Drag Queen Barbie: Mattel Introduces Cross-Dressing Doll?
Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 10:38AM 
ARTICLE BY REBECCA JOHNSON
As Christmas season rapidly approaches, here's an item that likely won't make it on conservative Christian parents' shopping lists this season. Meet Mattel's new cross dressing doll: The Blonds Blond Diamond Barbie Doll.
Though the glammed up doll looks very much like a woman—not a Ken doll in heels—reports are saying that it is intended to be a cross-dressing woman.
Designed by fashion design duo “The Blonds,” the doll is officially titled, The Blonds Blond Diamond Barbie Doll. But, according to TIME Magazine, “it bears a striking likeness to one half of the duo, Phillipe Blond, who is himself a glamorous cross-dresser.”
It's plain to see that the values system, ideals, and cultural climate of America can be linked to the kinds of products that are created for consumers—both adults and children. With the push toward greater inclusion of the LGBT community and normalization of homosexuality, a doll emerges to coincide with the worldview of a specific demographic.
For Mattel, it's business. “A whole different audience, that’s always good for anyone’s business,” David Blond told the New York Times.
Though the reactions have been mixed, Cathy Cline, US vice president of marketing for Mattel’s girls’ brands, told the New York Times, “One of the great things about Barbie is that she continues to push the envelope. Barbie doesn’t worry about what other people think.”
Some Christian parents, however, do worry about what their children think and are uncomfortable with the suggestion that “drag queens” and cross-dressing men should be viewed as normal fare.
"All sorts of products are produced and introduced into our world of free commerce," said Dianna Hobbs, President & CEO of EEW Magazine when asked her opinion. "As long as we are diligent about not allowing toy companies, pop stars, or any other source other than the word of God to mold our values and ideals, we'll be just fine."
The Blonds’ partnership with Mattel began in 2009 when they were invited to take part in a fashion show marking Barbie’s 50th anniversary.
This particular Barbie, considered a collector's item, is valued at $125.
What are your views on this?
Reader Comments (5)
I agree with what Dianna said. Toys don't shape our values.
???? People come up with some crazy stuff!
This doesn't surprise me at all. As the article points out this is just a business move. These companies are about business first, values second.
Bad bad this is so bad i will making my kids toys and monitoring friends parents terrible veggie tales anybody
Toys ain't toys anymore for children, it's all about making money. There is nothing good in this.