Representation sold separately: New American Girl dolls overlook Seattle's diversity

When the toy company American Girl unveiled two new dolls in February, Y2K era Seattle officially became the latest period of American history packaged for sale — with accessories sold separately, of course.

The characters Nicki and Isabel are twin sisters living in Seattle in the year 1999. They have a dial up computer, a mom who works in tech, and an inflatable chair in their shared bedroom that looks like it was ripped straight out of a Delia’s catalog.

For Soundside producer Noel Gasca, these dolls prompted her to think about who gets to represent Seattle — even in doll form — and reexamine her own relationship with her favorite childhood toy.