Is this dress offensive?

[freezingpompoms]

This dress was bought in America 20 years ago. It's a Disney Small World dress that depicts differing nationalities. It's age 2-3.

Someone said they didn't think it's very PC so I just want to check. I'm happy to be told either way.

Then why are you struggling to articulate it.

Thats not offensive

I am not the one struggling with anything, here.

Out of interest, what would be a non-offensive way to draw Japanese eyes?

Well for a start, actually drawing eyes…

@Skinnermarink I struggling to find a way explain to you why the ‘eyes’ as they are here seem incredibly offensive to me…

You said you were struggling to explain it.... Why? If you're so sure. What would be an inoffensive way to draws Japanese eyes, then?

Everything is offensive these days

As eyes like the others? The others have unrealistic dot eyes. You could do the Japanese character the same. Why does it just have lines other than to show an exaggerated imagery of East Asian ethnicity? No way would I put my child in that in 2023.

Yeah, fair point.

It’s vintage and appropriate in a vintage costume setting. I’m not sure if a child was wearing it if I would notice the fine detail.

The third one from the left is not something I think anyone should wear.

I’m sure skinnermarink can answer for herself, but for me it’s difficult to explain because it’s already so obvious - it’s literally staring you in the face, so there’s not much more to add.

It’s fine to initially not realise something might be offensive. But when it’s pointed out that actually it is offensive, it takes a special kind of arrogance to keep insisting that it’s definitely not offensive.

I can’t honestly believe anyone in RL would get worked up about this.

MN on the other hand…

If someone says that they find the representation of their racial background or looks problematic or inappropriate (which is a kind way of saying racist) then why on earth would you be arguing with them?

@mumsnet this whole thread is a great example of the racism and bias that gets shown on Mumsnet and is often unchallenged.

Well said.

Sharpie pen the eyes into dots. Job done.

.... Not hearing logical arguments. The embroidery third along is that of a Geisha girl. That is how they are depicted. How can anyone find it offensive - it's a dress for a 2 year old. Sad that it attracts so much negativity.

Because Asian heritage eyes don’t “slope upwards”. It is as offensive as it was years ago to depict black people with exaggerated lips.

I’m more uncomfortable with the portrayal of the Japanese girl than others. To pick just two aspects I’m uncomfortable with.

Upwards slanting eyes for Japanese is a lazy caricature. Eyes of many Japanese people are more ‘open’ than many western people. Typical difference in eye appearance is more complex and one of the differences is higher incidence of epicanthic folds although these are found in other nationalities as well.

The white complexion means they are portraying a child as a Geisha which is very inappropriate.

Once you see it you can’t unsee it.

Because Asian girls, like all girls, have normal eyes. Slitty eyes is a racial slur.

@happyinherts when you’re in a racist hole maybe stop digging?

Depicted by whom? Lazy manufacturers of polyester tat 20 years ago?

Yes OP the item is problematic. I certainly wouldn't put my child in it.

1. That is NOT a Geisha girl. I believe it is meant to be a young girl wearing the traditional Japanese dress - a kimono. Geishas are generally at least 15 years old.
2. Just because western people typically depict Japanese people as having "slant eyes" does mean I cannot find it offensive! What a ridiculous argument. Would you say it was unreasonable to take issue with the black and white minstrels as that is how black people were depicted?

I can only hope you are a troll as otherwise I genuinely despair.

Well, I am East Asian and I have to say the slitty eyes on the little girl is a bit offensive, but I won't get upset if I see a child wearing the dress.

The problem about the eyes are that 1. They are not really an accurate nor positive depiction of east Asian faces, and 2. In the past, the slitty eyes often came with other even more un PC characterisations of "oriental people".

So, in my opinion, I think it's ok for a old dress from a long time ago, but no, don't draw East Asian people like that now.