The story of Barbie often conjures images of a petite, blue-eyed, blonde figurine predominantly clad in pink. Indeed, since Barbie's introduction in 1959, she became a universal standard for girls' dolls. However, the notion of a Black Barbie did not surface until a Mattel employee, Beulah Mae Mitchell, suggested a version reflecting her community.
Mitchell's intimate involvement in Mattel led to a documentary on the intersection of marketing and merchandise. "Black Barbie" boldly illustrates the struggle of representing Black women, signaling a definitive departure from invisibility.
Directed by Mitchell’s niece, Lagueria Davis, "Black Barbie: A Documentary" detailed the impact of representation. Historically, black dolls were unflatteringly caricatured, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Prolific showrunner Shonda Rhimes highlights the psychological damage inflicted on children of color forced to play with white dolls.
A breakthrough came when Mattel collaborated with Lou Smith and Operation Bootstrap to establish Shindana, which became the largest manufacturer of black dolls until 1983. Kitty Black Perkins, an aspiring fashion designer, crafted the first black Barbie, inspired by Diana Ross. This signaled a significant shift towards diverse Barbie representations.
Despite a disappointing marketing campaign for Black Barbie, subsequent dolls exhibited a range of real-life inspirations, from Misty Copeland to Ibtihaj Muhammad. Barbie's evolution reflects her ethos as an agent of change, inclusivity, and diversity.
"Black Barbie" provides a critical examination of a history that has typically overlooked us. A testament to black women’s activism, the documentary leaves us with a legacy of dolls capturing the genuine diversity of black and brown beauty. The film encapsulates the elegance and cultural enrichment of the Black Barbie.
