Golliwogg - Is it legal?

[Angel]

Golliwogg - Is it legal?

Mad, I know, but I'm trying to find out whether it's illegal to still own golliwogs (no offence intended).

If you don't know what one is, here's a little picture for you:

They vary in style but the reason I ask is that I actually own one from years back - not traditional, mind - no big afro for a start - but it is, in essence, classified as a golly.

Am I going to jail?? :'( :'(

 

[Triz]

Re: Is this legal?

I don't know about UK laws, but here I think that is legal.

 

[Darg]

Re: Is this legal?

Well, I don't see why not. Really, what could they cite you for? It's not like possession of drugs or whatnot... unless there's something I don't really know.

 

[Dark Drakan]

Re: Is this legal?

I dont think it is illegal to own one but think they have been banned from sale now.

 

[StickZer0]

Re: Is this legal?

I think it's fine until you start referring someone to it, like saying "Oh you're such a gollywog". I think it is however illegal to sell them.

 

[Albion Knight]

Re: Is this legal?

Gee, I can't see why they were banned. It's just an affront to an entire nation.

 

[Steve]

Re: Is this legal?

I reckon they'll throw the key away after they've locked you up.

 

[xboxps2man]

Re: Is this legal?

its just a doll, so why would it be bad?

 

[Tsuyu]

Re: Is this legal?

Because it's a relic from a long time ago when black people where seen in that fashion. Look up uhm... gollywogg? Or whatever they were called, on Wikipedia.

 

[Silent420]

Re: Is this legal?

It's a racist doll thats why.

 

[cometojames]

Re: Is this legal?

thats rasict

 

[Tsuyu]

Re: Is this legal?

It's not really racist per say though, a lot of old products made from that era had images of black people in this fashion, especially if it came from Africa or South America originally.

 

[Albion Knight]

Re: Is this legal?

Insensitive and definitely taken as racist. Racism was more socially acceptable in years past but it was still racism.

Some would say that those taking offense to such things should toughen up and not take it so personally. I say that they would have to be tough to live in the world with such derogatory elements. But being tough does not make it OK to abuse someone. Staying ones tongue or removing such elements when they are inappropriate is a smaller burden than weathering the abuse of such comments or elements.

 

[Tsuyu]

Re: Is this legal?

Oh, I'm not claiming it isn't racist and offensive, it is. Just that... well, it "isn't racist" in one way because it was never racist back then or intended to be racists.

The "Jolly lil'negro" is indeed a racist character, but back then it was a style, something commercial, not something that was intended as racism.

 

[Albion Knight]

Re: Is this legal?

Oh, I'm not claiming it isn't racist and offensive, it is. Just that... well, it "isn't racist" in one way because it was never racist back then or intended to be racists.

The "Jolly lil'negro" is indeed a racist character, but back then it was a style, something commercial, not something that was intended as racism.

It definitely wasn't hate motivated as a lot of racism is if that's what you're saying.

 

[Tsuyu]

Re: Is this legal?

Yeah. I guess that's sorta it. It's not racism as we see it today, owning one isn't the same as screaming "I hate black people!". Our modern racism is a lot more violent and hateful.

 

[FableFreak]

Re: Is this legal?

It's not really racist per say though, a lot of old products made from that era had images of black people in this fashion, especially if it came from Africa or South America originally.

My friends Dad owns one of those signs, and I find it humorous.

Edit: Just remembered, my Grandma owns two gollywogs.

 

[Triz]

Re: Golliwogg - Is it legal?

Back then: Funny.

Today:Raceist to some people, funny to others, some of them don't give a flying whoot.

Owning one I think shouldn't be so bad.

 

[Tsuyu]

Re: Golliwogg - Is it legal?

I don't think it's supposed to be "funny". I think it's supposed to be a "child friendly black", seeing as the style appears in dolls, children's books and candy adds.

 

[Devalion]

Re: Golliwogg - Is it legal?

That reminds me that I have a book called "Little Black Samba" from around the 1960's or so.


I am also reminded for some reason that I need to find a store around me that sells Plush Cthulu's.