The new Barbie doll is ruffling fur.
A doll honoring Native American leader Wilma Mankiller drew derision when it was launched with an embarrassing error on the box that read “Chicken” instead of “Cherokee.”
Regina Thompson, a Cherokee basket weaver, pointed out the mistake, explaining how one of the Cherokee language symbols on the packaging translates to “Chicken,” instead of “Cherokee.”
A representative for Toymaker Mattel, which makes the dolls, said the company was “discussing options,” in response to the error.
Matell worked with the Mankiller estate — headed by her husband, Charlie Soap, and her friend, Kristina Kiehl — on the new doll but did not consult with the Cherokee Nation on its creation.
“Unfortunately, the Mattel company did not work directly with the tribal government’s design and communications team to obtain an official Seal or validate it,” the tribe told the AP in a statement.
The doll in the image of the late tribal leader is part of the “Inspiring Women” series.
Mattel has spoofed the launch of a new Barbie doll honoring the late Native American Chief Wilma Mankiller by using a symbol that misspelled “Cherokee” as “Chicken.” Mattel The doll is part of Mattel’s “Inspiring Women” series. Mattel
“The misprint itself does not diminish what it means for the Cherokee people to see this tribute to Wilma and who she was and what she stood for,” the tribe added.
Mankiller, who died in 2010 at the age of 64, was the nation’s first female principal chief and led the Cherokee Nation for a decade until 1995.
The activist — who has met three US presidents and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award — is focused on improving social conditions and restoring pride in Indigenous heritage.
He responded to her violent last name with humor.
“Mankiller is actually a well-earned nickname,” the Oklahoma native is known to have quipped.
The current tribe leader, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr., praised Mattel for commemorating the Manslayer.
“When Aboriginal girls see it, they can achieve it, and Wilma Mankiller has shown many young women to not be afraid and speak up for Aboriginal people and human rights,” Hoskin said in a statement.
The Barbie doll has received mixed reactions from members of the Cherokee Nation. Mattel
“Wilma Mankiller is a champion for the Cherokee Nation, for the Indian Nation, and even for my own daughter,” he added.
The Barbie doll, which features her wearing a ribbon skirt, black shoes and carrying a woven basket, however, has drawn mixed reactions.
While many said it was a fitting tribute, some Cherokee women criticized Mattel for ignoring important elements of the doll and its packaging.
“The mixed emotions shared by me and many other Cherokee women who have now purchased the product revolve around whether Wilma Barbie captures her legacy, her physical characteristics and the importance of centering Cherokee women in decision-making,” Stacy Leeds, dean of Arizona State. university law school and former Cherokee Nation Supreme Court judge, said in an email.
Thompson didn’t think the doll looked like Mankiller and said the company should have used traditional moccasins instead of shoes and included the symbol on the basket.
“Wilma’s name is the only Cherokee thing on the box,” Thompson said. “Nothing about the doll is Wilma – nothing.”
The doll features Mankiller wearing a ribbon skirt, black shoes and carrying a woven basket. Mattel Wilma Mankiller was the nation’s first female chief executive. Corbis/VCG via Getty Images President Bill Clinton awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to a Murderer. AFP via Getty Images
Some Cherokees also criticized Mattel for not consulting with Mankiller’s only surviving child, Felicia Olaya.
“I don’t have a problem with the doll. I don’t have a problem honoring my mother in a different way,” said Olaya, who admits that she and Soap, her stepfather, have grown apart.
“The issue is that no one informed me, no one told me. I didn’t know it was coming,” he said, adding that he wasn’t sure how his mother would react to the doll.
“I’m not sure how he feels about this,” Olaya said. “I heard her on the phone saying, ‘I’m not Princess Diana, I’m not Barbie.’ I think she might be a little conflicted about it, because my mom is very humble.
Still, she said she hopes to buy some Barbies for her grandchildren.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
