Every platform holds its fair share of power. And on each and every platform, representation matters. For young girls of faith, that representation became a reality with the news of a Hijab-wearing Barbie that would soon be released.
The official team at Barbie announced the very same through their Twitter account.
We are so excited to honor @IbtihajMuhammad with a one-of-a-kind #Barbie doll! Ibtihaj continues to inspire women and girls everywhere to break boundaries. #Shero #YouCanBeAnything #GlamourWOTY pic.twitter.com/oV0e6ClgL6
— Barbie (@Barbie) November 13, 2017
The Hijab-wearing Barbie has been based on American saber fencer, Ibtihaj Muhammad.
She’s a 31-year-old Olympian who has represented Muslim women at a level as grand as the Olympics.
As soon as the news broke, multiple publications picked it up…
There's a hijab-wearing Barbie based on Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad, and OMG it's perfect https://t.co/bXkxEOiNod pic.twitter.com/cA5rohFkE6
— BuzzFeed (@BuzzFeed) November 13, 2017
FINALLY! ? https://t.co/XxZLmzONkm
— Teen Vogue (@TeenVogue) November 13, 2017
…thereby allowing a bigger audience to be made aware of the news.
Say hello to the first-ever hijab-wearing Barbie! The doll is based on Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad. pic.twitter.com/FisNrxeBif
— AJ+ (@ajplus) November 13, 2017
Ibtihaj Muhammad took to Twitter, expressing her gratitude and excitement over the news.
Thank you @Mattel for announcing me as the newest member of the @Barbie #Shero family! I’m proud to know that little girls everywhere can now play with a Barbie who chooses to wear hijab! This is a childhood dream come true ?? #shero pic.twitter.com/py7nbtb2KD
— Ibtihaj Muhammad (@IbtihajMuhammad) November 13, 2017
However, one Twitter user pointed out how certain racists would be extremely angry about this piece of news.
Ha Ha Ha!
Racist White, Middle-aged men are gonna be fuming so much they're gonna wanna #BoycottBarbie https://t.co/1lWyy3XQXa— JammyDodger ? (@mrjammyjamjar3) November 14, 2017
Unfortunately, he was right. As soon as the news broke, racists started fuming over social media.
BOYCOTT MATTEL!
Sharia Mattel endorses the oppression of Women & Jew Haters!
Mattel announced Monday their newest Barbie will wear a Sharia Hijab & be modeled after Anti-Semitic Muslim Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad. pic.twitter.com/S3s6mTHaN3
— Amy Mek (@AmyMek) November 14, 2017
With a distorted version of Islam in mind, racists started taking shots at the doll and its company.
Dear .@Mattel
As a Christian, I find your decision to make a Hijab wearing Barbie offensive and in poor taste. I REBUKE your CULT dolls and will lead the charge in an effective #BoycottMattel campaign.
I am asking that you DENOUNCE this and provide a public apology. https://t.co/gMOHZ5nIBq
— ??Patriot 24/7?? (@TrumpTrain45Pac) November 14, 2017
And some racist jokes were made in extremely poor taste.
Barbie releases new Muslim female doll wearing a hijab. Next they’ll have her boyfriend ‘Isis Ken’ wearing a suicide belt.
— USA Symbols ?? (@USAsymbols) November 13, 2017
Mattel releases first Hijab ? wearing Barbie! Does it come with a rental truck full of explosives? ?? https://t.co/00sE8edZuq
— 'GITMO' BAMA ? (@President1Trump) November 13, 2017
The entire ordeal was, undoubtedly, highly insensitive…
JIHAD BARBIE! ISIS Ken sold separately. https://t.co/hamJVpAoLc
— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) November 14, 2017
…but the racists kept at it, letting their anger be known.
You can also accessorize Ken with a whip and bag of stones in case Barbie forgets to wear her hijab in public. https://t.co/9QtyimoR0f
— Rob Howland (@HowlandRobin) November 14, 2017
However, where racists were fuming in one corner, there were many who saw this as great news. They, too, took to social media to express their delight.
LOVE this! @Barbie's first doll with a hijab is modeled after @IbtihajMuhammad. Representation matters. Black. Muslim. Magic. pic.twitter.com/W6ATi9xqTZ
— Britni Danielle (@BritniDWrites) November 13, 2017
The fact that representation matters was pointed out.
We now finally have in 2017 a hijab wearing @Barbie with the last name Muhammad.
Say it again for the People in the back: REPRESENTATION MATTERShttps://t.co/eI2lMT9V4l
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) November 14, 2017
People considered the idea beautiful.
— citation needed (@itsyogirlsagal) November 14, 2017
And many took to appreciate the entire concept of a Hijab-wearing Barbie.
I think that's really outstanding!!! Overdue!
— Reese (@Reese04200312) November 13, 2017
I love it pic.twitter.com/CKZZ6RPSDQ
— Sandhiya Shweta (@ShwetaSandhiya) November 13, 2017
Moreover, some people stepped in to defend the Barbie and the religion it represents against the racist trolls.
What is your problem ? You can’t disrespect people’s religions and the chocies they make. They can wear hijab or or anything else they want.
— Vintage Tshirt (@vintaclassic) November 14, 2017
Others expressed how they were eagerly awaiting this new Barbie’s release…
I can't wait for my #shero to have a doll of her #shero. ?? pic.twitter.com/1QBzyeVhvC
— Jason E Griffin (@jasonegriffin) November 13, 2017
…so that they may add it to their collection that represented powerful women.
The moment I see this @Barbie she’s going on my #PowerfulWomen shelf. Can’t wait!
— ?Samantha Lauzon? (@samanthalauzon) November 14, 2017
Undoubtedly, it’s a great honor and a milestone, as the following tweet rightly pointed out:
Congratulations! What a great honor and inspiration for all girls of faith and determination.
— John Daly (@Daly95) November 13, 2017
In a world that’s so evidently racist and hateful towards all they don’t understand, representation matters and always will. It is thus that such inclusions are truly a great step towards a more accepting society.
What do you have to say about this? Let us know in the comments.