Fulla Doll - What’s wrong with the Barbie?

The Middle East countries were introduced with their version of Fulla dolls with their contemporary Barbie that represents the East during the year of 2003. Fulla dolls embodies the culture of the West. Both the Fulla and Barbie dolls feature fashionable outfits for kids to enjoy, Fulla is far way different to Barbie in terms of values and culture. You will be enlightened as to why.

Barbie of the East

Barbie displays such a fun image that she spends most of her time with friends and attends social events almost everywhere. Not only that because Barbie also has a love affair with Ken, her boyfriend. Barbie hangs out with Ken mostly and even spends a day at the beach.

Having known that, Barbie is portrayed as a liberated young girl who takes on her life with her own desires. Barbie who is far different from Fulla who is on the other hand is a pious child, an obedient daughter who respects both her parents and is also seen as a very loving friend. Also to add up, Fulla is never seen with a boyfriend and the creators has no intentions or further plans of creating one for her in reflection of the Eastern values instilled to young girls and women alike.

Fulla has her famous pink mat or praying mat and she prays on. Aside from that, she is also honest, caring and looks after her future. But she never ditches her social side of being fun by cooking or baking goodies for her friends and also biking.

Fulla of the West

Barbie was then prohibited in Arab countries somewhere in September of 2003 along with a declaration from the government that has taken tolls into Barbie’s being out in the market. Her described as “shameful postures and also very revealing clothes and outfits” were never liked by these conservative countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt and some of the Arab countries.

Shortly thereafter, during the November of 2003, the New Boy Design Studio which were Syrian based creators was introduced to everyone and was seen to almost every toy store known in the Arab world.

Since then, Fulla has been loved by every kids and parents because it shows their values and culture. Something that parents would not be afraid of leaving their kids with. Fulla who is seen wearing a traditional covering for Muslims called hijab. With this, the hair is not seen by any men except for her own family. She is packaged inside a box that is colored pink to attract kids into playing with. Along with it, Fulla is seen wearing a traditional abaya and a headscarf. The abaya is a long sleeve ankle length garment that is colored black that is usually worn over dresses or clothes.

Why is Fulla better than Barbie?
While Barbie is popularly recognized with blue eyes and a blonde hair, Fulla is represented with large hazel eyes and a very long black hair that has an appeal of a pretty face that everyone can’t resist.
Fulla, just like Barbie is also fashionable and carries unremarkable accessories but was made sure that it is never too revealing or too much. Still it shows the conservative side of Eastern values and culture. Not only that because Fulla also has a matching prayer mat. Bottom line is that although Fulla is still portrayed as an ordinary Muslim woman, she is still in with fashion yet her values are always considered among other things.