In case you missed it, Zendaya Coleman, star of Disney’s Shake it Up and an all-around role model, will have a Barbie created in her likeness.
The significance of the teen sensation getting a Barbie made to represent her is major. Barbie definitely doesn’t have the most positive reputation because of unrealistic body standards and a low representation of diverse races, ethnicities and identities. Although Mattel has certainly made an effort to include more diverse dolls in recent years, there’s still a lot of room to grow.
But other than just being cool, Zendaya getting her own doll symbolizes representation for women who don’t look like, act like or come from a similar background as Barbie. Zendaya represents a generation filled with outspoken and proactive young women determined to positively impact culture through both their art and their commentary beyond their art. Although the Zendaya doll won’t be for sale, we can’t wait to see Mattel’s rendition of her 2015 Oscars red carpet look. If Zendaya can be a Barbie doll, we have quite a few ideas for people that can follow in her footsteps.
Check out our list below of inspiring women under the age of 25 that should have their own Barbie dolls.
1. Amandla Stenberg
Stenberg is nothing short of iconic, not only known for her roles in movies such as The Hunger Games, but also for her fearless responses to cultural appropriation and racism in mainstream culture. She’s also one of the writers behind NIOBE: She Is Life, a comic book series from LA’s Stranger Comics. Talk about versatile and inspirational!
https://instagram.com/p/6PuIIwG1Yi/?taken-by=amandlastenberg
2. QUVENZHANÉ WALLIS
This 12-year-old already has a resumé better than almost anyone I know. She’s been in Beasts of the Southern Wild (she was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role at the Academy Awards in 2013 for her role as Hushpuppy), 12 Years a Slave and Annie, among others. Despite ignorant comments from many reporters and publications, about her name, Wallis is a confident beam of light that’s not afraid to insist on the respect she deserves.
https://instagram.com/p/3WfRtPwkIq/?taken-by=iamquvenzhane
3. Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer is in her early twenties, but she’s already starred in a Nickelodeon show (True Jackson, VP), as well as a number of other successful films including Akeelah and the Bee, Joyful Noise and CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story. She’s also the youngest TV talk show host ever thanks to her own show, Just Keke. Her latest endeavor, Scream Queens, debuted on FOX last night.
https://instagram.com/p/775JjmErg-/?taken-by=kekepalmer
2. WILLOW SMITH
Never afraid to be different, Willow Smith is a wonderful role model for every young person out there. She’s not afraid to explore her own interests, express herself how she wants and to tear down gender norms in the process. She might have first been recognized musically because of “Whip My Hair,” but she’s still making music today, now it’s just a little more personal. She’s close with her family, but still every bit of an individual. Keep being you, Willow — we see you.
https://instagram.com/p/7gTnupvNlz/?taken-by=gweelos
Of course, there are countless other women who are excellent role models for our young girls, but it’s exciting to see the commercial toy world take a step toward more inclusion and representation with the Zendaya doll.
