To Barbie or Not To Barbie?

A recent conversation between friends got me thinking about Barbies. Actually, it’s the time of year when many parents are thinking about Barbies, struggling in lineups to purchase a coveted Barbie, hiding Barbie boxes in the closet…. The conversation goes something like this: “My kid wants a Barbie.” “Oh, no, you can’t get her a Barbie! Those are terrible for her future body image!” First parent hurriedly makes an excuse and slinks away in quiet humiliation, unable to defend her choice of toy. Ah, Barbie, the creator of controversy. The doll who is hated by many and adored by just … Continue reading

Muslim “Barbie” Dolls Coming To A Store Near You… Maybe

If you have ever left a toy store frustrated because you were not able to find a modestly dressed doll I have good news for you. An Indonesian mother who couldn’t find a Barbie-like doll dressed in conservative fashions finally took matters into her own hands. Sukmawati Suryaman spent months designing the Salma Muslim doll for parents out there looking to inspire the virtue of modesty among young girls. The 28-year-old mother-of-one’s new creation exploded on the toy scene and now the Salma doll is the latest must-have toy for girls in Indonesia. The name Salma is derived from the … Continue reading