Breaking Cultural Boundaries: Meet the New “Ken” Barbies

If you grew up playing with Barbies, you may remember how all “Ken” barbies were Caucasian and had physiques that were too perfect to ever be realistic.

Looks like Mattel, the manufacturing company that produces Barbie, finally woke up and smelled the coffee of reality, as they have produced an eclectic range of Ken Barbies that are a representation of men of different races, sizes, and cultural backgrounds. News of this revolutionary initiative has hit headlines throughout the world, and is currently a trending topic.

According to Denver post, Mattel is introducing 15 new looks for the male doll, including different skin tones, body shapes and hair styles. Barbie had a similar makeover more than a year ago, both part of the toy company’s plan to make its dolls more diverse and appealing to today’s kids.

Ken hadn’t changed much since he was introduced 56 years ago as Barbie’s blue-eyed, chiseled boyfriend. Now he’ll be sold in three body shapes slim, broad and original. Mattel said:

“Slim, broad and original. He’ll have modern hairdos, such as cornrows and man buns, and come in seven skin tones. And he’ll also be sporting new fashions: think skinny ties, plaid shirts and graphic tees. We are redefining what a Barbie or Ken doll looks like to this generation.”

Mattel is trying to fight falling sales of its iconic doll line at a time when many kids would rather play with an iPad. Barbie sales were down 13 percent in the first three months of the year compared with the same period a year ago. A live-action Barbie movie is in the works for next year, with hopes that the big-screen flick will spur doll sales as well.

Take a look back at the evolution of our main man Ken. #TBT #TheDollEvolves #ManBunKen pic.twitter.com/6eMyZSmtfp
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— Barbie (@Barbie) June 22, 2017

Some of the new $10 Ken dolls were being rolled out to shops and online stores on Tuesday and all of them will be on store shelves by the holidays. So by summer all Ken dolls should be in stores, kids! Tell mum and dad.

Photo Credit: Twitter