Rosa Parks And Sally Ride Are Getting Their Very Own Barbies

Mattel is honoring the two historic icons as part of its Inspiring Women series.
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Kids around the world will be able to play with Barbie’s newest dolls ― Rosa Parks and Sally Ride ― very soon.

The company announced on Monday that the two iconic women are the newest additions to Barbie’s Inspiring Women series. Parks, a famed civil rights activist, and Ride, the first American woman and youngest American to travel to space, will each come with educational information about their historic contributions so that children can learn while playing.

Barbie introduced two new dolls to their Inspiring Women series on Monday: Sally Ride and Rosa Parks.
Barbie introduced two new dolls to their Inspiring Women series on Monday: Sally Ride and Rosa Parks.
Barbie

“These historical women broke boundaries that made the world a better place for future generations of girls,” a press release from Barbie read.

The Inspiring Women series, which debuted on International Women’s Day last year, includes dolls based on other legendary figures, including artist Frida Kahlo, aviator Amelia Earhart and NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson.

“As a brand that is dedicated to inspiring the limitless potential in every girl, Barbie is shining a spotlight on role models, historical and modern, to show them they can be anything,” Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and global head of Barbie, told HuffPost. “Both Sally Ride and Rosa Parks are changemakers, so these dolls celebrate their achievements, while also encouraging girls to challenge the status quo.”

Barbie's Rosa Parks doll.
Barbie's Rosa Parks doll.
Barbie
Barbie's Sally Ride doll.
Barbie's Sally Ride doll.
Barbie

Both dolls are available to buy Monday, Aug. 26.

Barbie has historically been criticized for portraying a singular and unattainable body type. If Barbie were a human woman, she would be 5 feet, 9 inches and have a 39-inch bust, an 18-inch waist and wear a Size 3 shoe, according to the book “Body Wars” by Margo Maine, a clinical psychologist who specializes in eating disorders.

While it’s valuable and important for Mattel to make Barbie dolls in the likeness of powerful women, some critics have pointed out that their body types also need to be as diverse and inclusive as the women they are fashioned after.

Barbie's Inspiring Women series, which includes (from left to right) Katherine Johnson, Sally Ride, Rosa Parks, Frida Kahlo and Amelia Earhart.
Barbie's Inspiring Women series, which includes (from left to right) Katherine Johnson, Sally Ride, Rosa Parks, Frida Kahlo and Amelia Earhart.
Barbie

This article has been updated to reflect that both Barbies are available to purchase today and to clarify that Sally Ride was the first American woman to travel to space.

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