Disabled Barbie

by Isabella

When I grew up, I recall having a Barbie Doll. I remember thinking how perfect she was. Her features were delicate, her hair just perfectly styled, her body just the right shape and proportioned, her clothing looked like it was especially made for her, her makeup impeccable.  And I remember brushing her hair and no matter how many times I did, it always looked perfectly styled. I had this illusion that when I grew up, I was going to look exactly like Barbie.

Well! I grew up and didn't look like Barbie at all.  She was too perfect, while I was imperfectly perfect.  I didn't identify with Barbie. I often wondered if any other little girls feel the same way? Probably..

I recently saw this article about how Barbie now has evolved into a beautiful Barbie with all the imperfections. Oh! How I wish I could go back in time and have those Barbies today. No, I didn't wear a prosthesis and I didn't use a wheelchair, but I do have an invisible disability. Just the fact she wasn't all perfect would have appealed to me.

Those in a wheelchair or wearing a prosthesis would have been able to actually identify. Or someone having a family member with some type of disability or friends or even someone in the neighborhood. I hope Barbie continues to evolve. Perhaps a Barbie or a Ken doll with a service dog, a cane, crutches or walker. There are other types of disabilities that could be included. (Think about the Special Olympics.) The list is endless.

I read this quote somewhere. “There is a lot of beauty in your imperfections, in your uniqueness.”

Here is the article about the new Barbie with disabilities.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/12/us/barbie-doll-disabilities-trnd/index.html