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5 Feb, 2016 18:58

Hijab Barbie: New doll exposes internet’s Islamophobia

Hijab Barbie: New doll exposes internet’s Islamophobia

Barbie is generally known for her long, blonde hair, but it’s hard to see her signature style under her newest fashion accessory: a hijab.

Haneefah Adam, a 24-year-old from Nigeria, posted images to her Instagram account of her Barbie dressed in hijabs and homemade clothes.

She dubbed it the Hijarbie.

🌑⚫️〰

A photo posted by Mini Hijab Fashion! (@hijarbie) on

Adam hopes to create positive awareness and inspire Muslim children.

“It’s about having a doll that looks like her, that represents her own cultural and religious background,” she said.

Mustard yellow and burgundy. Dabbling into jewel tones #Hijarbie #instafashion #hijabfashion #hijarbiestyle

A photo posted by Mini Hijab Fashion! (@hijarbie) on

The non-trolling part of the internet was full of love for Hijarbie with many complimenting Adam’s fashion-forward designs.

Some took issues with Adam’s use of the “original” white, blonde Barbie doll, but she said she was unable to get a black Barbie in Nigeria.

But like any story involving Muslims these days, there was unfortunately a barrage of tasteless, Islamophobic comments.

Hijarbie’s Instagram feed was only set up eight weeks ago.

#Hijab #details

A photo posted by Mini Hijab Fashion! (@hijarbie) on

Mattel’s famous doll, which has long been criticized for having unrealistic body proportions and promoting an unhealthy body weight, has suffered declining sales in recent years.

The company announced last month a new, more realistic range of Barbies in petite, tall, and curvy sizes, available in a variety of skin tones.

READ MORE: ‘Why would you want a fat Barbie?’ Internet gives mixed reaction to re-designed dolls

Adam is in the process of building a website and hopes to make the Hijarbie available for purchase.

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