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New “bald” friend of Barbie causes controversy
U.S. toymaker Mattel created a “bald” friend of Barbie doll named Ella and donated a limited quantity of the dolls to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF).
However, the bald doll has created some controversy in the alopecia community because Ella is packaged with a wig on.
Some feel that it is not a real representation of a person with alopecia and would have preferred that the doll was packaged bald with perhaps a wig included as a fashion accessory.
NAAF states it was not involved in the development or packaging of the Ella doll and that Mattel made the determination that Ella would be wearing her wig in the packaging.
What do you think of Mattel’s decision?
NAAF is making its supply of the Ella dolls available on a first-come first-served basis to children with alopecia ages 3-17. You can apply at www.naaf.org, as Ella is not available in stores.
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Comment by TallGuy on February 6, 2013 at 1:58am
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If the doll was packaged bald, folks would complain that she's white...or there is no bald ken....or that her features are unrealistic...or her hair is pink...
There is no contreversy here... when I went through this, there was just nothing out there... so having a prop that folks can share with their kids is great, and kudos to Mattel for putting it out there...
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Comment by JeffreySF on February 6, 2013 at 2:09am
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Let the controversy begin...Does Ella come with an accessory kit sold separately? One sold with needles, lotions and potions?
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Comment by Carmen Dayhoff on February 6, 2013 at 6:02am
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I think Mattel is embarrassed to even be involved in making a bald Barbie. I think they don't rally care about the kids Bald Ella represents. I always lived Barbies as a kid but thankfully my daughter has never wanted them because I think after all this I would have boycotted buying them. I really like the bald Proxie doll and am saticified with their involvement and willingness to be multi cultured. Though saying that, Ella IS cute. And I am happy for the kids that will get to enjoy her through NAAF.
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Comment by Katie B on February 6, 2013 at 6:39am
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Well I for one hate all barbie dolls and alike - they show no representation of real humans in any way shape of form!!
That aside. I think this is quite a good thing. I never would have even thought of a doll (horrible unhuman like things that they are!) being released without hair - wigged or wigless.
And I totally understand why it might not be in store - stores have to use their space carefully and will only stock things best sellers and things that have high market appeal - as nice and as balanced as it might be to stock this along side their best sellers thats not a business decision. I dont know a huge amount about the background here - but wasnt there mention they could be selling this online?
At the end of the day this is a kids toy - and I dont think everything has to come with a massive explanation or motive. For kids (bald or un-bald) i tend to think this sort of toy should be about 'normalising' something. 'Oh look Ellas hairs come off' 'yes dear - some peoples hair comes off' .... (start discussion if its required)
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Comment by Mallory Crowner on February 6, 2013 at 7:15am
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The first thing I noticed was that she had a wig on. Maybe I'm bias because you won't find a single photo of me with a wig on, unless it's Halloween and whatever I chose to dress up as has hair. I have never worn a wig, or anything else, to cover my head. Well, aside from sunblock that is. ;o)
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I want to also mention that I was so excited to hear about this doll, and hoped I could get my hands on one or two for my nieces. But, when I saw Ella, I realized she wasn't a very good representation of ME...maybe she is of others, so I'm not complaining per say...just isn't me and what I stand for. :o)
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Comment by Vicki on February 6, 2013 at 8:38am
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Sorry - its just not that serious to me. My identity isn't and will never be wrapped up in a doll. If we are talking about role models, they should be living and breathing. There are more important things to worry about..... than a barbie doll, in my opinion. Moving on.....
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If Barbie is so popular, why does she need to buy friends?
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Comment by Debbi Fuller on February 6, 2013 at 9:05am
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Ideally, it would have been better if the wig had been packaged separately as an accessory but at least there IS a bald Barbie 'friend'. I don't understand why it can't be purchased online if they can't make a business decision to carry it in stores though. Does any one know if it is available online?
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I agree, I feel that it should be available in stores. It's part of the awareness aspect.
And I feel it should have been packaged with the wig as an accessorie also.
I think it is a nice gesture on the part of the company but they weren't seeing the situation through "our eyes."
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