As a joke, Tracy Morgan's character on "30 Rock" alluded to the fact that black Barbies sell less in Arizona. Actually in real life, black Barbies sell less in Louisiana, specifically Wal-Mart, they have them on discount. Walmart spokeswoman Melissa O'Brien responded to an inquiry regarding the price discrepancy, explaining the valuation of the dolls was set "to prepare for Spring inventory, a number of items are marked for clearance. Both are great dolls. The red price sticker indicates that this particular doll was on clearance when the photo was taken, and though both dolls were priced the same to start, one was marked down due to its lower sales to hopefully increase purchase from customers." And another view is... "The implication of the lowering of the price is that's devaluing the Black doll," Thelma Dye of the Northside Center for Child Development in Harlem told ABC News. Retail analyst Lori Wachs says Walmart needed to look at the bigger picture. "I think there are certain things companies have to be sensitive about and clearly this was one of them," retail she told ABC.
While a blogger questions the new 'So In Style Dolls,' especially the African-American ones, headline styled by designer Stacy McBride-Irby. They are not called Barbies but they are called 'So In Style.' I think it is great that there is a toyline dedicated to African-Americans, especially little African-American girls. But, I am concerned that it feeds to the stereotype that African-Americans are only good to be fashionable and musicians, it is like a positive stereotype that "Asians are smart." Comedian Chris Rock began promoting his documentary “Good Hair” a few weeks ago on Oprah which began after he observed his daughter telling her white friend that she had “good hair” implying that she had hair better than her own. That is an issue.I have a friend that is half-Cuban and half-Dominican and her mother is of dark complexion and she came out caramel, she is stunning and beautiful. But one acquittance said she had 'nappy Black people hair,' which I find ridiculous. Why is one hair better than another? Straight hair doesn't always equal good. And sometimes I hear some racist people saying only black people have fros but I have seen plenty of white people with fros. Anyway, my point is that there should be more diverse choices for little girls.
NowPublic
Essence
Real Talk
