Since Mattel’s release of the market breaking Barbie in 1959, views of what the perfect body and gender expression look like have changed immensely over the years.
From initially only being available as a male and female doll, Mattel has since revolutionized its market to a selection of diverse universal dolls for everyone to play with.
On Sept. 24, Mattel, who was founded in 1945, released a line of dolls called “Creatable World.” These dolls are limitless in the selection and are designed to keep labels out and welcome everyone in. The dolls can be made to be a boy, girl, both or neither.
These gender-neutral toys aim to make playing with dolls more inclusive ⚥ pic.twitter.com/LqODafTduy
— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) September 30, 2019
People of all ages, including young audiences like children, should be able to express themselves how they wish to and be free to solely be themselves.
In redefining these old stereotypes and escaping unrealistic expectations, this new way of addressing a young demographic is a remarkable outreach to encourage and inspire children to express themselves how they wish.
With knowing young children within family and friends who do not conform to gender roles, the release of the “Creatable Word” line of dolls has touched my heart so greatly and has filled me with happiness, as I know it will bring them great joy.
Being that the dolls steer away from traditional male or female features, it is an incredibly important line especially when it is seen by young people.
"The kids did not want their toys to be labeled." https://t.co/0CFD91suJD
— Men's Health Mag (@MensHealthMag) October 9, 2019
The Mattel creator who led to the release and launch of the design, Kim Culcome, said the dolls are intended to be relatable, but not aspirational like Barbie was.
The “Creatable World” series of dolls allows children to break away from fixed views in society and have the freedom to create and customize their characters as much as they would like to.
Starting with a blank canvas, these dolls come along with a style kit. This allows children to dress their dolls however they please with many variations of colored hair, featuring both long or short and the option of dolls in different skin tones.
Take a look at Mattel's just released a line of gender-neutral dolls pic.twitter.com/0cNBnpBV4v
— Bloomberg Originals (@bbgoriginals) October 13, 2019
The kit also comes with over 100 looks and wardrobe options ranging from different shirts, glasses, long pants, skirts or even the freedom to layer both.
Mattel also released a significant slogan with the delivery of the line, stating: “Dolls are for kids not only for girls.”
"a recent study by the @WilliamsPolicy at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that 27% of California teens identify as gender-nonconforming" 💗 https://t.co/6Uoa3zwNXa
— The Trevor Project (@TrevorProject) October 13, 2019
The circling question of why, as a society, we should follow these gender-specific procedures is nonetheless outrageous and outdated. Mattel’s focus in allowing kids to simply be kids and dismay from labels is a beautiful approach, and I am proud that they are doing so.
