Brotherly love in playscale: finding diversity in fashion dolls and action figures from the 1960s to now: Barbie, Fashion Royalty, Momoko, Susie, GI Joe, Power Team, Mixis.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Mattel's Tamika is Back!
She seems lighter complected than before, but folks, Chelsea's friend, Tamika, is back in the Chelsea friends line.
Ms. Leo has a full post about some of the Mattel babies here.
I have a Tamika doll, but I think she's more of a redhead than this new version. I'm really disappointed that Mattel hasn't given Chelsea a couple of little boy friends. Tommy is hard to find these days...
Yes I am a little upset about the racial ambiguity of this doll. I do feel that Mattel is getting less diverse when it comes to AA dolls in the main playline. Disapointed that they have yet to make an AA Stacie or Skipper doll.
Good to see Tamika is back, but it does seem like Mattel changed her to cover several races. I guess they are using the SIS kids as the AA version of Chelsea. I, too, would like to see a little boy added to the collection.
I am sooo glad that I have my Tommys, Cindi. Some other boy friends would be nice for Chelsea.
It would be nice and balance out the line if there were AA Stacie and Skipper dolls as well. As Vanessa notes, Mattel is probably using the SIS kids for their AA children.
I associate the name Tamika with AA culture. It seems like an ethnic name to me. What do you think? Anyone, everyone ;-D
Tamika is associated with African-Americans quite often, but it's original origin is associated with the Japanese. I'm careful not to stereotype names because my mom has a name that is typically a man's name and she has to fight all the time to be acknowledged as a woman.
To me, the name Tamika implies Asian culture, and Vanessa confirmed the origin as being Japanese. I try not to assume someone's culture from their name because one just never knows.
I guess I can understand not defining a race so as to seem more inclusive, but I dunno, I'd still like to see more variety in faces and not just in hair color.
I have to agree with D7ana on this one. Origin aside all of the Tamika's I know are AA. Not to sterotype and I realize that anyone can have any name but I do think that Mattel picked the name due to it's prevalance in the AA community so the switch up is a little offputting. Cute doll not matter what.
Hi Vanessa, Cindi, Muff, and Anonymous! Thanks for your responses.
@Vanessa and Cindi - thanks for the information about the Japanese roots of the name "Tamika." I will be less quick to jump to conclusions in future ;-)
My name - Dana - has been used by men and by women and associated with various origins. My first name was chosen by my Dad who just happened to like that name, lol.
@Muff and Anonymous - I prefer diversity in dolls, but if a doll line isn't as diverse as I would like, I sigh and look elsewhere. Facial distinctions are something I look for in dolls like the Mixis, but not always in Mattel dolls. Plus, I think Mattel likes to create "two-fer" dolls that could fit more than 1 category. Shrug.
I saw Tamika tonight at Walmart, went to buy a microwave and forgot to get her on the way out. I did get the new Skipper with bangs, I'll have to go back tomorrow.
Hi Pattidolls! Congrats on getting your new Skipper. (She is cute.) Hope you can get the Tamika. I rather like the stars painted on - even though it's like she is at the Fair forever, lol.
Thanks, D7ana. It's good to see Tamika again.
ReplyDeletedbg
She looks hispanic from the picture. The old Tamika had a redish brown hair color. Does this one?
ReplyDeleteI'm disappointed that Tamika is back as a caucasian/hispanic doll. After the 1st couple of rounds Chelsea seems to have lost all her friends of color.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for the Kelly friends I have. I want there to be some diversity in the new lineup...
Hello from Spain: I really like Tamika. I can’t wait to see more pictures. In my country is not for sale. Keep in touch
ReplyDeleteHi and thanks for commenting, DBG, Ms. Leo, Dollz4Moi, and Marta!
ReplyDelete@DBG - yes, good to see Tamika back.
@Ms. Leo and Dollz4Moi - I was thinking she looked "racially ambiguous".
@Dollz4Moi - Delia seems to be the Asian American friend. At least, I thought she was when I saw her.
@Marta - she is cute, but then the Chelsea/Kelly dolls tend to be cute. I hope that Tamika reaches Spain. Maybe she will get there.
I have a Tamika doll, but I think she's more of a redhead than this new version. I'm really disappointed that Mattel hasn't given Chelsea a couple of little boy friends. Tommy is hard to find these days...
ReplyDeleteYes I am a little upset about the racial ambiguity of this doll. I do feel that Mattel is getting less diverse when it comes to AA dolls in the main playline. Disapointed that they have yet to make an AA Stacie or Skipper doll.
ReplyDeleteGood to see Tamika is back, but it does seem like Mattel changed her to cover several races. I guess they are using the SIS kids as the AA version of Chelsea. I, too, would like to see a little boy added to the collection.
ReplyDeleteHi Cindi, Anonymous, and Vanessa!
ReplyDeleteI am sooo glad that I have my Tommys, Cindi. Some other boy friends would be nice for Chelsea.
It would be nice and balance out the line if there were AA Stacie and Skipper dolls as well. As Vanessa notes, Mattel is probably using the SIS kids for their AA children.
I associate the name Tamika with AA culture. It seems like an ethnic name to me. What do you think? Anyone, everyone ;-D
Tamika is associated with African-Americans quite often, but it's original origin is associated with the Japanese. I'm careful not to stereotype names because my mom has a name that is typically a man's name and she has to fight all the time to be acknowledged as a woman.
ReplyDeleteTo me, the name Tamika implies Asian culture, and Vanessa confirmed the origin as being Japanese. I try not to assume someone's culture from their name because one just never knows.
ReplyDeleteI guess I can understand not defining a race so as to seem more inclusive, but I dunno, I'd still like to see more variety in faces and not just in hair color.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with D7ana on this one. Origin aside all of the Tamika's I know are AA. Not to sterotype and I realize that anyone can have any name but I do think that Mattel picked the name due to it's prevalance in the AA community so the switch up is a little offputting. Cute doll not matter what.
Hi Vanessa, Cindi, Muff, and Anonymous! Thanks for your responses.
ReplyDelete@Vanessa and Cindi - thanks for the information about the Japanese roots of the name "Tamika." I will be less quick to jump to conclusions in future ;-)
My name - Dana - has been used by men and by women and associated with various origins. My first name was chosen by my Dad who just happened to like that name, lol.
@Muff and Anonymous - I prefer diversity in dolls, but if a doll line isn't as diverse as I would like, I sigh and look elsewhere. Facial distinctions are something I look for in dolls like the Mixis, but not always in Mattel dolls. Plus, I think Mattel likes to create "two-fer" dolls that could fit more than 1 category. Shrug.
I saw Tamika tonight at Walmart, went to buy a microwave and forgot to get her on the way out. I did get the new Skipper with bangs, I'll have to go back tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteShe's more like Tamika-lite I did a double take when I saw her but she is cute and has little stars painted on her face.
ReplyDeleteHi Pattidolls! Congrats on getting your new Skipper. (She is cute.) Hope you can get the Tamika. I rather like the stars painted on - even though it's like she is at the Fair forever, lol.
ReplyDelete