Comments on: Weird Wednesdays: Oh Golly Gosh!

By: Stephen

Stephen — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:51:39 +0000

Liam: I think you’re right. It’s an expression of disapproval and not an argument. I haven’t heard what I regard as an argument from opponents of these dolls. I hope Paul returns to the discussion so we might get one.

By: Liam

Liam — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:11:56 +0000

Stephen

I think you’re on to something when you pick up on the ‘it’s just not appropriate’ mantra. This has become a catch-all argument, completely divorced from its original meaning. What it has come to mean now is ‘I don’t approve, SO STOP IT NOW! YOU BAD, BAD, INAPPROPRIATE PERSON!’

By: Stephen

Stephen — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:57:52 +0000

Hi Paul,

I am very much aware of the history of debate surrounding Golly Dolls. You refer to very good reasons to view it as racist and yet never state a single reason why we should see them as inherently racist. If you want to state a reason then perhaps we could get a discussion going.

I’m thinking of buying a Golly Doll. Why shouldn’t I?

Stephen.

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:02:17 +0000

Is it a golliwog that these people are selling? If so there may be very good reasons to view it as racist. If not then it sounds like something based on the idea of a golliwog. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golly

By: John

John — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 01:30:25 +0000

Ah the traditional golly doll is making a comeback. I had no idea! Is it racist to have a black doll? And would it be racist for a black child to play with an asian doll? I am astounded that anyone thinks this a serious topic to be discussing. Glad to see Stephen responding in his own inimitable way.

By: Jackalope

Jackalope — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 23:00:31 +0000

By the way have any good arguments been made against the dolls? If so I’d be interested what the theory is behind their being wrong.

By: Jackalope

Jackalope — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 22:54:47 +0000

Common sense!!!!! And I appreciate that you’re talking it. Thanks for this blog