Today on the View, Elizabeth Hasselbeck shared a story about Tiana, the newest princess from the Disney movie, the Princess and the Frog. Actually, the first black princess Disney has ever created in their 80 plus year history. Elizabeth gave Grace, her 4-year-old daughter, a Tiana doll, which Grace loves very much. She plays with her hair and totes her around wherever she goes. While out and about in the streets of New York, Elizabeth was greeted by some unwelcoming looks as people, white people, looked perplexed that her daughter was carrying a black doll. When asked if maybe they were looking at her because of who she is, she stated she was hidden underneath a baseball cap.
I am black and grew up on white Barbie dolls. I didn’t think much about the color of my dolls’ skin until later in life when my uncle started giving me African Barbie dolls for Christmas. The name escapes me but they weren’t Barbie dolls from Mattel. These dolls came in full African garb with beautiful headpieces. He sold them in his bookstore that exclusively sold books written by black authors. It was the first of it’s kind (the bookstore) in little old Richmond, Va. It actually may have been one of few in the country given this was the late 80s but I digress.
I find it interesting that Disney now has a new Princess whose doll I can only assume will be a hot commodity. But is this a safe assumption? I know amongst my black friends, there is excitement and anticipation for this beautiful black princess. They are buying not just the doll but also any other piece of merchandise associated with Tiana. My curiosity has piqued to know how this Princess is being received by my white compadres. Will Tiana be on their Christmas lists? Do my white friends buy dolls of other races for their children the way we buy white dolls for ours?
Over at Mattel, the birthplace of Barbie and one of my former employers (an awesome place to work I might add), they are launching a collection of black Barbie dolls that come with fuller lips, wider noses, and cheek bones that are more pronounced. This marks the first time Mattel is selling a non-white doll that hasn’t just been painted over the classic blond Barbie. The designer, Stacey McBride-Irby, is black and was inspired to create dolls that better reflect darker skin children. Black Barbie was first introduced in 1980.
The new black Barbie collection includes Grace, Kara, and Trichelle who have little mentees name Courtney, Janessa, and Kianna. Each doll has her own style and interests. Mattel does not release sales figures but admits these dolls are attracting the attention of girls of all colors and ages.
I’m glad Elizabeth Hasselbeck of all people, brought a little awareness to the subject of dolls and skin color. In this era of change, it seems the topic of race relations is becoming more open and candid. Elizabeth appeared to be hurt and frustrated from the reactions she received because he white child was carrying a black doll. It’s sad that race is still an issue. Even if it is just a doll.
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