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Encyclopedia > Fulla (doll)
Fulla

A close up of the doll, Fulla's, face.
First appearance 2003
Information
Aliases "The Muslim Barbie"
Occupation Teacher
Doctor
Created by NewBoy Toys
See Fulla for the figures in Norse mythology.
See Fula for the ethnic group in Africa.

Fulla is the name of an 11 1/2 inch Barbie-like fashion doll marketed to children of Islamic and Middle-Eastern countries as an alternative to Barbie. The concept of her evolved around 1999, and she hit stores in late 2003.[1] Fulla was created by a Syrian manufacturer from Damascus, and a toy company called NewBoy Toys owned by one of the Tarabishians. Fulla is also sold in China, Brazil, North Africa, and Egypt, while few are sold in America. Although there had been many other dolls in the past that were created with a hijab, such as Razanne and Moroccan Barbie, none of them had ever been as popular as Fulla.[2] Fulla is a role-model to some Muslim people, displaying how most Muslim people, particularly in Saudi Arabia, would prefer their daughters to dress and behave.[3] The doll is not very popular in the United States.[4] Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (715x834, 89 KB) Summary Picture of Fulla doll that I took myself. ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A Muslim (Arabic: مسلم, Turkish: Müslüman, Persian and Urdu: مسلمان, Bosnian: Musliman) is an adherent of Islam. ... Barbie is a best-selling doll launched at the American International Toy Fair on March 9, 1959. ... A teacher writes on a blackboard in an American college. ... Fulla or Fylla is, in Norse mythology, an ásynja. ... The Fula or Fulani is an ethnic group of people spread over many countries in West Africa, from Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali in the west to Cameroon and as far as Sudan in the east. ... Barbie is a best-selling doll launched at the American International Toy Fair on March 9, 1959. ... Fashion dolls are typically small dolls (often 12. ... Islam (Arabic:  ) is a monotheistic religion based upon the teachings of Muhammad, a 7th century Arab religious and political figure. ... A map showing countries commonly considered to be part of the Middle East The Middle East is a region comprising the lands around the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea, a territory that extends from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. ... 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday, and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Damascus at sunset Damascus ( translit: Also commonly: الشام ash-Shām) is the largest city of Syria and is also the capital. ...  Northern Africa (UN subregion)  geographic, including above North Africa or Northern Africa is the northernmost region of the African continent, generally divided by the formidable barrier of the Sahara from Sub-Saharan Africa. ... Motto: (Out Of Many, One) (traditional) In God We Trust (1956 to date) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington D.C. Largest city New York City None at federal level (English de facto) Government Federal constitutional republic  - President George Walker Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence from... Hijab or ħijāb () is the Arabic term for cover (noun), based on the root حجب meaning to veil, to cover (verb), to screen, to shelter In some Arabic-speaking countries and Western countries, the word hijab primarily refers to womens head, face, and body covering. ... Razanne is the name of a series of dolls designed and produced by Ammar Saadeh, a Palestinian expatriate now living in Michigan. ... This article is about a person who sets examples for others. ... A Muslim (Arabic: مسلم, Turkish: Müslüman, Persian and Urdu: مسلمان, Bosnian: Musliman) is an adherent of Islam. ...

Contents

Development and information

Appearance

At first, Fulla was developed to have long coal black hair streaked with auburn and brown eyes, but later, dolls with lighter hair and eyes were introduced. The product development team considered about 10 different faces before deciding on her look.[5] She was dressed in a black abaya and head scarf for the Saudi market, but no veil in other markets; because the product development didn't want to "go to extremes." [6] For more liberal countries, Fulla has a white scarf and pastel coat. Her outdoor clothes have since become more colorful, but her shoulders are always covered and the skirt always falls below her knees, as traditionally, Muslim women are not allowed to show much skin. Her indoor clothes, however, are a different story. Since Muslim women are allowed to be seen uncovered by other women or close male relatives at home, her indoor clothes are designed like modern outfits, such as skirts, swimwear, and even lingerie.[7] [8]" Auburn is a reddish brown color. ... A shop selling abayas in Bahrain The Abaya is an overgarment worn by some women in Muslim cultures. ... Iraqi girl wearing the hijab Hijab (Arabic: حجاب) is the word used in the Islamic context for the practice of dressing modestly, which all practicing Muslims past the age of puberty are instructed to do in their holy book, the Quran. ... Veils are articles of clothing, worn almost exclusively by women, which cover some part of the head or face. ... A Muslim (Arabic: مسلم, Turkish: Müslüman, Persian and Urdu: مسلمان, Bosnian: Musliman) is an adherent of Islam. ... A swimsuit (also swimmers), bathing suit (also bathers), aqua jammies or swimming costume (sometimes shortened to cozzie) is an item of clothing designed to be worn for swimming. ... Assorted lingerie styles. ...


Arab values

Fulla dolls wearing three different outfits. The first doll shows casual indoor clothes, the second shows an acceptable party outfit, and the third one displays outdoor clothes.
Fulla dolls wearing three different outfits. The first doll shows casual indoor clothes, the second shows an acceptable party outfit, and the third one displays outdoor clothes.

Barbie was banned in Saudi Arabia because she was a "Jewish" doll and a symbol of the "perverted west", as well as for her "revealing clothes and shameful postures.[9]" Fulla was created as an alternative for Barbie to reflect Muslim values. She is named for a fragrant jasmine flower found only in the Middle East. Her personality was designed to be "loving, caring, honest, and respects[ing of] her mother and father. She's good to her friends. She's honest and doesn't lie. She likes reading. She likes, rather, she loves fashion.[10]" Fulla has two friends, Yasmeen and Nada, as well as a little brother and sister. An older protective brother is in development for her, as well as a teacher and doctor Fulla, which are two careers that Fulla's creators believe to be respectable.[11] Fulla will never have a boyfriend, because Muslims believe that it is not an Islamic value.[12] Fulla's creators believe that Muslim parents become angry by the Western-inspired changes in views on sexuality and on the role of women, meaning that Fulla is supposed to show traditional Islamic values and social order. [13] She does however have many costumes, in addition to the hijab one, that reflect the everyday wear of Muslim girls nowadays in Middle Eastern countries that attain to Arab values yet are considered fashionable in the West Image File history File links Fulla5. ... Image File history File links Fulla5. ... A Muslim (Arabic: مسلم, Turkish: Müslüman, Persian and Urdu: مسلمان, Bosnian: Musliman) is an adherent of Islam. ... A map showing countries commonly considered to be part of the Middle East The Middle East is a region comprising the lands around the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea, a territory that extends from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. ... A teacher writes on a blackboard in an American college. ... Islam (Arabic: ; ( ▶ (help· info)), the submission to God) is a monotheistic faith, one of the Abrahamic religions and the worlds second-largest religion. ...


Advertising

An advertisement showing Fulla in her indoor clothes with two of her friends.
An advertisement showing Fulla in her indoor clothes with two of her friends.

In Saudi Arabia, animated commercials display Fulla's life, such as showing her saying her prayers as the sun rises, baking a cake to surprise her friend, or reading a book at bedtime. Abidin says that these scenes are "designed to convey Fulla's values" and show what behavior Fulla is promoting.[14] Often, her commercials begin with her singing in a high voice in Arabic: "She will soon be by my side, and I can tell her my deepest secrets". Another series of commercials advertises her to be family-oriented, showing a group of Syrian actresses who display Fulla silverware, stationery, and accessories. Fulla's commercials often promote modest outfits, as one of Fulla's commercials had warned, "When you take Fulla out of the house, don't forget her new spring abaya![15]" Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (450x609, 100 KB) // Summary An advertisement showing Fulla in her indoor clothes with two of her friends, Yasmeen and Nada. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (450x609, 100 KB) // Summary An advertisement showing Fulla in her indoor clothes with two of her friends, Yasmeen and Nada. ... Commercialism redirects here. ... Arabic ( or just ) is the largest living member of the Semitic language family in terms of speakers. ... Household silver (the silver) comprises dishware, cutlery and other household items made of sterling silver, usually bought in sets or combined to form sets, such as a set of silver candlesticks or a silver tea service. ... Stationery is a general name given to paper and office supplies such as envelopes, notepads, pens, pencils, erasers, paper clips, staples, etc. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...


Differences with Barbie

Fulla being compared side by side with Barbie.
Fulla being compared side by side with Barbie.
See also: Barbie

Fulla and Barbie are alike in many ways, such as in size, height, and popularity, that Fulla is sometimes nicknamed a 'Muslim Barbie'.[16] However, they actually have more differences than similarities. For instance, while Barbie has a free life and a wide range of jobs, Fulla doesn't have much to do but shop, spend time with her friends, cook, read, and pray. The brand manager at NewBoy claimed that there will be a doctor and a teacher Fulla in the future, as "these are two respected careers for women that we would like to encourage small girls to follow." [17] Also, Barbie has a boyfriend, but Fulla doesn't and never will.[18] Image File history File links Fullaandbarbie. ... Image File history File links Fullaandbarbie. ... Barbie is a best-selling doll launched at the American International Toy Fair on March 9, 1959. ... Barbie is a best-selling doll launched at the American International Toy Fair on March 9, 1959. ... Barbie is a best-selling doll launched at the American International Toy Fair on March 9, 1959. ... A Muslim (Arabic: مسلم, Turkish: Müslüman, Persian and Urdu: مسلمان, Bosnian: Musliman) is an adherent of Islam. ...


Although they both have a wide range of clothes, furniture, jewelry, and other equipment, Fulla's outdoor clothes have no swimwear or anything revealing. While Barbie has curves, skinny legs, and larger breasts, Fulla is more modest and has a smaller chest but is skinnier than Barbie. In addition to this, the basic Barbie has blond hair, blue eyes, fair skin, and wears make-up, and Fulla has dark hair, brown eyes, olive skin, and wears less cosmetics. Despite this, they are both criticized "for presenting the same unrealistic idea of beauty...it's about presenting a certain image for women to conform to.[19]" Fulla was actually once described to be the physical antithesis of Mattel's Barbie.[20] For other uses, see Cosmetic. ... Antithesis (Greek for setting opposite, from against + position) means a direct contrast or exact opposition to something. ... Mattel Inc. ...


Barbie wasn't created to be an independent, witty character, but Fulla was made to be even more conservative. She also has more Muslim values and is designed to be a role model for Muslims all over the world, rather than Barbie, who is a role model for Americans.[21] Abidin believes that "Barbie is a lady. Fulla is young," which shows that Fulla was actually designed to have a younger age than Barbie.[22]


Popularity

Fulla on a customized diary, a product from NewBoy Toys.
Fulla on a customized diary, a product from NewBoy Toys.

Fulla is sold with a line of accessories, including umbrellas, watches, bicycles, corn flakes, cameras, CD players, inflatable chairs, and swimming pools. She was designed to be unlike Barbie and to be a traditional Muslimah whose life revolves around home and family.[23] Many Muslim parents have claimed that if girls put scarves on their dolls when they're young, they will have an easier time wearing it themselves, instead of feeling like it is the end of childhood.[24] Image File history File links Fulla_diary_cover. ... Image File history File links Fulla_diary_cover. ... For appointment diaries, see Personal organizer. ... An umbrella is a collapsible canopy that protects a person from rain or sun. ... For the Unix command, see watch (Unix). ... Ōfuckỹdgfdddfdefdfdfdfdfdfdaasdfasdfasf For other uses, see Bicycle (disambiguation). ... Cornflakes in a bowl Corn flakes are a food made by combining cooked corn along with sugar and vitamins. ... A camera is a device used to capture images, as still photographs or as sequences of moving images (movies or videos). ... An Apline in car cd player (head unit) A compact disc player or CD player is an electronic device to play audio from compact discs. ... The following is a partial list of chair types, with internal or external cross references about most of the chairs. ... 50 meter indoor swimming pool A swimming pool, swimming bath, or wading pool is an artificially enclosed body of water intended for recreational or competitive swimming, diving, or for other bathing activities that involve swimming, e. ... There is also a collection of Hadith called Sahih Muslim A Muslim (Arabic: مسلم, Persian: Mosalman or Mosalmon Urdu: مسلمان, Turkish: Müslüman, Albanian: Mysliman, Bosnian: Musliman) is an adherent of the religion of Islam. ... Children redirects here. ...


The product has been quite successful, selling more than 1.3 million dolls. A Hong Kong manufacturer, SAIF Enterprise, Ltd., has introduced a doll very similar to the Fulla in China, called Fulah, sold in nearly identical packaging.[25]


Fulla is quite expensive (for the countries where it is sold), at about $10 or so for the standard doll, with the average income in most of the countries she is sold in around $3,100.[26] Therefore, NewBoy created a less expensive version of the doll named 'Fulla Style'.[27] Some Muslim parents continue to like Fulla because she gives their daughters a more Islamic character to emulate.[28] Islam (Arabic:  ) is a monotheistic religion based upon the teachings of Muhammad, a 7th century Arab religious and political figure. ...


See also

Barbie is a best-selling doll launched at the American International Toy Fair on March 9, 1959. ... Fashion dolls are typically small dolls (often 12. ... Razanne is the name of a series of dolls designed and produced by Ammar Saadeh, a Palestinian expatriate now living in Michigan. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Notes and references

  1. ^ Khaleej Times Online.com. "Fulla" - the Arab world’s Barbie. Retrieved on July 21, 2006.
  2. ^ Feministing.com. All dolled up...well, not really. Retrieved on July 16, 2006.
  3. ^ Arts & Entertainment.com. “Fulla—the Hijab-Wearing Barbie w/Muslim Values Thrives among Young Girls in the Middle East. Retrieved on July 24, 2006.
  4. ^ AMANA.com. Barbie meets her Muslim match. Retrieved on July 21, 2006.
  5. ^ Liberty Post.org. Barbie who? (Fulla, her Islamic counterpart takes her on). Retrieved on July 17, 2006.
  6. ^ USATODAY.com. Move over, Barbie. Retrieved on July 13, 2006.
  7. ^ Middle East Times.com. Mideast 'Barbie' dolls don Muslim veil. Retrieved on July 18, 2006.
  8. ^ Floridian.com. The doll that has everything...almost. Retrieved on July 13, 2006.
  9. ^ Floridian/Cover up.com. Coverup Girl. Retrieved on July 13, 2006.
  10. ^ Alarab Online.com. Barbie dolls don Islamic veil. Retrieved on July 15, 2006.
  11. ^ Middle East.com. Barbie loses out to veiled rival. Retrieved on July 13, 2006.
  12. ^ The New York Times.com. Bestseller in Mideast: Barbie With a Prayer Mat. Retrieved on July 13, 2006.
  13. ^ AMANA.com. Barbie meets her Muslim match. Retrieved on July 21, 2006.
  14. ^ ANBA.com. Virtual store wants to sell Muslim dolls in Brazil. Retrieved on July 13, 2006.
  15. ^ islamonline.com. Hijab doll knock Barbie off shelves. Retrieved on July 13, 2006.
  16. ^ YaleGlobal Online.com. YaleGlobal. Retrieved on July 22, 2006.
  17. ^ The New York Times.com. Bestseller in Mideast: Barbie With a Prayer Mat. Retrieved on July 13, 2006.
  18. ^ Gadling.com. Fulla Doll. Retrieved on July 13, 2006.
  19. ^ Csmonitor.com. Can Fulla save Muslim girls from Barbie?. Retrieved on July 21, 2006.
  20. ^ Chicago Sun-Times.com. Bye-bye Barbie: Muslim families pick modest Fulla doll. Retrieved on July 13, 2006.
  21. ^ Toydirectory.com. The Road to Damascus: A Whole New Fashion Doll for the Middle East. Retrieved on July 13, 2006.
  22. ^ wcco.com. Fulla Doll Gains Popularity In Egypt. Retrieved on July 17, 2006.
  23. ^ Western Resistance.com. Middle East: Islamic Doll Kicks Barbie's Ass. Retrieved on July 13, 2006.
  24. ^ International Herald Tribute.com. Barbie pushed aside in Mideast cultural shift. Retrieved on July 13, 2006.
  25. ^ Main-in-China.com. The Chinese doll, Fulah.. Retrieved on September 12, 2006.
  26. ^ Militant Islam Monitor.com. Barbie converts to Islam and gets a hijab. Retrieved on July 24, 2006.
  27. ^ Tbt.com. Doll that has it all (almost). Retrieved on July 21, 2006.
  28. ^ Middle East Online.com. Veiled Fulla is Arab answer to Barbie. Retrieved on July 13, 2006.


 
 

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