Mumsnet Talk

We have a few "ethnic" groups represented at my playgroup and I'd like us to buy some dolls that reflect that. Would you like that sort of consideration at your playgroups, or is it annoyingly PC?

I would say it's a shame to have to ask. It wouldn't be annoyingly PC it needs to happen enough for it to become the norm. However, some "ethnic" dolls are horrid not pretty like other dolls so don't buy look around. Pre children, I've been overseas I've seen some really lovely "ethnic" dolls with lovely clothes and wished I'd bought them not realising that in the UK there was such a limited choice. Better to buy multicultural books which are easier to find with nice pics than ugly dolls just to make it look better.

Best of luck.

would definitely want it at my playgroup, little people are quite good at having lots of ethnicities represented if you want some small world toys.

also consider having different skin tone paints or crayons at the craft table.

I think it's a good idea.

The only way to normalise something rather than see it as 'annoyingly pc' is to increase the exposure to it.

TBH I don't see black dolls as anything other than just dolls now!

It's not annoyingly pc. I like my children to see that babies come in all shapes, sizes and colours. Children indulge in play (lucky things) and black, "ethnic" children should see themselves represented in the toys that they play with. It's common sense rather than that cliche PC.

So like rey said.. have a nice mix of dolls and crafts etc.

Yes! If you can find them .
My dd2 chose the black Millie from ELC (we are white) and part of me wonders if people think we are 'trying too hard' when she carries it about. It needs to become the norm as someone else said .

VP no you're not trying too hard and so what if people think that. Your DD got the doll that she wanted.

And yes it is blardy hard to find nice ones.

should have made it clear, Little People are a range of toys - a farm, school, zoo, house etc, and the people are a real range of ethnicities.

I agree with rey and Marsy - is not annoyingly PC, roleplay toys should be a representation of life, non-caucasian children should be able to see themselves represented and it should be so normal that it does not cause any comment.

VP my mil said the exact same thing about that doll when we got it for DD.
She said 'oh I suppose you want her to get used to the blacks if she goes to school around here'

I too have paranoia when we are out that people think we are being 'pc' . It's not that at all.

Fab. I think it's cool to have "ethnic" dolls and agree that it should just be the norm. Glad you guys agree with me. I'll do my damnedest to find some nice looking dolls as well, I know there are some that are quite odd looking!

TBH I find people who bitch about "political correctness gone mad" in relation to anti-discriminatory practice incredibly irritating and usually trying to justify their own bigotry.

Mars- I had no choice . DD2 may only be 2.7 but she knows what she wants.
Part of me is hoping for beautiful mixed race grandchildren some time in the future .
We live in a very white area and so that does make me more aware of it iyswim. I am secretly very pleased.

I think it would be lovely. When I was growing up I treasured my Sasha doll which was the only brown-skinned doll I had ever seen.

I remember Sasha!

YES! definitely get some, the whole Barbie blonde shit is incredibly destructive....

you may think all those "pc" books and dolls are just ticking boxes, but as the mother of a mixed-race child I can tell you they are very important.

I know mixed race kids as young as 3 who are negative about their colour because they have had nothing but Disney and Barbie etc.

Proud to say my DD loves her black dolls, why shouldn't she!

our local playgroups also had figures in wheelchairs, I think that's great.

Yes, that's a great idea. Sasha dolls are still around. I definitely plan to get one for my daughter.

deffo. But try not to think of them as "ethnic"- we all have an ethnicity! I'd also second the idea about different skin tone crayons and paints (esp crayons, as it's easy to mix paints, but not crayons) I think ELC have them. It's not PC, it's the world! And important for ALL children, what ever their ethnic background. Have fun choosing!

looks@rey...horrid?..'not pretty like other dolls'..fth?..from what I've seen they are just brown!!..

Not all, check out www.diversedolls4all.co.uk I think all children should be represented

Definitely a need for multicultural dolls in nursery and pre-schools. Multicultural books would also be good. It's important that children realise that being brown/black/asian/red head etc is okay.

Even if all the children in the nursery were white, I still think it would be important to have multicultural dolls. We live in a global society and at some point will come into contact with people who are different in someway.

I'm new to the site and agree with Parachute2011. we live in a multicultural society and our kids all benefit from embracing different cultures.

Try www.blackbeautydolls.com for black and mixed race dolls, books and even boys toys. Cool site.

Thanks mummaafrica!! I have just been on the site you recommended there is so much choice... pretty baby dolls and Black Barbie OMG!!! LOL www.blackbeautydolls.com is great.. thanks again!!

In terms of the original question..There is no such thing as too PC if you want to represent the community - i think people should just do the right thing and not over think it....

Just wanted to point out this is an old bumped thread from 2008.

Not that the discussion is not relevant, but probably not much point in addressing some of the original posts!

Some 'ethnic' dolls are quite horrible. I got my daughter some of the UNICEF soft dolls available at Vertbaudet. I don't know if they still sell them now. If not maybe Ebay....