The manufacturer of LOL Surprise dolls has reached a large number of dolls that have different styles and feature many accessories, clothes, and representations. But looking at the dolls, as a collective may tell a different story. While the dolls are numerous, they share characteristics like large eyes compared to the rest of the face and face features. At the same time, they come with different clothes representing different motifs. However, although they are very varied it is difficult to distinguish their race or ethnicity beyond their accessories or even the color of their skin.
In this case, the race of the dolls is another accessory that doesn’t equate to girlhood when being a non-white girl in the real world (Becker et al., 2016). That is without considering how racially ambiguous the dolls look. Without denying the variety of dolls and costumes, the dolls' race helps construct a narrative based mainly on aesthetics and accessorizing. As a whole, LOL Surprise dolls are racially diverse, but their racial backgrounds are left to interpretation. This inclusivity can only be read as apparent, there is no materiality in their race as it lacks a tangible significance.
When manufacturers make ethnically and racially correct dolls, they give more children the opportunity to see themselves represented (Chin, 1999). But many times, the fundamental parts of race and ethnicity are left aside as if they don’t help to shape children’s self-perceptions within their societal context (Chin, 1999). When it comes to LOL Surprise dolls, the slight changes in physical attributes from doll to doll that can hint at their race, are very subtle. This may create a sense of inclusiveness or as stated before, it is a mere accessory in their storyline as the dolls focus on themes like fashion or friendship.