Barbie Creates First Doll with a Hijab
Barbie creates a new doll with a hijab inspired by Muslim Olympian.
For years, Barbie has primarily been seen as a blonde, Caucasian, and thin. However, over the last 10+ years, the brand has expanded to include dolls of various races, sizes and ethnicity. The new Barbie is a part of the “Shero” line and is modeled after American fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad.
The doll’s look was based on what she wore to the Olympics in 2016. Muhammad was dressed in a white padded fencing outfit from head to toe. However, for the doll, the name “Muhammad” is printed in black block letters across the back of the outfit. The helmet can be removed to reveal the hijab.
Muhammad won a bronze medal as part of Team USA in the Team Sabre at the Rio Olympics in 2016. She is also well-known for being the first Muslim American to wear a hijab while competing for Team USA at the Olympics. On her twitter, the fencer thanked Mattel for welcoming her into the brand’s “Shero” family, which celebrates female role models. “I’m proud to know that little girls everywhere can now play with a Barbie who chooses to wear hijab! This is a childhood dream come true.”
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Photo Cred/Twitter: @barbie
