The idea behind the Toy Like Me campaign which has gone viral on social media (just check out #toylikeme to see the impressive buzz it generates) was started by two deaf mothers as they sought to diversify the models of self that were provided via toys for their children. There is a validation of self that exists as a foundational part of The Makies dolls that made them the perfect place to start.
Makies will now offer accessories for their dolls to match those of, perhaps, the dolls’ owners, such as hearing aids and mobility assistance devices. The team at MakieLab is excited about what this opportunity represents.
“It’s fantastic that our supercharged design and manufacturing process means we can respond to a need that’s not met by traditional toy companies,” said Matthew Wiggins, CTO of MakieLab. “We’re hoping to make some kids – and their parents! – really happy with these inclusive accessories.”
If we think back to 1967 when ‘Colored Francie’ was introduced as a dark-skinned version of Barbie, we can see the complexity involved in introducing a doll that represents an outsider’s perspective and the social pressures that led to the creation of a wider array of ‘types’ of acceptable appearance. Dolls and society seem to follow a similar path of desegregation and it’s not likely that’s a coincidence. However, ‘Colored Francie’ was heavily criticized because it was merely the exact same Barbie but with dark skin; she had no recognizably African American
The ability of customers to customize their dolls helps work against the difficulties presented in these efforts and harnesses individual expertise in a way that focus groups and mass production could never access. It also represents a recognition of difference as being greater than just the dichotomy between those who walk and those in wheelchairs.
The folks behind Toys Like Me aren’t content to rest on their current accomplishments, but have issued a call to others to follow The Makies’ lead:
“Makies…have answered the Toy Like Me campaign call and produced the worlds’ first doll with a facial birthmark!! And that’s not all,” they noted on Facebook, “they’ve also made the UK’s first deaf doll complete with hearing aids and signing hands and one with a mobility aid…but it’s not over yet! Toy Like Me won’t rest. If small companies like Makes can respond, what are the big girls and boys doing? Come on LEGO, Playmobil, Mattel Barbie, 770,000 UK children with disabilities (and millions more beyond) need positive toy box representation now!”
Let us know what you think about these inclusive toy designs in the Toys Like Me forum thread over at 3DPB.com.