“When I think of Barbie, I think of a little white doll with blue eyes, blonde hair, pink lips, and just all in pink.” This statement sets the stage for “Black Barbie: A Documentary”, a film that explores the rich history and cultural impact of one of the most iconic toys ever created. Directed and written by Lagueria Davis, the documentary provides an in-depth look at how the introduction of Black Barbie revolutionized representation in the toy industry.
Since Barbie’s debut in 1959, she has been the quintessential doll for little girls worldwide. However, the concept of a Black Barbie was not even entertained until Beulah Mae Mitchell, one of Mattel’s first Black employees and a friend of Barbie creators Ruth and Evan Handler, suggested creating a version that reflected her community.
Mitchell’s unique position at Mattel paved the way for this groundbreaking documentary that delves into how marketing and merchandising intersect with racial representation. “Black Barbie” illustrates the struggles and triumphs of Black women in ensuring their voices and images were no longer invisible in the toy world or beyond.
The film is structured into three chapters, each exploring different facets of this journey. Until the mid-twentieth century, Black dolls were often relegated to dehumanizing stereotypes, such as calico, Aunt Jemima, jar dolls, or topsy-turvy dolls. These exaggerated, racist representations made many Black girls feel unaccepted and unworthy. As Shonda Rhimes poignantly states in the film, “…there is real damage done when you force children of color to play with white dolls.”
The tide began to turn when Mattel partnered with Lou Smith and Operation Bootstrap to create Shindana, a company that became the largest manufacturer of black dolls until 1983. However, the real breakthrough came when Kitty Black Perkins joined Mattel as a fashion designer. Inspired by Diana Ross, Perkins created the first black Barbie, transforming the industry with her innovative designs. Following in her footsteps, Stacy McBride-Irby celebrated the 30th anniversary of Black Barbie by creating dolls that reflected diverse real-life heroines, including Misty Copeland and Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad.
Although the initial marketing campaign for Black Barbie was less than stellar, it did not hinder the doll’s evolution. Today, Barbie’s legacy includes movies, vlogs, and an animated series featuring a caramel-colored doll from Brooklyn, proving that Barbie is more than a color—she is a catalyst for change, promoting diversity and inclusion one doll at a time.
“Black Barbie: A Documentary” is an agile and insightful education on a world that historically excluded Black voices. The documentary leaves viewers with a profound sense of pride and appreciation for the black women whose activism reshaped the narrative, creating a legacy of dolls that reflect the beautiful diversity of Black culture. With fuller lips, curvier hips, and a spectrum of brown and black shades, these dolls celebrate the uniqueness of Black heritage. “Black Barbie: A Documentary” is as elegant and enriching as the doll that inspired it.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the main focus of “Black Barbie: A Documentary”?
According to IMDb, the documentary explores the history and cultural impact of Black Barbie, highlighting the struggles and achievements in creating a doll that represents Black beauty and diversity.
2. Who directed “Black Barbie: A Documentary”?
The documentary was directed and written by Lagueria Davis, as detailed on Wikipedia.
3. Where can I watch “Black Barbie: A Documentary”?
You can watch “Black Barbie: A Documentary” on iWatchOnline, a platform offering a wide range of films and TV shows.
4. What themes are explored in “Black Barbie: A Documentary”?
The documentary explores themes of racial representation, cultural impact, and the evolution of diversity in the toy industry, as noted in reviews on Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes.
5. How has the documentary been received by critics?
Critics have praised “Black Barbie: A Documentary” for its insightful storytelling, powerful interviews, and historical significance, highlighting its role in promoting diversity and inclusion. This reception is evident from detailed reviews found on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.
For more detailed reviews and opinions, you can visit the aforementioned sources.
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