
Toy manufacturer Mattel has launched a new line of dolls that are “gender inclusive" and “free of labels."
The “Creatable World" kits come with clothing options, accessories and wigs to allow children to style the doll with short or long hair, or in a skirt, trousers or both.
In our world, dolls are as limitless as the kids who play with them. Introducing #CreatableWorld, a doll line desig… https://t.co/sgUCk9c6aQ— MATTEL (@MATTEL)1569388522.0
Mattel said it worked alongside a “dedicated team of experts, parents, physicians and most importantly, kids" to create the six different kits in a variety of skin tones.
Mattel creates gender inclusive dolls www.youtube.com
Each kit includes one doll, two hairstyle options and “endless styling possibilities."
Kim Culmone, senior vice president of Mattel's doll design, said: “Toys are a reflection of culture and as the world continues to celebrate the positive impact of inclusivity, we felt it was time to create a doll line free of labels."
Mattel's new Creatable World dolls. (Mattel/PA)
“Through research, we heard that kids don't want their toys dictated by gender norms. This line allows all kids to express themselves freely which is why it resonates so strongly with them," she added.
“We're hopeful Creatable World will encourage people to think more broadly about how all kids can benefit from doll play."
With a gender-neutral doll, Mattel hopes to break taboos and appeal to a generation that wants activism in its bran… https://t.co/L5pr8Q5Zpn— TIME (@TIME)1569416029.0
While there has been plenty of hand-wringing and negativity surrounding the dolls, many are praising Mattel for its forward thinking.
@TIME This is smart, necessary, and forward thinking so I know people are going to have a problem with it— W.E.B. Dem Boyz (@W.E.B. Dem Boyz)1569424759.0
@TIME I think this is more about letting imagination flow more than anything else; thankfully dolls like this exist… https://t.co/T52mJOV6zd— Jen McMahon (@Jen McMahon)1569423265.0
@pinktweets_r @TIME Of course they are. But if this money grab helps anyone who feels like they are not represented… https://t.co/Kfun5AY3fh— karen.hincks (@karen.hincks)1569421339.0
@TIME As a parent, I love this change. This doll looks a lot more like the children who will be playing with it. Ma… https://t.co/yj0GRuai5W— Adrienne (@Adrienne)1569428844.0
@ajplus @lmcgrew I'm sorry, could you repeat that? I couldn't hear you over the wailing of angry boomers hating on this cool kids toy.. :)— Robert Harris (@Robert Harris)1569423018.0
Bravo, Mattel!