Pre-reading questions:
- Can you name any famous toys or dolls that have been popular for many years?
- What do you think makes a toy or doll popular among children?
Vocabulary:
- inspiration /in-spuh-REY-shuhn/
- skin tone /skin tohn/
- disability /dis-uh-BIL-i-tee/
- feedback /FEED-bak/
- appeal /uh-PEEL/
[noun] – someone or something that gives you ideas for doing something
The breathtaking scenery of the countryside served as inspiration for the artist’s latest painting.
[noun] – the color of the surface of someone’s skin
The makeup brand offers a wide range of foundations to match every skin tone perfectly.
[noun] – an illness, injury, or condition that makes it difficult for someone to do some things that other people do, and that is usually permanent or lasts for a long time
The new community center is fully accessible, catering to people with disabilities to ensure everyone can enjoy the facilities.
[noun] – information or reactions received as a response to something done or proposed, often used for the purpose of making improvements or adjustments
The company used customer feedback to improve the design of their product, ensuring it better met the needs and expectations of their users.
[verb] – to attract or interest someone; to be pleasing or attractive to someone’s preferences or desires
The museum’s new interactive exhibit appeals to both young and old visitors, making it a popular destination for families.
Article reading:
Today, Barbie offers a huge selection. There are 35 skin tones, 97 hairstyles, and nine body types. Mattel, the company that makes Barbie, introduced dolls with disabilities like wheelchairs, Down Syndrome, and vitiligo. This change shows that Barbie is moving away from its past and wants to include everyone. Although some people worry about Barbie’s influence on how people see themselves, Mattel listens to feedback from different communities. The success of the “Barbie” movie in 2023, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, made Barbie even more popular. With designer Carlyle Nuera, Barbie keeps changing to appeal to everyone. As Barbie enters her 66th year, her journey of acceptance and diversity will continue to inspire people.
Comprehension questions
- What did Ruth Handler use as inspiration for creating Barbie?
- How has Barbie changed over the years?
- How many different skin tones are available for Barbie dolls today?
- What types of disabilities are represented in the new Barbie dolls?
- What does Mattel do with feedback from different communities?
Discussion questions
- Have you ever played with a Barbie doll or another toy that made you feel like you were being represented or understood in terms of your identity, interests, or background? If yes, how did that experience influence the way you see diversity and representation? If not, can you imagine a toy or character that you wish had been available and would have resonated with you?
- Is there a toy or doll in your country that is more popular than Barbie? If so, what is it, and what do you think makes it more appealing to children in your culture? If not, why do you think Barbie remains the most popular doll among children in your country?
- Do you think that introducing Barbie dolls with various disabilities and skin tones is an effective way to encourage inclusivity and acceptance among children from a young age?
- Considering how Barbie has evolved to include more diversity in terms of race, gender, and ability, what additional actions do you believe Mattel should take to ensure that Barbie can serve as a positive role model for all children?
- Given the impact of the Barbie movie and the diverse range of dolls now available, how do you view the role of media and toys in shaping societal attitudes towards inclusivity and representation? What role do you think companies like Mattel should play in this regard?