Alopecia World
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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.
Comment
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Comment by Margaret Brennan on February 6, 2013 at 11:35am
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I would have enjoyed having one of these in my childhood but of course there was no Barbie back then. I actually would buy one for my granddaughters so they could play with something with non-stuck on hair. I don't really care how they packaged it but if it makes some kids with cancer or alopecia happy then good for them. I was never a lover of Barbie but I think they should market it. There are thousands of kids going through Chemo all over the world who might like having a bald doll. When Cabbage Patch came out with a bald doll so many of the little kids with alopecia and cancer wanted them. They would sell. So I say parents and grandparents who would like to see these marketed write to Matell now and ask them to put them in stores.
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Comment by Debbi Fuller on February 6, 2013 at 11:11am
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Wig on, wig off is a choice for people. I do both. I think that if the doll had been packaged without the wig on, it would have been a positive thing for children with no hair. It would have made them feel more 'normal' if there is such a thing. I love my vaccum hair pieces but I am not a slave to them. If I feel like going without hair, I do. I garden without hair, I don't wear hair in chlorine pools - not because I can't but because I'd rather not bother to have to redo my style or bleach out my color. I think of hair as a 'fashion accessory' and I think it is healthy to be able to do either - if that's what you want to do! Since we can't change the way the doll is packaged, let's just explain to kids that they can do whatever makes them feel good. It is their choice and neither choice is wrong.
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Comment by TallGuy on February 6, 2013 at 10:19am
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I thought the wig on was actually the right move... we are dealing with kids brains here. You need to start with their definition of normal and walk them through different slowly and explain...take the wig off and demonstrate the difference, and that it's ok. If they just come accross a bad doll in box...most won't get it.
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Comment by De-nise on February 6, 2013 at 10:17am
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In my opinion the doll should be packaged without the wig on, too. I think the idea of the wig is good, but this doll is for children, to help them see themselves as beautilful without hair. That's what the movement said and what i agree with. Sure some alopecians or cancer-patients wear a wig too, but we aren't representating alopecia for the whole world, we are representating ourselves.
The doll has a function, wich is awsome, and mattel destoyed it mostly and in my opinion they just did this because of the consumers. Even if it's sad: The normal Barbie HAS hair, and is sold very good, better than a bald one would. Thats what Mattel thinks.
Poor world.
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Comment by Georgia Kay Jarman on February 6, 2013 at 9:59am
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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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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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If Barbie is so popular, why does she need to buy friends?
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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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Comment by Mallory Crowner on February 6, 2013 at 7:16am
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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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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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