Barbie introduced two new “one-of-a-kind” dolls on Sept. 15 to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, with mixed feedback from the public.
The featured dolls were of Celia Cruz, famously known as the Cuban “Queen of Salsa” and Dominican American author and activist Julia Alvarez. While Barbie celebrated the release, others were disappointed that the dolls were not for sale.
In a statement, Barbie said: “Through their legendary careers and bravery in self-expression, these women continue to inspire generations of young Latinos to proudly tell their stories.”
That's unfortunate. I know there was Frida backlash, but that's cause she was opposed to capitalism. You need Latinos on your staff so you can know culturally what's acceptable or not. This is a missed opportunity- especially with Celia!
— Yolanda Machado (@SassyMamainLA) September 15, 2021
Celia Cruz was one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century. She mastered a wide variety of Afro-Cuban music styles, making her a true pioneer of AfroLatinidad. Cruz received several awards and honors, including two Grammy Awards and four Latin Grammy Awards. Guantanamera is one of Cruz’s most well-known songs.
Today, she is internationally recognized as the “Queen of Salsa” due to her contributions to Latin music in the United States.
Julia Alvarez is a writer and activist who was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2013 by former President Barack Obama. She is considered to be one of the most prominent Latin writers by many critics.
On Twitter, Alvarez shared her enthusiasm for the dolls and hoping it will inspire young Latinas worldwide.
“Who knew I would grow up to become a @Barbie? I’m so honored to have a one-of-a-kind me in celebration of #HispanicHeritageMonth, along with the iconic Celia Cruz! I hope this can encourage young Latinas to share their gifts with the world.”
Both dolls are featured in Barbie’s Role Model collection, which focuses on inspiring young girls by featuring dolls of empowering women from the past and present.
Thank you Barbie, 4 honoring 2 wonderful ladies that still rock world! #HispanicHeritageMonth #CeliaCruz
— 🗽Crystabel Irina🇺🇸 (@Crysna06) September 15, 2021
Cruz’s and Alvarez’s dolls, however, are not for sale, prompting words of frustration from the public.
Clara Preve Durrieu used to enjoy playing with her Barbie dolls when she was younger. However, upon hearing Barbie’s latest decision not to sell Cruz’s and Alvarez’s dolls, she was disappointed.
“It seems like Barbie is another example of a company who is trying to show that they are being inclusive, but they’re not,” she said. “They are not selling the dolls, so the audience they are targeting can’t buy the dolls. Why? It would mean a lot to us,” she added.