Far From Bratz: Read Bratz Dolls’ Powerful Statement About George Floyd
After nineteen years of sticking up for diversity, Bratz Dolls remind us they’re still going strong.
Support has been taking forms of all kind following the death of George Floyd. Just when you think you’ve heard everything from Rihanna’s hot pink asymmetric minidress being sold for charity to Cole Sprouse’s arrest for the participation in a protest, there is another act of dedication.
Bratz Dolls brought a whole new meaning to “unleash your passion,” On May 31, with a strong statement about racism and police brutality via their Instagram urging people to sign the Justice For George Floyd Petition.
The brand has been standing up for diversity their entire existence. Upon their debut back in 2001, the brand presented four 10-inch dolls that were made up of 75% ethnic minorities including an African-American doll named Sasha, a Latinx doll named Yasmin, an Asian doll named Jade, and a Caucasian doll named Cloe.
Bratz’s introduction to the world was revolutionary: Children who were not Caucasian with blonde hair and blue eyes saw a mainstream doll on worldwide television; and she wasn’t belittled to being just Barbie’s accessory. What’s more, the dolls were never presented competing against each other for which doll was essentially on top (unlike Barbie). Bratz Dolls were created by the company MGA. When Bratz’s popularity peaked in 2005, MGA raked in $800 million as opposed to Mattel who made $445 million from selling Barbie dolls that same year.
It’s not surprising that fans of a brand that made it their mission to accurately reflect the demographics of the world were ready to stand by their heroes. Fans took to Twitter to express their definitive approval.
This is why girls who preferred Bratz over Barbie are bad bitches now https://t.co/uV77eJRSvI
— Olivia🦋🇯🇲 (@oliviaaamb) May 31, 2020
Proud to have had a bratz themed bedroom in 2006 now ty https://t.co/vyCLtBcmuV
— Lauren Alexander 💕 (@misslalexander_) June 1, 2020
Not gonna lie. Bratz is all about diversity! Watched Bratz because of my baby sister years ago & all the stories aim to reach for your dreams no matter what and love one another, no matter what gender preferences someone may have and to not settle for less! https://t.co/56JWJE1jPx
— bianca ☾ PROD. BEOMGYU/ #JUNKTERRORBILL (@mizyaaaaa_) June 1, 2020
Bratz was the first toy brand I remember that really popularised black/minority ethnic dolls. They didn’t give the black dolls stereotypical plot lines either. They’ve been amazing for years! https://t.co/q9e25IhkIH
— Stef the Career Coach (@FLOTUK) May 31, 2020
Not Bratz making a better statement than any celeb so far pic.twitter.com/lCdP4ni8eq
— CNN GOTH UPDATES (@frankenfemme_) May 31, 2020
You can fight for justice just like your favorite nostalgic, fashionable, socioeconomic role models by signing the petition here.
Writer | Tweet me @juliaroulhac
