Mattel introduces black Barbies, to mixed reviews

[Squishy0405]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091008/..._black_barbies

Mattel has launched a new line of black Barbie dolls with fuller lips, a wider nose and more pronounced cheek bones — a far cry from Christie, Barbie's black friend who debuted in the 1960s and was essentially a white doll painted brown.

Was this really necessary? Since when does Barbie effectively equate self image? I find it interesting that the article continues to use "black" and "white", while consumers say "African American".

There are only two races of girls?