Golliwogs and morons

[sp1814]

Quick question based on a previous post.

I understand that there are MANY people who have childhood toys in the shape of golliwogs - and tees people don't have a racist bone in their body. They're simply a toy right?

Now some people have said that golliwogs have become the subject of a PC-ban.

But to those people, I would like to ask this - if you were invited to a child's birthday party, and the kid was black. Would you buy them a golliwog as a present, or would you think, "Hang on...this could be seriously misconstrued".

So - would you buy a golly for a black child?

[sp1814]

I should just reiterate - the question ISN'T whether you have golliwogs and whether you love them. Childhood toys will always garner affection. My question is whether, leaving PC aside, you would buy one for a black child. Ignore what the 'PC brigade' may say - put yourself in the position of attending a children's party, handing over a wrapped golliwog to the parent, and then having them open it.

What do you think the reaction would be.

Once again - forget PC. Ask yourself what the likely reaction may be, and whether you think it would be a good move on your part.

[sp1814]

hc4361

From Wikipedia:

The image of the doll has become the subject of heated debate. One aspect of the debate in its favour argues that it should be preserved and passed on as a cherished cultural artifact and childhood tradition. At the same time, many argue that the golliwog is a destructive instance of racism against people of African descent, along with pickaninnies, minstrels, mammy figures, and other caricatures

[Kromovaracun]

I really don't understand how Golliwogs could be perceived as looking sweet. They're creepy as hell.

[emmie]

well i liked mine, no idea whatever happened to it, perhaps it ran off with loobyloo

[Brenden]

How can you forget PC sp, it is rammed down our throats every day, its not pc to do this, its not pc to do that, it never stops - its brainwashing, keep using it and people will come to believe it, a method the progressives use, imo..

[vulcan]

Has anybody ever considered a black child might actually like a black doll/golliwog ?

[Kromovaracun]

"it is rammed down our throats every day, its not pc to do this, its not pc to do that, it never stops"

Does anyone actually say this? Really? Because if not, could you please illustrate more strongly what you mean? With some concrete examples? The only people I have ever heard even use the term 'politically correct' are people complaining about it. Personally, as a result, I've found myself seeing the idea that it's a myth as increasingly persuasive.

[DrFilth]

why have >> Golliwogs and morons << as your header are you saying anyone who has one or who has bought one is a moron

moron (informal)
a stupid person

[steg]

so i get the gist about golliwogs as there is another thread about it with over 150 replies, but what have "Morons" got to do with it?

[steg]

snap Dr

[ladybirder]

modeller, you said, "It's going back quite a bit I know, but the black and white minstrel shows were great. No one thought of them as being derogative in any way"
I would have agreed with you until this afternoon when I said this to a black friend of mine. His answer was that I didn't find the B&W Minstrel Show offensive because I'm not black, but he and his family did. He said that until I walk in his shoes I don't see what he sees. He has given me something to think about.

[sp1814]

Ladybirder

Funnily enou, I was thinking the same thing. The assumption that EVERYONE loved the Black & White Minstrel Show is a little naive.

[steg]

i thought it was crap

[sp1814]

Steg

At last! Thank you for picking up on that.

In the same way that many black people find golliwogs to be wholly unacceptable and offensive, I wanted to use a word in the question that would evoke a similar response.

Obviously I was being a little over-obtuse.

[steg]

pmsl, nice cover story

[sp1814]

Tell me about it - it wax literally the best I could do in short notice. Cards on table - I think that people think that golliwogs can be offensive to black people are morons.

There - I concede!

[steg]

lol, do you actually read what you type?

[craft1948]

So if you were buying a present for a black child would you buy it a black doll or a white one?

[DrFilth]

i think you are fibbing :)