[embee]

I just read in the paper that a London shopkeeper is intending to continue selling Golliwog dolls after police seized some from his shop, after complaints.

It got me thinking about these dolls - which I haven't seen for years. I think they are cute. I understand why some may find them offensive, but I don't. I just think they're cute. Children, I assume, wouldn't see the "racial prejudice" in them, just adults (isn't it sad that we have to grow up?).

What do you think? Are Golliwog dolls offensive to you?

[Carrie B]

We actually just found a golliwog girl in my Nan's wardrobe when we were clearing out here things. She's black, with black plaited hair and is wearing a red and white dress with matching bandanna in the hair.

I don't think they're offensive at all.

[nzp]

Golligogs are NOT black people. They're based on a Norwegian(?) fable about a chimney sweep.

[MummaSgettie]

I still have my golliwog doll and my DD plays with it. She has never shown any signs of being racist and DH and I certainly aren't racist.

Kids learn racism from adults and would only associate the dolls with that sort of thing if that's what an adult told them.

Exactly right!

[LunaBlue]

Political correctness gone mad. I LOVE gollies and had one as a child.We also hunted high and low for onesome years ago but found they are few and far between. For goodness sake it is a CHILDS toy and no child would think of it as anything else. It is the adults that brand it wrong. Same happened with the cartoon Noddy some years agao Utterly rediculous.

[sarah_jane]

freaky- yes

offensive- no

LOL I have always been frightened by golliwogs, have no idea why...My DF's auntie has a house full, including the bedspread I had to sleep in. I was so freaked out he changed the doona LMAO. But I certainly dont find them offensive. Pfft.

[Guest_funkychick_*]

Not to me they aren't...I have no problems with them

Kids learn racism from adults and would only associate the dolls with that sort of thing if that's what an adult told them.

Well said!!

[embee]

nzp - thank you for that - I had no idea - I just assumed (from the politically correct nature of the world) that they were based on coloured people - specifically, I thought they were based on Afro-Americans in the Depression era!! How about that? How ignorant am I?!

[~Bean~]

No not offensive.

My little one has a couple which my mum found for her.

They are divine little toys.

[2blue1]

My DS has a few if them actually.

I just recently bought my brother one from newsagent.

My MIL also knitted one specially cos I love them so much.

Can anyone remember the story "the three golliwogs" by Enid Blyton? (I think that what is was called).