Mattel Releases Mexican Barbie Doll

[Admin]

Undeterred by their previous Mexican Barbie failure, Mattel has created a Mexican Barbie to commemorate the 16 de Septiembre, Mexican Independence Day.

Mariachi Barbie comes with a fitted black bolero jacket, cropped trousers trimmed in an intricate golden brocade, and a wide-brimmed sombrero. Tall black boots and a pink ribbon bow tie complete the look.

The doll celebrates "one of Mexico's most representative traditions in music and culture" and will be available to the public in September, the company said in a statement. Mariachi Barbie joins the 2014 Barbie Dolls of the World Collection.

Mattel faced criticism last year when they released a Mexican Barbie dressed in a pink, ruffled dress and holding a chihuahua and a passport. "It would be nice to see some contemporary images from these countries," Felix Sanchez, chairman and co-founder of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts told Fox News Latino at the time. "These images seem very dated and seem to have been created for a different time."

However, Sanchez approves of the new Mexican Barbie.

"Well, at least she's not coming off as sexy Latina Barbie, spinning on a pedestal," Felix Sanchez told Buzzfeed, referring to Sofia Vergara's largely criticized Emmy's skit. "This is an image that does exist. It helps us embrace toy making in a way that makes it relevant and authentic."

When Mattel released the first Mexican Barbie, we asked our readers to share their feelings about the doll.

"I understand the need to buy a doll for your daughter that represents your culture, but this is not the way to go about it," reader Mariette Bernstorff told us. "Many women in Mexico are making fantastic dolls that hold another meaning, the value of our culture... so don't buy this! Buy something that helps women in Mexico, and really tells a story to your daughter!"

What are your thoughts on the newest Mexican Barbie? Is it an improvement from the last attempt — or do you still find it offensive?

Question came with news page but feel free to give it a try.

C

[Shilo]

I respect that they redid the barbie in honor of their Independence Day, and that is awesome, but like Miss USA, or Miss America why can't they represent her in that form, beautiful, graceful, lovely and in a ball gown/crown.


Shilo

[Admin]

It's the culture that they wear this look I was thinking while reading this they didn't want her to be over sexy as in the way the actress Sofia Vergara was playing the role of an sexy latin woman. Just stick to the culture of a pround people I am guessing.

C

[Shilo]

I see what you are saying Lady C,that they didn't want her to be over sexy, stereotyped in a way, got it, but then Latin women are so gorgeous, you can put a paper sack on them and they'll still be beautiful/sexy(giggle)

Shilo

[Admin]

Si

C : )