Olympics 2021: Mattel Criticised for Not Including an Asian Barbie

Olympics are over and while players from across the world put up a spectacular performance, Mattel, the official Barbie manufacturer is receiving flak for its collection of Olympics 2020 dolls. This is because of their negligible representation for an Asian doll. The collection features five dolls representing five different sports that made a debut or came back in the Tokyo games. These are namely, skateboarding, surfing, softball, baseball, and sport climbing.

Mattel chief franchise officer Janet Hsu said, “Tokyo 2020 is a monumental event that brings the world together through sport and inspires fans of all ages. The Mattel Tokyo 2020 Collection honours these sports and inspires a new generation through the Olympic spirit and outstanding athletic tradition" in a press statement. However, when Barbie's official account tweeted, "#Barbie is committed to empowering girls to participate in sports by capturing the fun and friendship of the season, and inspiring kids to find the athlete within", people called out the brand because of the lack of inclusivity. 

#Barbie is committed to empowering girls to participate in sports by capturing the fun and friendship of the season, and inspiring kids to find the athlete within.? #YouCanBeAnything #tokyo2020 #Olympics https://t.co/MFjn2ZhfvW pic.twitter.com/XftIDTaZMo

— Barbie (@Barbie) July 28, 2021

One of the users wrote, "No Asians? No Pacific Islanders? How could you tag #tokyo2020 to this serious fail? #StopAsianHate". While, another wrote, "Major failure! Where is the doll that looks Asian? Especially Olympic 2020 is taking place in Japan which is an Asian country. @Mattel this is a disaster, whether it’s accidental or intentional." Another netizen went on to comment, "It's strange to forget Asians even though it was the Olympic Games in Tokyo. It's on purpose."

So disappointing that by trying to be inclusive you exclude almost 60% of the world's population as well as that of the host country. Many of the top female athletes in the Olympics are asian. This was not an oversight but blatant racism.

— Tammy w (@tammyinmarin) August 6, 2021

EPIC FAIL. What happen to being “Inclusive”. Where is the Asian Barbie ?!?!? You are part of the problem. The Olympics is happening in Tokyo, an asian country. I know you can do better than this. Very disappointed.

— Sylvia Ng (@SylviaNgSocial) August 6, 2021

Mattel has not commented on the issue yet.