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Mixed Reactions to Mattel's Wilma Mankiller Barbie Doll

Critics point to inaccuracies and lack of consultation with Cherokee Nation in the creation of the doll.

  • Mattel has released a Barbie doll in the likeness of Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation, as part of its 'Inspiring Women' series.
  • The doll's release has been met with mixed reactions, with some applauding the tribute to Mankiller's legacy, while others criticize inaccuracies in the doll's design and packaging.
  • Mattel did not consult with the Cherokee Nation during the doll's creation, leading to errors such as the incorrect translation of 'Cherokee' to 'Chicken' on the packaging.
  • Despite the controversy, the current chief of the Cherokee Nation, Chuck Hoskin Jr., has praised Mattel's tribute to Mankiller and noted the company's receptiveness to criticism.
  • Mankiller's only surviving child, Felicia Olaya, was not informed about the doll's creation until a week before its public launch, sparking further criticism.
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