# Multicultural Material Dolls The New Mattel 'So in Style' Doll Appeals to African-Americans By Jacqueline Parrish | Published 2009-10-10 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mattel-so-in-style-doll References: [cocoperez](http://cocoperez.com/?from=PH&p=48137) & [barbie.everythinggirl](http://barbie.everythinggirl.com/activities/friends/soinstyle/) Wherever there is Barbie, controversy is not far behind. This holds true with the new Mattel So In Style doll which is a Barbie with “fuller lips, makeup, and a sassy attitude.” According to Barbie, this new doll will appeal to African American culture. Correct me if I am wrong, but does it not stand to reason that the fact that the Mattel So In Style doll is a regurgitation of stereotypes that it in itself is racist against the African-American culture? I can hardly wait until Tyra Banks finds out about these (note sarcasm). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 72% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Multicultural Representation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop diverse dolls that accurately represent various cultures and ethnicities. - **Inclusive Toy Market:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create toys and dolls that cater to a diverse range of demographics, ensuring inclusivity. - **Ethical Toy Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Establish transparent and ethical practices in the toy manufacturing industry to address concerns of cultural insensitivity. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Toy Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore innovative ways to design and produce dolls that promote diversity and cultural sensitivity. - **Fashion Doll Market:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce a new line of fashion dolls that celebrates different cultures and challenges traditional beauty standards. - **Cultural Education:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop educational toys and materials that help children learn about different cultures in a respectful and engaging way. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Late Singer-Honoring Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aaliyah-barbie.md) - [Culture-Inspired Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/katseye-and-monster-high.md) - [Diverse African Doll Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creativesoul.md) - [Inclusive Fashion Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autistic-barbie.md) - [Inclusion-Focused Doll Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie-2.md) - [Gen Alpha Barbie Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gen-z-barbie.md) - [Inspiring Role Model Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie-role-models.md) - [Inclusion-Focused Design Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie-3.md) - [Inclusivity-Promoting Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie.md)