Mattel introduces its first Barbie with Type 1 diabetes
Mattel introduces its first Barbie with Type 1 diabetes
Mattel has introduced its first Barbie doll with representing someone with Type 1 diabetes. The doll, part of the Fashionistas line, includes realistic medical accessories like a continuous glucose monitor and an insulin pump — as well as an outfit that pays homage to diabetes awareness.
This new doll “enables more children to see themselves reflected in Barbie,” Mattel wrote
As a girl who grew up with type 1 diabetes, seeing these tasteless jokes in here just remind me of the shitty time kids can have when they feel different to other kids and get singled out for something they can't control.
So what if its a gigantic mega-corp, they're doing a good thing here for children.
Disgusting fucking 'jokes'. Shitty people.
Kids can be cruel.
I'm glad this Barbie exists. Representation matters, and this toy is one way to show little kids it's ok to have T1D. If a kid knows that Barbie can wear CGM then maybe the kid won't be a jerk when they meet a new kid with a thing on their arm.
Kids can also be amazing and caring. They just need the context and understanding of what is going on. Toys like this help a lot in that regard.
Yep, lemmy can be super ableist. It’s pretty bad.
Thanks for the insight! You made me change views on the tasteless jokes!
Aren't those with diabetes different in that most don't have diabetes?
Barbie has actually had quite a number of diversity variants over the years, this isn't all that unusual for them:
They should make a Barbie doll that’s just been kicked off Medicare.
Not to sound ignorant but can’t you just use your imagination for something like this?
Then they can't sell you another doll. When do we get sickle cell barbie? Like why give doll diseases? Can't leave that up to the kid?
Right? I want aids Barbie
I guess it's more for the "lore" of Barbie than the doll itself.
Sent this to a D1
said “dolls are for pretend play, I would hate to be reminded of my problems when I try to find an escape”
It's a love hate situation. For a lot of children, they will use play to process and understand things. E.g. "Helping" a Barbie with the problems helps them understand why their brother gets special treatment.
I've seen my daughter playing "classroom" with her teddies. It helps her understand better how school works, and what would be acceptable or not.
Woke capitalism strikes again!
i will never truly feel represented until Barbie gets a colostomy bag.
YES WE HEARD YOU, YOU ARE SCOTT MALKINSON BARBIE AND YOU HAVE DIABETES
Scott malconson
We get Barbietis now? Aight
So what. This isn't news.
And this isn't a news community. Not that it would justify being such a prick if it were.
LMAO
I thought it was going to be like a Tamagotchi where you had to give it a jab and make sure it has offspring, else the family line ends.
TL;DR (I only have a minute right now), does this change ANYTHING about the doll except a little note on the box she comes in?
Her foot falls off if you don't take proper care of her.
From the article:
The new Barbie wears continuous glucose monitor (CGM), a device that tracks blood sugar levels, on her arm — while holding a phone displaying an accompanying app. She also has an insulin pump attached to her waist. And the doll carries a blue purse that can be used to carry other essential supplies or snacks on the go.
The Barbie’s outfit is blue, too — with polka dots on a matching top and skirt set. Mattel says that this color and design are nods to symbols for diabetes awareness.
There are several permanent modifications made to the mold of the doll that separate it from non-diabetic dolls; and insulin pump and glucose monitor are depicted and they don't appear to be easily detachable.
Someone go resurrect Wilfurd Brimly! I don't have enough Worther's original candies to do the ritual!