Even More Woke Barbie

"I'm Barbie. Guess my affliction!"

We can all breathe easier now that there's a Barbie with Down syndrome. This is so little girls, and of course boys and transgenders, with that condition will see themselves and feel included. Despite the manufacturer's pledge to "ensure the doll accurately represents a person with Down syndrome," this new Barbie doesn't look at all like anyone with that condition. Instead, she looks like a beauty queen with a slightly wide forehead, and she comes with plastic leg braces you can attach as needed.

I'm sure they mean well over at Mattel but they missed the mark on this one. The "curvy" Barbie released several years ago also disappoints, looking maybe ten pounds overweight at most -- she's no Lizzo, that's for sure. (Not even a Hillary Clinton.) And why no Ugly Barbie? There are many more unattractive people in the world than those born with Down syndrome. Surely little ugly girls, and of course boys and transgenders, deserve to feel included too. 

Come on, Mattel -- be woke if you must, but don't expect kudos for a half-assed job.