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'Hijarbie' becomes internet sensation

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'I thought it was really important for a doll to be dressed like how I would be.'

One woman gained international attention after posting pictures of Barbie dressed in a hijab to her Instagram account.

Highlights

By Kenya Sinclair (CALIFORNIA NETWORK)
CALIFORNIA NETWORK (https://www.youtube.com/c/californianetwork)
2/9/2016 (8 years ago)

Published in Africa

Keywords: Hijarbie, Barbie, hijab, Haneefa Adam, Muslim

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - 2016 has been a big month for Barbie. First, she becomes available in variety of skin tones, heights and sizes, now one medical scientist has released Barbie in controversial attire - a hijab.

Barbie isn't exactly the poster child for realistic body proportions and has no qualms about wearing a bikini to the pool, so "Hibarbie" was born to promote modesty, provide a role model for Muslim girls and to wear super cute - but appropriate - outfits.

"I thought I had not seen Barbie dressed in a hijab before so I decided to open an Instagram account and dressed Barbie up in the clothes that I made," Adam told CNN.

"I thought it was really important for a doll to be dressed like how I would be. It has roots in my religion and cultural identity. The way Barbie dresses is very skimpy and different and there's nothing wrong with it. I just wanted to give another option for Muslim girls like me."

Adam decided to post pictures of Hijarbie to Instagram to "create an identity for her similar to Barbie."

Hijarbie's Instagram account has 21.5 thousand followers and world-wide support, despite openly racist and stereotypical comments such as "She should have a goat on a leash to keep jihad Ken truly happy. Are her genitals already mutilated?" and "Poor thing. She can't come out of the Barbie Dream House unless Jihad Ken grants her permission."

Other negative comments, found beneath coverage provided by The Blaze, include mentions of harems, weapons, suicide vests and Jihadi Ken.

Despite the negativity of those who view all Muslims as radicals, Adam continues to create fashionable hijabs and tasteful outfits for Hijarbie. She hopes to fix the misconceptions and reported, "People think that when Muslim women cover up they are forced to. (The) majority of us are not. We want to cover up and express our religion.

"But a lot of Muslims don't cover their hair and it doesn't make them any less of a Muslim. I think this is a great platform to try and get the Muslim identity to the world and correct some misconceptions."

Adam's Hijarbie model is white, but she plans to include more diverse skin tones once they arrive.

"I couldn't find the different types in Nigeria (no Amazon or eBay or anything). I'd have loved to dress up a black doll myself too. I've ordered for some internationally and they'll soon be here."

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