Comments on: “Black Americana”

By: Seb Wiers

Seb Wiers — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 01:53:12 +0000

Most of them looks substantially more like normal human children than the “white” Raggedy Anne and Andy dolls and their ilk. Which are, when you get down to it, race and class stereotypes of their own.

By: Racism in Bull Durham Tobacco Ads » Sociological Images

Racism in Bull Durham Tobacco Ads » Sociological Images — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:19:09 +0000

[...] for examples of modern reproductions of these stereotypes (literally), see these: one, two, three, four, and [...]

By: Gaby K

Gaby K — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:06:38 +0000

I am confused by L.G.’s comment about the ‘dehumanised’ appearance. I have to say these dolls do not look any more or less unlike a normal human appearance than many other dolls. The specific outfits these dolls wear may have connotations to people who are aware of them. But to me, as British person who isn’t, they simply look like black farmer dolls. The lack of shoes on one of them is a bit confusing but otherwise the hair styles are ones I have seen on modern people of african or caribbean origin. Only the blue one seems to have a pseudo ‘golly’ stereotyped face but dolls often have odd representations of the face I wouldn’t say this is inhuman, but the blue one certainly could be deemed offensive.

By: L. G.

L. G. — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 01:45:09 +0000

I think the issue is more things like the phrase “piccannys”, and the incredibly dehumanized appearance of some of these dolls. Do they have a place in history? Of course! They happened, that time period happened, and it’s our responsibility to know that.
Do they make appropriate gifts for children nowadays? No. A demeaning racial stereotype is a demeaning racial stereotype, regardless of how “vintage” or “old fashioned” it’s supposed to be.

By: Sociological Images » MODERN REPRODUCTIONS OF OLD RACIST IMAGES OF AFRICANS

Sociological Images » MODERN REPRODUCTIONS OF OLD RACIST IMAGES OF AFRICANS — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:21:46 +0000

[...] see this post about patterns for making black mammy-type dolls. addthis_url = [...]

By: OP Minded

OP Minded — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:05:04 +0000

I think the whole concept of being “thrilled” about rag-doll patterns is kindy creepy…. but given that, who cares if they are making white dolls or black dolls?