Golly Gee!

I am conflicted over golliwogs.

On one hand I know they are supposed to be politically incorrect. On the other, I want one and have wanted one ever since I was introduced to golliwogs in the Enid Blyton book The Three Golliwogs.

When I was living in England, I ate Robertson's Jam because you could save the jar labels and exchange them for golliwog badges. I have a nurse golly [right]!

I was sorely tempted to buy myself a golliwog doll when I was in Sydney two years ago but they were so expensive - at least AUS$100.

The Guardian has a story about golliwogs. And you can read more about gollies here.

How insensitive am I to find gollies adorable? Perhaps I don't feel offended by them because I am not black. I know they look like the stereotypical depiction of Africans and when I think of them in this light, I do see how they are offensive. However, I have to say, no more than Barbie dolls, with their ridiculous (supposedly ideal female) proportions, are.

Comments

[Buddhaphish]

That's a Blyton book I don't think I've read! (and I've read plenty in my lifetime :)

[Daphne]

Buddhaphish: Thanks!

There's an Enid Blyton book I really would like to read again and it's Tales from Toyland - abt a sailor doll who runs away with a fairy doll. They set up house in Toyland and meet, amongst others, the famous Josie, Click and Bun!

[Buddhaphish]

Wiggie, Waggie and Wollie (I need to check my own copy though) I definitely have the latter printing because these names are more recognizable to me.

[Daphne]

Buddhaphish: I believe the three gollies were originally called Golly, Woggie, and Nigger, but the names were eventually changed. What to, I can't seem to find on the Internet.

[Buddhaphish]

I have that copy of the Three Golliwogs when I was a child. It was one of my favourite books when I was about 4 or 5! I think golliwogs are adorable too and growing up, I never made that connotation with the stereotypical African description (because of the Asian childhood I assume). I mean... they were golliwogs.. a creation of their own kind.