Is this offensive? - Black Doll at Costco

[Mahogany Momma]

I just got an email about this Black Doll being sold at costco. Look at it and share your thoughts. Is this doll racially offensive? Or am I being too sensitive about racial issues? Lemme know...

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Updated video on issue:

[Lawanda Dogan]

the white doll has a panda and the hat says pretty panda

[Jamilah Shakir]

Someone needs an --- whippin'

[Lawanda Dogan]

The doll, called “Cuddle with Me,” is manufactured by a company called BrassKey Keepsakes and the CEO of the company, Mary Gustaff, says the derogatory headgear somehow didn’t move the needle on their political-correctness meter.

What! either she has her head stuck in the ground or she has total disregard toward the African American community; I am writing her a letter as i sit here and type this. We need to gather as a community and flood her office with letters to let her know this is not acceptable and she had better get politically correct if she wants to continue to be in business; she goes on to say “It’s so unfortunate because now it’s being portrayed as a purposeful act to be disrespectful and that’s not true. We really apologize. We don’t think in that way. We don’t operate in that kind of thinking. We have a really diverse family-operated company that’s been around for 28 years. What would we have to gain for heaven’s sake?” This shows lack of knowledge and irresponsiblity on the part of the company.

[Kimberly Coulter]

I'm going to write a letter too!

[Jamilah Shakir]

Thank you for this. I will contact them today.

[Lotusqueen]

Highly Offensive! I am not surprised though just think back to the cartoon in the NY Post depicting President Obama as a crazed chimpanzee. I agree with Marisa B. when she stated this is an example of "undercover in your face" racism. Years ago, you would see the overt racist images of us being depicted as monkeys. These days it is spoon fed to us with just a little bit of sugar to help it go down easier but it is still RACIST!! I pray no mothers or even fathers purchase this doll for their daughters. I am going to go to Costco is my city and find out the information for the manufacturers and write a letter expressing my thoughts. I just noticed that Sister Lawanda provided us with the company's information, I'm on it. Thanks sis.

[kikikens]

I think it's as offensive as WE allow it to be. Just like using Nigger, Bitch, or Ho. If you allow those words to affect you then they will.

I don't know what the intent was by putting a monkey in there with a black baby. I have heard a lot of people call their babies 'little monkey'. I don't know why anyone would want to refer to their child as a lesser evolved being, but be that as it may... I've never heard a black mother say it, because of the negative connotation behind it.

Here is something to also consider; a lot of research goes into the marketing of these products. Can it be assumed that topic came up that it could be offensive and that issue was ruled out or ignored - must be the case, because the doll is out for the world to see. So now, it's a matter of do we blame the manufacturers, the distributors, or ourselves for letting it affect us. It's really something to think about.

[Fadia Ward]

What's the problem my kids love monkeys sometimes people dig or look to deep.

[Jamilah Shakir]

If you have to ask what the problem is, especially from reading this thread???????

It's good that your children love monkeys, mine do also...I will say, my nine year old got the connection between the monkey and this black doll that looks like her.

[Mahogany Momma]

Updated video on issue:

[Lisa Bedford Sams]

I'm offended BIG time and I'm a white gal. This is horrible and I would like someone to TRY to explain any rational behind it...am I missing something here? Not cute and not at all right!!! Lisa

[amy]

I think it is offensive and I was mad when I first saw it but I may have bought it without thinking about it until I got it home or days later. I think because you brought it to my attention, it is so offensive.