In La Plata, a toy store decided to make a striking change to its catalog and launched dolls with unusual features: from babies with Down syndrome and cleft lip to Afro and premature versions. The initiative, which its owners present as a step forward in representation and diversity, quickly sparked divided opinions and caused a heated debate on social media.
According to the manufacturers, the idea arose three years ago when a girl with Down syndrome refused to play with traditional dolls because "none looked like her." From that moment, the venture—under the name Oli—sought advice from the Down Syndrome Association of the Argentine Republic (ASDRA) to design this line of "inclusive" products.
The creators emphasize that each doll comes with an "Argentine DNI" so that children can choose any name they want. "We want all children to be able to see themselves represented in their play," they state in their launch campaign, which features different models: with glasses, Afro skin, with cleft lip, premature, and soft-bodied.
