"Mattel is aiming to expand on inclusivity by introducing a new Barbie with Type 1 diabetes."
https://globalnews.ca/news/11281590/barbie-type-1-diabetes-mattel/
I've never understood the need to identify with anything. Like those yo-yos that whine about wanting to see themselves represented in the movies. Why? When I go to see, let's say a James Bond movie (any one but that last one, No Time To Watch), I want to see someone competent enough to overthrow the villain and save the day. That ain't me in real life. And I certainly wouldn't pay to go see a movie about a guy who has barely any skills and gets winded when he turns his head left or right.
I think this is what Diabetes Barbie is about. Problem is, there's nothing to celebrate about a 7 year old with diabetes. Hell, that shouldn't be promoted as being OK in the slightest. Between you and me, I'm pretty happy I don't have the need to identify as someone with TD1.
The new Barbie wears a continuous glucose monitor on her arm, which is a device used to track blood sugar levels. She is also holding a phone displaying an accompanying app for the CGM and has an insulin pump attached to her waist.
Sounds like a fun toy.
Other than the Krista Berger (senior vice-president of Barbie and global head of dolls), I'm not sure who else would buy this. There's no real stats I can find for people under 10 with Type 1 Diabetes on StatsCan so that's good news. At least most little girls who get this as a gift will ask why Barbie has a walkman attached to her belt.
The doll carries a blue purse that can be used to hold other essential supplies or snacks on the go. Her fashion choice is also notable — she sports a blue polka dot style, which is a nod to the global symbols for diabetes awareness.
A purse full of candies, I hope. And you could probably hide your weed in there too. Are blue polka dots the symbols for diabetes awareness? If so, why? And where’s Barbie’s blond hair?
More questions than answers here.
Emily Mazreku, director of marketing strategy at Breakthrough T1D, added that “visibility matters for everyone facing Type 1 diabetes."
Two things: one, if I saw any person walking down the street, I wouldn't be able to tell if they have Type 1 diabetes or a headache... or anything. The visibility angle doesn't make any sense. Second: I don't know if Emily knows this, but Barbie could never get real T1 diabetes because she doesn't have a pancreas. So, like a Barbie, this is empty and all for show. But you know, Inclusivity.
"And as a mother who lives with Type 1 diabetes, Mazreku added, “it means everything to have Barbie helping the world see T1D and the incredible people who live with it.”
Now I see. It's really for and about Emily. How self-centred, errr... I mean, incredible of her. And here I thought dolls were for kids. I guess that's what happens when you lead the marketing 'strategy" department. You just come up with bullshit to justify your job until the next contract. Maybe the next doll will be Marketing and Strategy Barbie. I wonder if it'll look like Emily?
Lila (Supermodel Kate Moss’s daughter), 22, has been very open about her diabetes diagnosis and shared her excitement for the launch of the new doll.
“Honoured to have a one-of-a kind Type 1 diabetic Barbie version of me to celebrate the launch of the first T1D Barbie,” she wrote on Instagram."
In short, if you're over 10 and playing with Barbies, maybe there's another underlying disability going on and if you design a doll based around yourself, you're as shallow as it gets. Lastly, statistically, more men than women get diabetes but if you're a man playing with Barbies, chances are your name is already on the sex offender registry list.
You know what's better than a truck load of Diabetes Barbies? Not having diabetes.
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