Mattel, the maker of the iconic Barbie dolls, has announced plans to sell its first hijab-wearing doll. Inspired by female fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad who was the first American to compete at the Olympics while wearing a hijab and the first female Muslim to win a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, the toy was presented during Glamour's Women of the Year Summit on November 13 in New York City.
Thank you @Mattel for announcing me as the newest member of the @Barbie #Shero family! I’m proud to know that little girls everywhere can now play with a Barbie who chooses to wear hijab! This is a childhood dream come true 😭💘 #shero pic.twitter.com/py7nbtb2KD
— Ibtihaj Muhammad (@IbtihajMuhammad) 13 ноября 2017 г.
The new Barbie in hijab has sent the internet into a frenzy. Some users were pleased to see some diversity appear in the famous doll range, which was expanded in 2016 when Mattel introduced curvy, tall and petite body types for its dolls.
When I was a kid in the 70s every doll, every Barbie was blonde/brunette & had blue eyes. I'm a green eyed redhead & was very sad no doll looked like me. Then Cabbage Patch Kids came along. This stuff matters!
— Stacey (@YoRosesYo) 14 ноября 2017 г.
This is so dope. Representation for all children matters.
— JustSaki (@Just_Saki_) 14 ноября 2017 г.
I love it. I'll buy one for each of my granddaughters
— Theresa Zylawy (@TZylawy) 14 ноября 2017 г.
The Muhammad-inspired doll is part of the Barbie's "Shero" line, honoring female heroes — the women who break boundaries.
It mattered in board v BOE in 1954 and it matters now. Can't wait to order this for my blond haired blue eyed niece- I want her to see ALL types of barbies and real life #sheroes
— Mizsuzebanthony (@mizsuzebanthony) 14 ноября 2017 г.
Meanwhile, a lot of Twitterians were disappointed by Mattel's announcement. Many users found it "offensive" and even called for boycotting the company, accompanying their tweets with #boycottmattel and #boycottbarbie hashtags.
"Let's teach little girls that oppressing their Rights based on gender & religion is normal."
— 5 Trumpers 🇺🇸 (@5Trumpers) 14 ноября 2017 г.
Dear.@Mattel
— 🇺🇸Patriot 24/7🇺🇸 (@TrumpTrain45Pac) 14 ноября 2017 г.
As a Christian, I find your decision to make a Hijab wearing Barbie offensive and in poor taste. I REBUKE your CULT dolls and will lead the charge in an effective #BoycottMattel campaign.
I am asking that you DENOUNCE this and provide a public apology. https://t.co/gMOHZ5nIBq
They can make an #IslamicBarbie, but can’t make a #ChristianBarbie. That’s religious #discrimination. #BoycottMattel
— CDTrump (@cd_trump) 14 ноября 2017 г.
Barbies in hijabs have been making the headlines since 2016, after a project called "Hijarbie," launched by Nigerian Muslim lifestyle blogger Haneefah Adam, gained incredible popularity on Instagram. The woman restyled the dolls as powerful Muslim women icons, with Ibtihaj Muhammad among them too.
Another Islamic doll, adorned with a traditional hijab headdress, was launched in Britain in 2014. Designed by former Muslim teacher Rishwana B, the Romeisa Deeni Doll was created faceless — with no eyes, mouth or nose in compliance with a strict interpretation of Islam that prohibits the depiction of faces.
