, hairstyles, and more have been featured to give the customers a feeling of the Olympic culture, what caught everyone’s attention the most was the absence of an Asian figure in the collection
via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Women’s Singles – Round 3 – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 27, 2021. Naomi Osaka of Japan reacts during her third round match against Marketa Vondrousova of Czech Republic REUTERS/Mike Segar
The Games are taking place in Japan. Moreover, there have been many Asian athletes that have won many medals right from day one of the Games. Not only that, Japanese Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka was the individual that lit up the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Olympic games. So, it’s understandable why social media enthusiasts have been so critical of the company’s latest release.
Twitter has reacted to Barbie’s latest Tokyo Olympics 2020 edition
While the theme of Barbie’s latest launch is the women supporting women moto, the release hasn’t gone down too well with the online community. Everyone has pointed out and questioned the absence of an Asian-American figure.
The absence of an Asian Barbie is notable despite Mattel’s desire to empower and support diversity and inclusion. This while featuring a (Japanese) karate uniform too!
What a missed opportunity to access a large and growing consumer market and to fully reflect Mattel’s values.
— Heidi (@HeidiHugh8) July 29, 2021
Anti-racism and true inclusion includes: Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander. @Barbie @Mattel. Just ask @WHIAANHPI. Thanks #StopAsianHate #StopAAPIHate https://t.co/mBlVSHbMUT
— United Chinese Americans (UCA) (@ucasocial) August 1, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Where’s the Asian American when we have a gold medal winner in gymnastics?
— Mc Nelly Torres (@WatchdogDiva) August 1, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ironically, the models have worn Karate uniforms, which have a heritage of Asian martial arts. Despite that, there are no Asian models present. Adding to that, Asian gymnasts have pocketed gold medals in the game. Critics have been quick to point that out too. Hence, it is fair to say, without an Asian model, it’s just not an accurate representation of the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
What is your take on the same?
