Mattel Unveils Gender-Neutral Doll Line
Mattel, makers of Barbie and Ken, has released a new line of gender-neutral dolls which are "designed to keep labels out and invite everyone in," according to their new slogan. The line is titled "Creatable World" and was announced through Twitter.
The dolls are designed to "betray no obvious gender," according to Time. "The lips are not too full, the eyelashes not too long and fluttery, the jaw not too wide. There are no Barbie-like breasts or broad, Ken-like shoulders. Each doll in the Creatable World series looks like a slender 7-year-old with short hair."
Each doll comes with a variety of clothing and accessory items to customize the dolls to each child's liking. The accessories include "a wig of long, lustrous locks and a wardrobe befitting any fashion-conscious kid: hoodies, sneakers, graphic T-shirts in soothing greens and yellows, along with tutus and camo pants," Time reported.
In response to some concerns from parents in test groups who felt the doll felt political, or weren't sure they wanted boys playing with dolls, Mattel President Richard Dickson said: "We're not in the business of politics, and we respect the decision any parent makes around how they raise their kids. Our job is to stimulate imaginations. Our toys are ultimately canvases for cultural conversation, but it's your conversation, not ours; your opinion, not ours."
In a statement to USA Today, Senior Vice President of Mattel fashion doll design Kim Culmore said: "Toys are a reflection of culture and as the world continues to celebrate the positive impact of inclusivity we felt it was time to create a doll line free of labels."
The dolls will sell for $29.99, and they are now available on Amazon, Target and Walmart.