To celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mattel introduced on May 1 a new Barbie® in the image of pioneering actress Anna May Wong.
This collectible Barbie® doll honors Anna May Wong (née Wong Liu Tsong), a prolific actress who is considered the first Chinese American Hollywood movie star.
The Barbie® Inspiring Women™ series pays tribute to incredible heroines of their time; courageous women who took risks, changed rules, and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before.
Frustrated with being typecast in stereotypical roles, she founded her own production company in 1924 and continued breaking barriers throughout her career. Sculpted to her likeness and wearing a red gown with a golden dragon design, this collectible Barbie® doll honors a trailblazing icon. Includes doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Barbie® doll cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.
Frustrated with being typecast in stereotypical roles, she founded her own production company in 1924 and continued breaking barriers throughout her career. Sculpted to her likeness and wearing a red gown with a golden dragon design, this collectible Barbie® doll honors a trailblazing icon. Includes doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Barbie® doll cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.
When the Barbie® doll was first marketed, it received criticism for putting out only the blonde, blue-eyed image we are familiar with. Since then, Mattel has created several Asian American dolls including dolls in the image of athletes such as tennis player Naomi Osaka and Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim. It even had one of a Filipino American physician Audrey Sue Cruz.
Earlier this year, the US Mint made available the first quarter with Wong's image on it. She was the first Asian American to be have her image on US currency. Earlier, in 2022, Wong's image was put on a stamp.
The new Barbie® doll apparently is hit with AANHPI parents. If you try to order the Anna May Wong Barbie online, the website says, "Sold Out!" But Mattel promises that it is making more dolls to satisfy the demand.
The new Barbie® doll apparently is hit with AANHPI parents. If you try to order the Anna May Wong Barbie online, the website says, "Sold Out!" But Mattel promises that it is making more dolls to satisfy the demand.
EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter or at his blog Views From the Edge.
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