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Activists Call for Protest of "Asia Goddess" Barbie

From Shamita Dasgupta
25 November 1998

Dear Friends:

Have you taken a look at Mattel's new Barbie doll? Please do (http://www.barbie.com/collectors/pshow/pshow_h/h_20648.html). This new product, available in December 1998, features "Fantasy Goddess of Asia Barbie." The doll is one of the International Beauty Collection series. I will not insult your intelligence by describing the doll's looks or attire.

I call your attention to the exoticization that Asian women have historically suffered in the West. I call your attention to the racist violence that is integral to and a result of this grotesque fascination with Asian "femininity." I call your attention to the stereotypes that each of us carry as a consequence. "Fantasy Goddess of Asia Barbie" is obviously designed to satisfy the White male gaze that has promoted trafficking of Asian women by legitimizing industries such as the "mail order brides."

Manavi is launching a campaign to stop production of this doll. Please write a letter of protest in your own words to the President of Mattel, Inc., and mail it to:

Mattel, Inc. 333 Continental Blvd. El Segundo, CA 90245-5032

If you need more information about this campaign, call our offices (908-687-2662) to get our next newsletter. Thank you for your concern.

Sincerely,
Shamita Dasgupta
manavi@worldnet.att.net