April 19, 2016

Socality Barbie is Dead but a New Plastic Instagram Savior has Arisen.

I just about spat my camomile tea all over my keyboard when I came across this newest Instagram star.

Her name is Barbie Savior and she’s coming to save the orphans of a third world country near you.

Her bio sums up what she is all about perfectly: Jesus. Adventures. Africa. Two worlds. One love. Babies. Beauty. Not qualified. Called. 20 years young. It’s not about me…but it kind of is.”

She couldn’t be more #whitesavior if she tried. Just as Socality Barbie was laid to rest in hipster social media heaven, when her creator revealed her identity and declared her work here done, Barbie Savior arrived to save not only us from mindless Instagram scrolling but every child in that one massive country Westerners love to call Africa. She is truly their #greatwhitehope.

Its creators (who I have a sneaking suspicion move in the same circles as Socality Barbie’s) freely admit that Barbie Savior will probably “ruffle the feathers” of some of the people who she pokes fun at, namely volunteers in Africa.

But I’ve got to tell you as that rare breed known as a White African (genuinely) she has nailed this particular social syndrome pretty hard. I would know. White guilt is in my blood. I’m a product of colonialism after all and maybe I am laughing a little harder because people have actually said things like, “Wow, do you speak African?” (South Africa alone has 11 official languages. None of them are “African”) and “Do you know my second cousin who lives in Malawi?” (Um, no because that’s like a different country hundreds of miles away from where I’m from) and “But, you can’t be African. You’re white.” (Well, tell that to my birth certificate) to my face.

The account may be a joke but the ignorance is real.

But, as they told Huffington Post, their message is clear and pretty mindful at that, “We have both struggled with our own realizations and are definitely not claiming innocence here. Barbie Savior, we hope, is an entertaining jumping off point for some very real discussions, debates, and resolves. If you’re offended by the account then you’d better be offended by the real accounts who actually display this behavior in all authenticity. That is the real offense.”

This is #whiteprivilegeatitsbest. These are just a few of my favourite posts. But check out the whole account if you really want to follow her ongoing saga. Enjoy!

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Setting off to save some orphans:

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It means “love” in African:

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The most special of bonds:

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#somanyorphanssolittletime:

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Just jamming with the locals:

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All Westerners are teachers in Africa:

 

Relephant read:

6 Misconceptions About Mama Africa.

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Author: Khara-Jade Warren

Images: All @BarbieSavior

 

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