No Asian Barbie In Tokyo Olympics Collection: The US Toymaker Mattel Faces Criticism For Being Non-inclusive

US toymaker, Mattel which manufactures the famous barbie dolls, has recently received flak on social media after their latest collection to commemorate Tokyo Olympics did not include an Asian Bardie doll, despite Japan hosting the event.

According to a report in the Independent, Mattel said that this collection of dolls aims to ’empower girls to participate in sports’ and ‘find the athlete within.

The company worked with the Olympics organizers to create the dolls in this collection and focussed specifically on new sports in the Olympic program. Therefore, the collection has barbies representing five new sports like baseball/softball, sport climbing, Karate, skateboarding, and lastly, surfing.

In a press release quoted by The Guardian, Mattel Chief Franchise Officer Janet Hsu said, “Tokyo 2020 is a monumental event that brings the world together through sport and inspires fans of all ages. The Mattel Tokyo 2020 Collection honors these sports and inspires a new generation through the Olympic spirit and outstanding athletic tradition.”