Debuted yesterday at Glamour’s 2017 Women of the Year Summit, the first hijab-wearing Barbie doll stirred up the people on Twitter.
Modelled after Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first Muslim-American woman to compete in hijab at the Olympics, the progressive Barbie is part of annual “Shero” line. The collection celebrates inspiring females who challenge the status quo and infused other women the courage to do the same.
The Mattel’s attempt to design a more inclusive and representative Barbie doll set the Twitter on fire. For some, the revolutionary initiative was just about to happen.
We now finally have in 2017 a hijab wearing @Barbie with the last name Muhammad.
Say it again for the People in the back: REPRESENTATION MATTERShttps://t.co/eI2lMT9V4l
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) November 14, 2017
LOVE this! @Barbie's first doll with a hijab is modeled after @IbtihajMuhammad. Representation matters. Black. Muslim. Magic. pic.twitter.com/W6ATi9xqTZ
— Britni Danielle (@BritniDWrites) November 13, 2017
Finally some good news: https://t.co/ygqwDtPSRp via @harpersbazaarus
— Erica Gonzales (@ericagonzo) November 13, 2017
Barbie FINALLY Designed a Doll Wearing a Hijab — And She's Modeled After an Olympian https://t.co/zXedxDZrY6 pic.twitter.com/IY6QtIDo0g
— Self-Rescuing Princess Society (@S_R_P_S) November 13, 2017
pretty thrilled that the world now has a canonical Barbie doll that wears hijab and carries a fencing foil https://t.co/uFfja7sqbc
— Saladin Ahmed (@saladinahmed) November 14, 2017
Olympic medalist @IbtihajMuhammad is the new #Barbie, the first to wear a hijab. 💪Sometimes, we can have nice things. #GlamourWOTY pic.twitter.com/x2c1JrnIef
— Julianna Haubner (@jhaubner2) November 13, 2017
Barbie will release a hijab wearing doll in 2018 🧕🏽
This is a great step to stop the islamophobia also muslim girls which wear a hijab can identify themselves with the new barbie
Bravo @Barbie ,this was a very brave step!
What do y‘all think? pic.twitter.com/uSoC8CSaqP— 2018 Predictions (@2018MusicFacts) November 14, 2017
Other people accused the brand of endorsing the oppression of women.
So instead of promoting women's rights and freedom, @Mattel is promoting Hijab on Barbie dolls.
This is Indoctrination of young minds that Hijab is OK and not oppressive while it really isn't a free choice for Muslim women. pic.twitter.com/XnMK05Q3oL
— Ashish (@Ak_Ashii) November 14, 2017
Oh great, Mattel brings Hijab wearing Barbie back from the 7th century Accessories include, stones, acid, and a whipping stick for Ken to use on her when she misbehaves.
— AmericanWoman (@LWilsonDarlene) November 14, 2017
Headline: "MATTEL announces first hijab wearing Barbie." — Unfortunately, Ken immediately stabbed it in "honor killing."
— Fector (@Fector) November 14, 2017
Is the male escort included with the latest hijab Barbie?
— Amanda Prestigiacomo (@AmandaPresto) November 14, 2017
Yes! This Barbie Should Be Called #OpressedBarbie! With A Big Fat SLAVE Written Across The Forhead Of The Hijab And It Must Come With A Ball And Chain💣⛓And A Male Terrorist Abdul Doll With Sword In Hand! I mean come on @Mattel What The Hell⁉️👿 🚫 #BanMattel pic.twitter.com/Ay6z7D3GQn
— Juliet America (@JulietPatriot) November 14, 2017
Mattel releases its new #HijabBarbie just in time for the holidays. Nothing spreads Christmas cheer like religious oppression against women.
— Nick Adams (@NickAdamsinUSA) November 14, 2017
@Mattel Debuts Hijab Barbie. Accessories Include Rusty Blade to Perform Clitoris Removal, and 'How To' Guides on Lying to Infidels and The Joys of Being Oppressed Under Sharia Law
Jihad Ken, Machete, and Van Filled with Explosives Sold Separately#TuesdayThoughts pic.twitter.com/dbBdonjRBC
— Colleen ✨✌✨ (@We_R_TheMedia) November 14, 2017
And there were quite a few people, who met the new Barbie doll with ironic comments.
Mattel releases first Hijab 🧕 wearing Barbie! Does it come with a rental truck full of explosives? 💣💥 https://t.co/00sE8edZuq
— 'GITMO' BAMA 🎗 (@President1Trump) November 13, 2017
Coming Next: Illegal Immigrant Barbie. Comes with 23 chain migrant dolls. Free to buyer funded by US tax payers… https://t.co/TVVz50WwD0
— MAGAGirl (@KimWelzenbach) November 14, 2017
Barbie releases new Muslim female doll wearing a hijab. Next they’ll have her boyfriend ‘Isis Ken’ wearing a suicide belt.
— USA Symbols 🇺🇸 (@USAsymbols) November 13, 2017
Featuring Sharia Barbie!!!
Comes with a Hijab, Realistic Bruises and a Quran.
Cliterectomy kit sold separately!! pic.twitter.com/EtXEhmGuyo
— Ash (@ash19898989) November 13, 2017
I designed the new Barbie car. You're welcome hijab/Muslim Barbie .. #HijabBarbie #MuslimBarbie #VroomVroom pic.twitter.com/C75cMNKnPh
— 🇺🇸 Megan 🇺🇸 (@meganchopkins) November 14, 2017
Does the new hijab Barbie come with warranty covering acid attacks? https://t.co/aVayis78Hl pic.twitter.com/SydgJECpIz
— Harry Khachatrian (@Harry1T6) November 14, 2017
When are they going to introduce the first decapitated Barbie?
Seems to go hand-in-scimitar with hijab wearing Barbie.— Chris J. Robbins (@skwogler) November 13, 2017
However, whatever the feedback, the hijab-wearing doll is set to be released in 2018.
Words: Madalina Corjuc | Subbing: Omar Balde