In a Barbie world

By Xu Xiaomin (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-03-10 09:42

Local commentators once frowned at Barbie's popularity among Chinese girls, worried the slim blonde would change Chinese girl's tastes.

Since her birth in 1959, Barbie has sold 1 billion clothes and accessories.

Zhang Tao of the Journalism School at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, lamented the paucity of Chinese dolls. "Why should Chinese children with yellow skin and black eyes play with blonde dolls?" he wrote.

The only available Chinese-looking dolls were developed by the international TV star Yue-Sai Kan in 2001. Her idea stemmed from her own frustration at not being able to find a doll with black hair and eyes. Some years later, though, the popularity of Yue-Sai dolls still cannot compete with her sexy competitor. Barbie's yearly sales are reportedly $3.3 billion.

The concerns about the Barbie craze were refuted by Richard Dickson, general manager and senior vice president of Barbie Brands.

"I understand it but it's not about what Barbie looks like - it's about what she means," said Dickson, adding that the doll offered girls the chance to dream big. Moreover, Barbie Shanghai hopes it will satisfy all tastes - it is selling dolls of all different skin complexions, including those that look Asian, Caucasian and African.

Previous 1 2 3 Next Page