Hijab Barbie: New doll exposes internet’s Islamophobia

5 Feb, 2016 18:58

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.

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.

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.

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.