Episode 10: The Power of PlayWhy Representation in Toys Matters

Representation is more than just visibility—it shapes belonging, confidence, and how we see ourselves in the world. In this episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma and I reflect on Black Barbie: A Documentary, our visit to the Portraits of Identity: HAPPI Stories through the Lens exhibit, and the ways toys, books, and media tell us who matters. We explore the deep connections between economic power, healing, and the next generation’s right to see themselves fully reflected in the world around them.

Key Themes We Explore:

• The history of Black dolls and the fight for representation in toys.

• How seeing yourself in media and history books impacts confidence and self-worth.

• The economic and cultural power of diverse representation.

• What it means to change the narrative for future generations.

Chapters:

• 01:33 – The Power of Representation

• 01:50 – Black Barbie Documentary Insights

• 02:29 – Emma's Thoughts on Representation

• 02:42 – Historical Context of Black Dolls

• 05:00 – The Significance of Black Barbie

• 08:20 – Hair and Identity

• 24:01 – Challenges of Finding Diverse Dolls

• 30:58 – Handmade Dolls and Childhood Memories

• 32:04 – The Power of Representation in Consumerism

• 34:24 – Impact of Media and Toys on Self-Perception

• 35:54 – Personal Reflections on Skin Tone and Beauty Standards

• 39:39 – The Clark Doll Experiment and Its Legacy

• 41:18 – Creating Inclusive and Diverse Dolls

• 50:30 – Designing a Dream Doll

• 57:25 – Final Thoughts on Representation and Belonging

Curiosity Card Prompts for Reflection:

• What stood out to me the most in the Black Barbie documentary?

• Why is it important for kids to see themselves in toys, books, and media?

• Why did it take so long for toy companies to make dolls that looked like Black and Brown kids?

• Have I ever had a doll that looked like me? If so, how did it make me feel?

• Can dolls help kids feel more confident?

• If I could create my own doll, what would it look like? What kind of story would this doll have?

Suggest Podcast Questions

References

• Black Barbie: A Documentary

• Good Hair Documentary

• Brown v. Board and "The Doll Test"

• Inside the AC360 Doll Study

• Shindana Toys: Dolls That Made a Difference

• HarperIman Handmade Linen Dolls

• The Merging of the Personal and the Collective: Reimagining Black Natural Hair Care Digital Spaces as Sites of Critical Public Pedagogy

• Thousands of Black women claim hair relaxers gave them cancer

Connect with Me

• Instagram: @natural_inclination

• Youtube: @naturalinclination

• TikTok: Amber Sessoms

• LinkedIn: Dr. Amber M. Sessoms, NCSP

• Bluesky: @ambersessoms.bsky.social

• Facebook: Natural Inclination

Like, Comment, Share, Engage

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who would love these conversations. Engage with the Curiosity Cards and ask the youth in your life about their experiences—you might be surprised by what you learn. Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments or on social media using #LivingIn3DPower. And, don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for next week’s conversation!