this post was submitted on 09 Jul 2025
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This new doll “enables more children to see themselves reflected in Barbie,” Mattel wrote

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[–] PerfectDark@lemmy.world 120 points 1 day ago (13 children)

As a girl who grew up with type 1 diabetes, seeing these tasteless jokes in here just remind me of the shitty time kids can have when they feel different to other kids and get singled out for something they can't control.

So what if its a gigantic mega-corp, they're doing a good thing here for children.

Disgusting fucking 'jokes'. Shitty people.

[–] grysbok@lemmy.sdf.org 24 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Kids can be cruel.

I'm glad this Barbie exists. Representation matters, and this toy is one way to show little kids it's ok to have T1D. If a kid knows that Barbie can wear CGM then maybe the kid won't be a jerk when they meet a new kid with a thing on their arm.

[–] cynar@lemmy.world 6 points 17 hours ago

Kids can also be amazing and caring. They just need the context and understanding of what is going on. Toys like this help a lot in that regard.

Yep, lemmy can be super ableist. It’s pretty bad.

[–] krawutzikaputzi@slrpnk.net 4 points 18 hours ago

Thanks for the insight! You made me change views on the tasteless jokes!

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[–] Darkassassin07@lemmy.ca 87 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Barbie has actually had quite a number of diversity variants over the years, this isn't all that unusual for them:

https://shop.mattel.com/pages/barbie-diversity-evolution

[–] magnetosphere@fedia.io 16 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Paleontologist Barbie is pretty cool.

[–] AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world 5 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Meh, there isn't even a fossil Barbie.

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[–] G@piefed.world 21 points 1 day ago

I thought it was going to be like a Tamagotchi where you had to give it a jab and make sure it has offspring, else the family line ends.

[–] NeatNit@discuss.tchncs.de 20 points 1 day ago (25 children)

TL;DR (I only have a minute right now), does this change ANYTHING about the doll except a little note on the box she comes in?

[–] RavindraNemandi@ttrpg.network 65 points 1 day ago (1 children)

The doll is wearing an insulin pump

[–] VicksVaporBBQrub@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (2 children)

And it has Bluetooth connectivity to manage her A1C in the app.

And the Barbie actually functions as an insulin pump for overnight trips.

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[–] AmidFuror@fedia.io 40 points 1 day ago

Her foot falls off if you don't take proper care of her.

[–] Zathras@lemmy.zip 32 points 1 day ago

From the article:

The new Barbie wears continuous glucose monitor (CGM), a device that tracks blood sugar levels, on her arm — while holding a phone displaying an accompanying app. She also has an insulin pump attached to her waist. And the doll carries a blue purse that can be used to carry other essential supplies or snacks on the go.

The Barbie’s outfit is blue, too — with polka dots on a matching top and skirt set. Mattel says that this color and design are nods to symbols for diabetes awareness.

[–] L0rdMathias@sh.itjust.works 25 points 1 day ago

There are several permanent modifications made to the mold of the doll that separate it from non-diabetic dolls; and insulin pump and glucose monitor are depicted and they don't appear to be easily detachable.

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[–] WanderWisley@lemmy.world 17 points 20 hours ago

They should make a Barbie doll that’s just been kicked off Medicare.

[–] chrischryse@lemmy.world 15 points 22 hours ago (2 children)

Not to sound ignorant but can’t you just use your imagination for something like this?

[–] ThePantser@sh.itjust.works 7 points 16 hours ago (1 children)

Then they can't sell you another doll. When do we get sickle cell barbie? Like why give doll diseases? Can't leave that up to the kid?

[–] chrischryse@lemmy.world 4 points 9 hours ago (1 children)
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[–] samus12345@sh.itjust.works 3 points 15 hours ago

I guess it's more for the "lore" of Barbie than the doll itself.

[–] BigMacHole@sopuli.xyz 12 points 1 day ago (1 children)

This is WOKE! CANCEL BARBIE!

-Republicans with Children who have Diabetes!

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[–] samus12345@sh.itjust.works 8 points 15 hours ago
[–] ILikeBoobies@lemmy.ca 7 points 20 hours ago (1 children)

Sent this to a D1

said “dolls are for pretend play, I would hate to be reminded of my problems when I try to find an escape”

[–] cynar@lemmy.world 11 points 17 hours ago

It's a love hate situation. For a lot of children, they will use play to process and understand things. E.g. "Helping" a Barbie with the problems helps them understand why their brother gets special treatment.

I've seen my daughter playing "classroom" with her teddies. It helps her understand better how school works, and what would be acceptable or not.

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