After last year’s 'Barbie' frenzy, the iconic doll is back in the spotlight with a new documentary focusing on Black Barbie. This film delves into the cultural significance and impact of the first Black Barbie doll and highlights the contributions of Black Mattel staffers from that era.
Barbie, a beloved toy for many young girls, has historically been a symbol of beauty and femininity. However, it often failed to represent the diverse backgrounds of all its admirers. "When I think of Barbie, I see a little white doll with blue eyes in all pink. That’s what I think,” a woman says in the trailer, echoing the sentiment of many Black girls who felt underrepresented.
In 1980, the introduction of the first Black Barbie marked a significant cultural shift. The designer, Kitty Black Perkins, emphasised the importance of creating a doll that genuinely represented Black women. "I designed Black Barbie to reflect the total look of a Black woman," Perkins states in the documentary. The doll's packaging proudly proclaimed, “She’s Black. She’s beautiful. She’s dynamite.”
Directed by Lagueria Davis and produced by Shonda Rhimes through her company Shondaland, in collaboration with Netflix, the documentary traces the origin and evolution of Black Barbie. It chronicles her journey from being merely a ‘friend’ of Barbie’s to becoming a mainstream icon.
Beulah Mae Mitchell, a former Mattel employee, shares her experiences working with Barbie creator Ruth Handler. Mitchell recalls how she frequently advocated for the creation of a Black Barbie, stating, “‘We want a Black Barbie.’” Her persistence, along with the efforts of others, led to the landmark introduction of the first Barbie of colour.
The film features interviews with former Mattel employees, including Mitchell, Perkins, and Stacey McBride Irby. They reflect on the pre-launch days and the significant impact the Black Barbie had on their lives and careers. The documentary also includes personal stories from other women who describe how the Black Barbie influenced their childhoods and sense of identity.
The highly anticipated documentary will premiere on Netflix on June 19. This release not only coincides with Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans but also underscores the importance of representation and diversity in popular culture.
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