Golliwogs

Reasonably serious discussion
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Was at the missus works Christmas “do” last night and the conversation got around to golliwogs (as it does). I grew up with these jolly little fellows. In fact I had a toy golliwog and a number of Robinson’s jam golliwog badges too. The general opinion was that these things were not racist in any shape or form and that they were just harmless toys. I didnt really join in the debate because a) I was getting stuck into the turkey and b) I wasnt sure where I stood in the debate. Having slept on it I have come to the conclusion that if black people find them offensive, then they are offensive. It is ok for a bunch of middle class white people to sit around a dinner table and pronounce something as harmless but if we arent the ones who are being offended, it isnt really our call is it? I suppose also it doesnt help that that part of the name has been used as a perjoritive term for our ethnic cousins too. So then, golliwog, good or bad?

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I think it is the end part of the Golli’s that is the problem. They are still around, just called Golli’s.

I think because of the bad press related to them, Robinson’s have distanced themselves from them. Shame as I did and still have a huge collection of them.

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We’ve had black people live in the UK for hundreds of years, including loads during the last sixty. Somewhat reductive to have that wide experience reflected in a single toy, which let’s remember, is the jet black smiling simpleton, mirroring some of the attitudes of less enlightened times.

There isn’t an issue with black figures being depicted in toys. No-one gives a fuck when it’s Nick Fury, Blade or BA Baracus. I can see why this toy is offensive, and wouldn’t buy one for my kids.

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Just to show my age, I played one in a primary school Christmas show!

I would imagine Donald Trump is about the only bloke who wouldn’t see an issue with them in 2015.

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Originally posted by @Sadoldgit

It is ok for a bunch of middle class white people to sit around a dinner table and pronounce something as harmless but if we arent the ones who are being offended, it isnt really our call is it?

Well, this is the key really, isn’t it? I can’t understand how something can be seen to be harmless when it represents what these do. Children are innocent and so likely wouldn’t pick up on it - but the toys aren’t innocent (whether in intention or appearance).

You do also have to be wary of rabid, incoherent ‘social justice warriors’ that attempt to claim offence on the behalf of others. Equally that’s not their call.

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I don’t really like social injustice. Where can I sign up to be one of those warriors?

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You don’t want to be!

I see life as pretty simple, in the main - be nice to people unless they give you reasonable cause to be otherwise. Look out for those less fortunate than you, whilst respecting them and their wishes.

Social justice warriors would say that they are looking out for others, but what they’re actually doing is constantly crying wolf. It actively harms the cause of the genuinely oppressed or downtrodden and gives ammunition to those that don’t want to believe social injustice exists.

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