Frida Kahlo Day of the Dead Barbie: Mattel accused of cultural appropriation
31 October 2020
U.S. toymaker Mattel has been accused of cultural appropriation in Mexico after launching a new 'Day of the Dead' skeletal barbie.
"The US toymaker says the doll honors the traditions, symbols and rituals of the Day of the Dead, which is celebrated on November 1 and 2.
But some in Mexico see the Barbie as just another example of big brands cashing in on the country's heritage.
'The cultural, hereditary and symbolic importance that this holiday has for Mexico opens up in the eyes of the market opportunities that are exploited by these firms,' said sociologist Roberto Alvarez.
The Day of the Dead 'should be a solemn subject,' but it has become a commercial event in the United States since featuring in movies such as 'Coco,' the computer-animated fantasy released by Disney's Pixar studio in 2017, Alvarez said."
taken from the Daily Mail UK article
Read interesting articles about the cult of Frida Kahlo and the widespread commercial use of her image at the link below.
