Santa-Themed Golliwog Dolls Sold in Victoria Shops Spark Controversy

Some shops in Victoria have sparked controversy after selling Santa-themed Golliwog dolls in the lead up to Christmas.

Westminster Christmas in Geelong, Victoria, was selling the ‘golly dollies’ for $45 and has already sold out its first shipment of the toys.

The Geelong Advertiser reported that a shop spokesman said the dolls were a collector’s item which are hugely popular.

However, Dr Dvir Abramovich, chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission told the paper it was ‘beyond insensitive’ to sell the ‘hateful objects’.

“Any items or images which represent intolerance and bigotry have no place in our community.

“There is nothing fun, cute or funny about Golliwogs, which are commercial symbols of racism that are degrading, humiliating, and hurtful to so many people,” Dr Abramovich said.

Golliwog dolls have frizzy hair, dark skin and red lips, which have since divided opinion since they became popular in Australia in the 1970s. These became popular last Christmas, with one retailer telling Daily Mail Australia at the time that buyers were willing to pay up to $110 a doll.

Many retailers say there is nothing offensive about the Golliwog dolls, since it is just a cute collector’s item. “When I see a Golly I see memories from my childhood not a politically incorrect doll. When is the madness going to stop,” a retailer told Daily Mail Australia. Another retailer said: “We have been marketing this product for over 25 years and receive very few objections many people avidly collect them and really love them.”

Source: Dailymail.co.uk