Barbie condemned after launching Tokyo Olympics all-inclusive collection without visible Asian representation

Mattel, the toy company that makes Barbie dolls, has partnered with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Tokyo 2020 organizers to launch a new range of dolls in February 2020 designed specifically for play.

“Tokyo 2020 is a mega event that brings the world together through sport and inspires fans of all ages,” Mattel Head of Franchise Janet Hsu wrote in a Mattel press release. “The Mattel Tokyo 2020 Collection honors these sports and inspires a new generation through the Olympic spirit and exceptional sporting traditions.”

Even if trying[highlight] Inclusiveness and innovation, ”many were quick to notice the lack of an Asian Barbie while she was acting last month.

People have taken to social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, to express their disappointment with Mattel at being excluded from an Asian doll, whether it was accidental or intentional.

“I wouldn’t buy Barbie dolls for my girlfriend. No representation, ”said Michigan County Commissioner Macomb Mae Cheung, who emigrated to the United States as a Hmong refugee at the age of three, chirp.

Many users have also wondered how Mattel could have forgotten to include a seemingly Asian Barbie in games hosted in Tokyo – a widely recognized Asian city – and with many Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) making headlines after winning Team USA medals. , including Sunisa Lee and First American Hmong To compete for the United States, which made history as the first Asian – of any nationality – a Win a gold medal in individual all-round gymnastics.

Mattel makes #asian Americans invisible while promoting its “most diverse doll line to date”, to highlight an Asian country, while #Barbie appears in a Japanese karate uniform, [and] Each doll has been described as a “Tokyo officer”, “Japanese-American plastic artist Drew Kataoka chirp.

Various Barbie dolls have proven to be very popular. Weeks before the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony, Barbie released a doll modeled after Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka as part of the Barbie role model series. Doll Only the hours have run out! after his release.

CNN reached out to Mattel for comment.