Mariachi Barbie Is Only a Little Bit Offensive

Mattel attempts to tackle world culture with its "Dolls of the World" Barbie collection. Given that tons of little girls (and boys) play with the dolls from a young age, it's important that the dolls cover a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. But, unfortunately, the company doesn't always get it right — remember "Mexico Barbie," which came with a "Chihuahua friend" and a passport? Yes, really. However, Mattel's latest shot at Latin American representation is actually kind of an improvement. Her name is "Mariachi Barbie."

"Mariachi Barbie" wears a gold-trimmed bolero jacket and cropped trousers, a wide-brimmed sombrero, and a white blouse with a hot-pink bow at the neck, plus high-heeled black boots. She has dark hair worn in a low-ponytail and skin several shades darker than "white," so at least Mattel didn't just throw a traditional mariachi costume on a totally white-washed doll. According to BuzzFeed, Felix Sanchez, the chairman of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, is OK with the depiction, saying: "Well at least she’s not coming off as sexy Latina Barbie, spinning on a pedestal. This is an image that does exist. It helps us embrace toy making in a way that makes it relevant and authentic.”

"Mariachi Barbie" in all her glory.

The problem with the "Dolls of the World" line is that it often paints a highly stereotypical picture of a specific culture by choosing the most instantly recognizable (and at times problematic) images from that culture. For example, "Hawaii USA Barbie" wears a hula skirt and lei. And then there's that "Mexico Barbie" I mentioned earlier . . .

Yikes!

But, for all Barbie's faults, I do think it's important that she represents a range of nationalities (and body types . . . your move, Mattel) given how many children love to play with her. If you're interested in snagging "Mariachi Barbie," she'll be available sometime this month for $24.95. But please make sure all the little ones in your life understand that not all Mexican women play in mariachi bands.

Images: Mattel