We no longer live in a world where only boys play with toy trains and only girls play with dolls – this kind of gendered thinking is old school and out of fashion.
While society’s way of thinking has adjusted (slowly but surely) over the years to reflect changes in gender norms and expectations, we still have a long way to go. One of the best ways to make progress is through increased representation. I.E. representation broader than the basic ‘male’ and ‘female’ variety.
Mattel, an American toy manufacturing company, has taken an important step in this direction by launching the world’s first gender-neutral doll.
Can I get a “hell yeah”?
The doll can be a boy, a girl, neither or both. As well as increasing representation and inclusion, Mattel hopes the doll will redefine expectations about who gets to play with a toy traditionally deemed taboo for half the world’s kids.
Translation: ANYONE CAN PLAY WITH DOLLS THANKS.
The dolls have no gendered physical features – no Barbie-like breasts or Ken-like shoulders. They also come with different wigs and wardrobe outfits so kids can pick and choose their dolls overall look.
But the toy isn’t even the best part of this whole thing – the best part is the advertisement for the doll. The promo features a series of kids who go by various pronouns — him, her, them, xem — and the slogan “A doll line designed to keep labels out and invite everyone in.”
Can I get another “hell yeah”?
Long story short, this is epic and other toy/fashion/anything companies of the world need to take note.