African American Barbie Dolls
Barbie dolls have been favorite toys of young girls for decades, but it was not until 2009 that African American Barbie Dolls were made that accurately reflect African American features. Prior to the 2009 So In Style line of dolls, the African American Barbie dolls were developed using the same designs and facial features as the original Barbie. In 1968 Mattel introduced Christie who was the first African American Barbie, but it was not until 1980 that that Mattel started producing a line of Black Barbies. However, the 1980’s Black Barbie still lacked African American characteristics. Finally, the So In Style
The 2009 introduction of So In Style African American Barbie dolls more accurately portray African American features. Previous attempts at African American Barbie dolls have left a lot to be desired; they looked exactly like the Caucasian dolls only with a darker skin tone. The new “So In Style” African American Barbie dolls have different shades of skin tones, and fuller lips and noses that reflect African American women and girls. Some of the new dolls also have curly hair, which strays from the typical long, silky straight hair of past models.
Trichelle, Grace and Kara are the three main So In Style African American Barbie dolls. There are also three little sister dolls; Janessa, Courtney and Kianna. While they are all African American, they each have different looks, including dark and light skin tones and vibrant makeup. Finally, African American girls can relate to the appearance of their Barbies. Trichelle, Grace and Kara will be excellent role models for young girls. Each one of the “So In Style” dolls has a favorite activity including photography, cheer squad and journalism. These African American Barbie dolls create a positive role model for young African American girls.
Stacey McBride-Irby, the designer of the So In Style line of African American Barbie dolls has spoken highly of the positive impact these dolls will have on African American youth. “I created these dolls because I also want African American girls to have positive play experiences, and I want African American girls to be fully represented.” McBride-Irby, an African American woman herself, designed these dolls with the hope that mothers would buy the dolls to inspire them to achieve all of their dreams. Beautiful, fun and created with interests in positive activities the So In Style Barbies are sure to be encouraging to young girls!
African American Barbie dolls are finally representing real African American women. The characteristics of the So In Style Barbie dolls are beautifully accurate and appropriate. For a small price, a new generation of girls will be able to find similarities in their Barbie dolls that they can relate to like never before. Girls of all ethnic backgrounds deserve to find comfort and fun role models in their dolls. The So In Style African American Barbie dolls are a step in the right direction for Mattel and sure to be the first of many Barbies that better reflect women of different ethnicities.
Current African American Barbie Dolls Items on Ebay:
BARBIE ♥Princess Charm School Doll -Princess BLAIR~AFRICAN AMERICAN~LAST 1
 | US $24.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 15:44:09 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
BARBIE I CAN BE A FASHION DESIGNER~AFRICAN AMERICAN DOLL~NIB
 | US $18.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 10:57:33 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
Holiday 2009 Barbie Doll African American New in BOX
 | US $39.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 19:12:26 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
1966 AFRICAN AMERICAN BLACK MATTEL BARBIE DOLL
 | US $14.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 18:36:26 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
1988 MINT IN BOX SUPER STAR BARBIE NEVER REMOVED FROM BOX AFRICAN AMERICAN
 | US $19.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 17:47:12 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
1985 MAGIC MOVES BARBIE AFRICAN AMERICAN NRFB
 | US $19.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 17:29:17 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |