Racist
golliwog toy makes a comeback
Sales of Golliwogs are
booming again after years of being ostracised
from the toy box.
Golliwogs bore the brunt of
political correctness in the 1980s and 90s. Toy
shops thought it non-PC to even sell one in the
1980s.
But now the toy is making a
surprise comeback with a rebranding for the 21st
century.
Toy manufacturers are
working flat-out to meet demand for the doll as
his popularity soars.
He fell foul of the censors
in the 1980s for bullying Noddy. He was named and
shamed as a "legacy of slavery" and his
character dropped by publishers.
The Working Group Against
Racism in Children's Resources added: "He
embodies the mythical qualities often attributed
to black people - superstition, large appetites,
primitive simplicity and savagery."
Oliver Holmes, managing
director of manufacturer Merry Thought, said:
"We make 10,000 gollies a year and are
currently working to full capacity. British
orders now have to be placed months in advance
and gollies are also a tremendous export winner
in the States. "
The golliwog first appeared
as a soft toy in 1895 and is even older than the
teddy bear, which first appeared five years
later, reports the Daily
Record.
Even the Commission for
Racial Equality have stopped short of condemning
golly's comeback.
A spokeswoman said:
"Books, dolls, games and other toys should
be a mirror to the multi-ethnic society we live
in. It is the responsibility of teachers and
carers to ensure children do not learn to label
or stereotype any particular group through play
or learning materials."
Story filed:
08:57 Tuesday 24th April 2001
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