Recently Mattel launched a Mexican Barbie that caused a negative reaction in the Hispanic community. This new Latina Barbie is part of their new collection “Barbie Dolls of the World”
When I was a kid, Barbie dolls were my favorite toys. In my opinion, these dolls have always been about stereotypes. When I saw all the pictures of the Barbies of the World collection, they reminded me of a traditional dress competition in the Miss Universe pageant. Nobody is against that so why so much outcry about these dolls? Maybe the Chihuahua was too much, but I like the pink dress. Also, all the dolls from the collection “Barbie Dolls of the World” include a passport, not just the Mexican Barbie, so although I understand that the immigration topic is sensitive nowadays, a passport is a legitimate representation of world travel.
Here are the Barbie dolls for Spanish speaking countries from the new collection plus other Hispanic Barbies from previous years. What do you think about the representation?
Latina Barbie Dolls Speaking in Spanish
Official doll description:
“Mexico Barbie looks wonderfully bright in a pink dress with ruffles, lace and ribbon in brightly colored accents. With a ribbon in her hair and a Chihuahua friend, Barbie is ready for a fiesta. The Barbie Dolls of the World also come with accessories to add play value that include a passport and sticker sheet to help record Barbie doll’s travels.”
Official doll description:
“Chile Barbie looks like the perfect cowgirl in the clothing of the huaso (Chilean cowboys). Lace ruffles peek out the neckline of her red vest and the slit in her knee-length corduroy skirt, a colorful sash is tied at her waist. Knee-high black boots and a traditional black hat complete the look. With her dog friend, Barbie is ready to round ’em up. The Barbie Dolls of the World also come with accessories to add play value that include a passport and sticker sheet to help record Barbie doll’s travels.”
Official doll description:
“Barbie from Argentina is ready to tango in a dress that captures the beauty and drama of the dance. A stunning blue satin bodice with a ruffle at the neck drops below the waist to a skirt of black flowing fringe. A black lace shawl, fishnet stockings and black heeled dancing shoes accessorize the outfit. For an Argentine tango touch of passion, Barbie doll has a rose around one ankle and in her hair. Her sweet baby cougar ensures she always has an audience. The Barbie Dolls of the World also come with accessories to add play value, which include a passport and sticker sheet to help record Barbie dolls travels.”
Official doll description:
“Spain Barbie wears a flamenco-inspired gown with ruffled layers and polka dot accents. Strappy shoes, drop earrings and a classic Mantilla comb complete her look. The doll comes in keepsake travel trunk packaging and includes a “pink passport” for the perfect way for Barbie to travel the world in style.”
Official doll description:
“Peruvian Barbie doll represents one of the most beautiful and mysterious countries in South America. She wears an authentic Peruvian dress and shawl in vibrant multicolored fabric reflecting the excitement, passion, and beauty of Peruvian culture. Accompanying Peruvian Barbie doll is an adorable baby dressed in a turquoise-colored diaper and a red hat.”
Excerpt from the back of the box:
“I hope you like the special white dress I am wearing. It is very typical of a dress I might wear to a festival or party. The white color keeps me cool in our warm climate which is usually between 70 and 80 degrees all year around.”
Leave me a comment and let me know what you think about these Barbie dolls. And if you are a native Spanish-speaker for any of these countries, write in some good local slang phrases for Barbie.
Check out these other Learning Spanish Slang articles.
Featured photo credit: Tracheotomy Bob via photopin cc | Barbie dolls photos: Amazon.com