Co-Workers Who Think AG is Racist..... Need Help!

Please bear with me through the back story..... BUT if you dont want to scroll down to the bold line that says "So here is where I need help."

Last month I was hired to work at the American Girl Place that will be opening in LA in April. When my Co-Workers at my current job found out about this I was surprised to find out that none of the Southern California natives had never even heard of the company.

More recently one of them learned that Addy, who we all know is the only African-American character doll, was a slave. Needless to say more than a few people were extremely upset about this. Today I spent the whole day fighting for AG and Addy when they all were telling me it was wrong to have this girl be a slave. I told them she ESCAPED slavery and that all the girls represent female empowerment. They said to me "Why would I want to buy my little black girl a doll who was a slave? What is that saying to her?" One of my managers had even spoken to her father, who I was told was very into African-American empowerment, and was telling me that she was ready to form a protest group to stand outside of the store when they opened.

I spent my whole shift fighting for Addy and was called a racist all night. I am not and cant even imagine myself a racist.

My manager who wanted to form a protest is giving me an opportunity to change her mind which I am going to put a lot of energy into. I plan on making her a binder about Addy, including summaries of her six stories, pictures (the think she is sold in tattered clothing), news articles highlighting the Pros AND Cons (I dont wanna seem too one-sided) about slavery being represented by Addy, and anything else I can add to the mix.

So here is where I need help.

- I'm having a hard time finding anything actually comparing the pros and cons of Addy being a slave. If anyone wants to give me their own list or a link to a list that would be great!

- It's hard finding articles saying bad things about Addy, if anyone knows any please post or link.

- ANY personal opinions on my story would be greatly appreciated. I think the whole situation is very sad and I only had so many things to say for myself before I needed to step aside and just wait for them to read my presentation.

- Also..... I asked them two questions, the second of which they couldn't find an answer to, so if anyone could share their answers to the following it would be great!
1: If slavery in America was represented by a white girl who owned a slave would that be any better?
2: If there wasnt an African-American Character doll surely that would bring up some controversy also. So assuming there must be an African-American girl, can you tell me what other significant event in American History that can be represented by an 9-year-old little girl?

- Maybe some answers to their question: "Why would I want to buy my little black girl a doll who was a slave? What is that saying to her?"

- Please also share any thoughts, opinions, experiences, or stories you have about Addy whether it relates to something personal or something having to do with this situation.

Any feedback would be great. I want to personally thank each and every person who responds! I'm having a hard time with this and I really hope I can open up a few peoples eyes to how amazing these girls really are.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

I think Praslrd is the best choice to help with this, but in my view;

Addy's stories show the strength of Family. The will to have and continue to have Freedom at any cost. The Horrors of Slavery at a level that children can understand.

Another period in time might be the equal rights movement and desegregation of schools. I would think that would be another time historically that would be good for an AA historical - I can see a little 3rd grader going to an all white school for the first time. Their terror of it and the strength that these kids have/had is beyond my comprehension.

I think it is important that AG comes out with another Historical Character that is African American, but I think that in Addy they show a very important time that WE NEVER EVER EVER want to make the mistake of copying. I am white and through her stories I am teaching my own daughter understanding of other cultures

Please correct me if I have said or stated something incorrectly here. I could probably better answer about NINA and the Irish discrimination that occurred

<font color="#33CCCC" size="1">[ March 22, 2006 07:20 AM: Message edited by: FelinaDoon ]</font>

By the Way - Congrats on the Job - I am jealous

OMG, the people you work with sound horrible! (Tell them I said that too!)

What makes them think these books/ dolls are all about female empowerment? Females had to work very hard to have all of the rights they have today (I think you should dedicate a page or two in your portfolio to womens history)

Addy was running away from slavery and did a very bold and courageous thing for slaves back then. Do you know what would have happened if Addy and her mother would have been caught? Well, it wouldn't be pretty, that's for sure!!!! In addition to that, Addy left her baby brother behind with her other relatives, and most likely would never ever see them again.

Addy had a hard life too. All slaves had a hard life. Can you imagine what it would be like to have your father and brother sold to some other cruel slave master? Your family wouldn't ever see each other again. After the war ended though, many broken up salve families were reunited.

But even after the war ended racism was still in the air. Sure, slavery was gone, but that didn't mean people had to give African Americans jobs, or treat them as good as a white person.

I think this could get a little controversial, so I would be cautious of what I say on this board.

ETA: IF I HAVE SAID SOMETHING WRONG PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL DELETE MY POST!

<font color="#33CCCC" size="1">[ March 22, 2006 07:27 AM: Message edited by: MissCurlyCat ]</font>

I don't feel that AG is racist, however, my AA friend Christine at work will not buy this doll for her daughter because she was a slave doll and represents a lot of controversy. Her viewpoint is that she doesn't want to listen to anyone start in on the why do you have that doll when it was a slave doll. She said what happened then was a long time ago and people need to let it go. She hates it when anyone brings up this subject and picks her friends on what interests they have in common not by their skin color. She said ignorant people come in all different colors. I can see why someone would be offended by buying a slave doll but I see Addy as being a courageous girl and AG portrays her as such. This controversy is why I don't think she will ever get a movie. Mods feel free to delete or edit this if I got too deep.

Wow, this makes me really mad - less because of the negativity towards AG and more because of the way YOU are being treated. Honestly, it sounds like this is nothing more than a power trip for your manager. I don't think she really cares about learning about AG/Addy. The burden of proof is not on you to prove that AG is not racist, but on those who made the allegations. Personally, if someone said that to me I would laugh at them and say, "Try telling that to the hundreds of thousands of mothers, daughters, and collectors - black, white, and everything in between who have loved and learned from Addy over the past decade." It sounds to me like you are dealing with the kind of people who think that the mere mention of racially-charged events, or even worse, mention of the differences between races and cultures, is somehow automatically racist. I'm guessing these people are white. Wait until your manager tries to organize this "protest" and can't find any people of color who agree with her.

Bottom line: if I were in your position I would just ignore my ignorant co-workers and be grateful I was moving on soon. On that note, big congratulations on your new job at AGPLA!

<font color="#33CCCC" size="1">[ March 22, 2006 10:10 AM: Message edited by: likewow ]</font>

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Originally posted by likewow:
Wow, this makes me really mad - less because of the negativity towards AG and more because of the way YOU are being treated. Honestly, it sounds like this is nothing more than a power trip for your manager. I don't think she really cares about learning about AG/Addy. The burden of proof is not on you to prove that AG is racist, but on those who made the allegations. Personally, if someone said that to me I would laugh at them and say, "Try telling that to the hundreds of thousands of mothers, daughters, and collectors - black, white, and everything in between who have loved and learned from Addy over the past decade." It sounds to me like you are dealing with the kind of people who think that the mere mention of racially-charged events, or even worse, mention of the differences between races and cultures, is somehow automatically racist. I'm guessing these people are white. Wait until your manager tries to organize this "protest" and can't find any people of color who agree with her.

Bottom line: if I were in your position I would just ignore my ignorant co-workers and be grateful I was moving on soon. On that note, big congratulations on your new job at AGPLA!

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well said!!!! [img]smile.gif[/img] I really would like to see them try to protest AG! They would fail so miserably......

My mind is blown. By the end of the book, Addy's not even a slave any more! How can they even say she's a slave doll when she's clearly not?

You need to PM Nethillia. I promise you she'll have more resources than you could ever hope to see on this topic. If I recall, she likes to study history and the Civil War era and African American history is a specialty of hers.

Also, if they understand that they couldn't have used a caucasian doll for that era, point out that the only other option probably would have been to leave that era out. Should we ignore slavery, then, completley? And what happens when we ignore it? (It repeats.)

<font color="#33CCCC" size="1">[ March 22, 2006 07:58 AM: Message edited by: Bean Bunny ]</font>

So there are people ready to go demonstrate in front of AGPLA because they've heard Addy is a slave? They don't actually know anything about her and they can't be bothered to educate themselves but they're ready to hit the pavement, cause a scene and just maybe get themselves on TV. Did I get that right?

Talk about stupid.

You can jump through all the hoops you want but the chance of enlightening people so stone ignorant and proud of it is pretty much non-existent. Good luck.

On a happier note, congrats on the fabulous job! Enjoy it and let the rest go.

personally, I would send a short request to AG Customer Service, asking them how they would handle the situation. It also gives them a little heads up [img]wink.gif[/img]

I really don't think it's up to you to convince them to change their minds. I think they need to read the Addy stories themselves.

As for not buying a little AA girl an Addy doll, many white girls love the Addy dolls as well. Long before AG ever existed, my mother had a little AA baby doll back in the 30's that she loved dearly.

Laurie

Deleted because some found it offensive.


I think everyone here will agree with my when I say that American Girl is the most widely avliable Black dolls that I know of. Next time you are in a toy store go walk down the doll ilse and count the number of colored dolls and I guess it will be something like ZERO.

Ashley

<font color="#33CCCC" size="1">[ March 22, 2006 01:31 PM: Message edited by: Ds9jullian ]</font>

Just so I understand......

The people giving you hassles are people from the old job that you are leaving when you go to work for AGPLA, right?

And they are the people wanting an explanation from you and threatening a protest?

If I have that right, I'm a little floored by this, on several levels.....

--There are so few AA dolls out there, I think that it's great that AG has so many quality ones, and especially one in the historical line, with a quality story and quality clothes and quality accessories.

--I see her as a former slave, not a slave doll. I see her as a courageous girl who did something (with her family) about her situation, against great odds.

--If your co-workers were African American and were unhappy with the doll, then it would be an argument to take seriously, but white people protesting a issue that they don't fully understand?

--I can't even take them seriously myself when they haven't even read the books.

--Why are they making it your job to educate them?

So it seems to me that the first task is to get them to read the books. Maybe persuade them that they will only look foolish to the rest of the world if they go public with this without first reading the books?

Joy

With how rude they've all been, I'm curious as to why you care enough to try to teach them any differently. Let them be close-minded, who cares? You know the truth, as does everyone else who knows what AG is. I don't see how an intelligent person can claim something is bad when they have absolutely no knowledge on it. I think you're wasting time making a portfolio for people who obviously don't care, or they wouldn't be so rude about it.

The books are very short. They can get them at the library, perhaps they should just read them instead of acting like they know everything about something they've never even seen (you said they thought she came in tattered clothing), much less have any information about.

If I were you, I'd bring in Meet Addy, and an old PC catalogue. Anyone who cares enough, instead of just wanting to complain, will read them, and be amazed at how wrong they were. Of course, this would probably just give them something else to complain about, ("How come this white girl has better clothes than the black one?," for instance), as they seem to just be complainers.

If they were to read her books, they'd see that Addy, as a character, and as stories are nothing about the slave aspect. Yes, they were slaves, but they escaped (very courageously) during the FIRST book. There's 5 others that show them adjusting to life, and how important family and friends are. And how important it is to be true to oneself, and to try to make your life better. Addy's books show that life can be rough, but everyone can only do for themselves what they WANT to do. Addy's family was amazing, and eventually they all got to freedom, and, more importantly for them, they were together.

I think most of the little girls reading AG's books are learning so many valuable lessons earlier than they normally would. Racial tolerance being one of the more important things. There's 3 (under-represented, imo) girls of color in the Historical Collection, and with all of them, their race is important to who they are, but anyone can see while reading the books, that these little girls are just like them. I'm a middle class white girl, and when I was little, I could see pieces of myself in everyone of these girls, and I love that AG is presenting these more controversial periods in the way they are- these are little girls just like you, who lived at a different time, and sometimes with different situations than you might be used to.

The reason you're having a hard time finding the negative information is that any journalist worth his salt is going to actually read about the doll, and her books before writing a negative article. Hence why there are so few (if any). You might be able to find things like blog entries, but really, what the heck importance are they? Most of them haven't read the books, either.

To quote an old PC catalogue, one of the intro Addy ones, "In Meet Addy, the first of six books in her series, you'll read about Addy's daring, dangerous escape to the North when her family--and the country--are separated by slavery. In a story filled with hope and heartaches, choices and challenges, Addy--and America--learn the importance of freedom." It makes me sad that people would think anything negative about Addy.

I think AG needs another AA girl, but for over 10 years, Addy's books have been enchanting little girls, and many adults. Anyone who can't understand how great ALL of these girls are is close minded and ignorant. They all represent different cultures and periods, and races, and I know most of us here LOVE Addy.

All that said, I'd love to see your coworkers protest outside of AGPLA. We all saw Marisol's sales quicken when some other ignorant people (who also hadn't read the book) protested about her. Hopefully Addy would start to sell better, as well.

<font color="#33CCCC" size="1">[ March 22, 2006 09:55 AM: Message edited by: cami713 ]</font>

I agree with everyone's comments here. It is absolutely ridiculous that they think it's wrong for Addy to have been a slave. It was 1864. Slavery existed. It's a way to teach all races of girls about slavery and the bravery it would have taken to escape.

Right after Addy was released Ebony magazine did an article on good gifts for black kids and highly praised the doll. If i remember correctly 2 of the things they liked about her were the books which dealt honestly with slavery and the fact that she really looks like an African American girl.

I guess the fact that Asians were in concentration camps during WWII means that Jess shouldn't be bought by Asian people, and that Lindsey, who was a Jewish girl, shouldn't be bought by Jewish girls. Puhlease.
The fact that we are all still here and show pride in our cultures is what the U.S. soldiers fight for. It's called Freedom.
It's unpatriotic of anyone to say that black slave people did not play an important part in history - that they did not do anything worthy of justifying a doll - that escaping their "captors" was not an action worthy of noting - that freedom is not a worthy and just cause for all people.
My point is that all cultures are intermingled here. We are not just characterized by our descent. Addy is not a black person, Jess is not Japanese, Lindsey is not Jewish .... they are all JUST AMERICAN GIRLS!
I don't know if I've said anything to offend, but apologize if I have.

Here's a few things you can ask your co-workers. Should we ban The Diary of Anne Frank because she died in the holocaust? Should we start teaching kids that slavery and the holocaust among hundreds of other historical horrors never happened? That's what they are advocating. The worst thing we can do for future generations is to fail to tell them what went wrong. There are few times in American history when AG could have created an AA doll when she wouldn't have faced terrible things. Addy is one of the most inspiring characters in children's literature today! She is a 10 year old girl facing a world that doesn't accept her, and she faces it with courage and strength! What better way to teach about slavery than to contrast the evils of ownership and abuse with the goods of strength, courage, and virtue that were embraced by some of the most oppressed people in human history? Shouldn't the slaves who had courage like Addy's be heroes to our children? They fought for freedom even more strongly than did our founding fathers. It is good to remember and honor people who looked evil in the face and defeated it. If your co-workers want to hear a story about the goodness of Addy, I've got one for you. I used to live in Atlanta (it's my home and I'm going back in less than two months, yay!) and while I was in college, I went to a few memorials/celebrations of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life. They were genuinely beautiful gatherings. I think just about every race you can imagine was well represented at these gatherings, and ages from about 3 to 100 were also represented. All of the children present were playing together indiscriminately. In one corner was a group of little girls, each with an Addy doll all playing together. Two of the little girls were white, three were black, one was hispanic, and I think the last one was chinese. I was pretty proud of my own Addy doll at that point. So, whatever your coworkers might think the problem with Addy is...she's doing a lot more to promote goodwill between people of all colors than they are.

My favorite thing about the Addy stories is that when Addy feels angry because of the way she is treated, her mother will not allow her to harbor that in her heart. Addy is taught that hatred begins when we do not forgive. She will not allow her daughter to waste her life in negative energy like that, and teaches her to let it go and live in the light! There is nothing more empowering to any human being than that!
I love Addy's stories and I think every girl AND BOY in America should read them!!
~Annie

Maybe AG can give you a press release or something. I assume they're fairly used to dealing with protests from all sorts of groups. Plus, if your co-workers are upset, I can't imagine they're the only folks in Southern CA who are going to get upset over Addy, so AG might want to know.

If your co-workers wouldn't even listen when you told them that Addy is NOT sold in tattered clothing, though, I don't know that you'll have much luck getting through to them, although I suppose pictures might help. But if they've already made up their minds, the best you can probably hope for is perhaps for them to admit that, "I guess she's not THAT bad." [img]tongue.gif[/img]

First off, let me say welcome, and congrats on your new job at AGPLA. I hope you love it!

Our members here have brought up some very good points. I just wanted to add that I am very glad AG came out with a black historical that experienced from slavery. Slavery is such a huge part of black history, and in Addy books it is taught that it is wrong. We see how horrible slavery was through Addy?s point of view. If AG didn?t do a black doll that had anything to do with slavery I would feel that they are trying to escape that period and hardship in American history. Instead they are taking it head on, tackling it, and showing how horrible it really was.

They are teaching little girls all over the US what slavery was all about and how truly horrible it was.

As for your second question, about another significant event in American history involving a young African-American girl, the only one that even comes to mind right now is Rosa Parks, and I don't remember exactly how old she was, but ithink it was a little younger than 9.

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Originally posted by likewow:
I'm guessing these people are white. Wait until your manager tries to organize this "protest" and can't find any people of color who agree with her.

<font color="#33CCCC"><font size="1">[ March 22, 2006 10:10 AM: Message edited by: likewow ]</font></font>

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I wouldn't be so sure about either of those comments. We need to be careful not to make assumptions.

<font color="#33CCCC" size="1">[ March 22, 2006 11:32 AM: Message edited by: JenniferRobin ]</font>

Here's what I think:

Slavery was a big fault in America. By AG making Addy, it's not poking their head in the sand and forgetting about America (and the world's) wrongdoings. I think Addy is an important addition in any doll collection.

Just my [img]graemlins/money.gif[/img]

Wow. [img]mad.gif[/img] I was absolutely shocked when I read your post, and now I'm filled with both disgust and anger as to how people could be so ignorant and rude as to view Addy like that.

Sure AG could have tried another period, such as the Harlem Rennissance or the Civil Rights movement. But because Addy's story is set during the Civil War, it opens up an entirely different chapter of empowerment and bravery.

As a feminist, I think Addy's story depicts courage, heroism, and valor to the highest degree for both women and for African Americans. Addy's strength to endure hardships with such faith, love, and integrity despite her young age is astounding, and she is truly a role model for girls everywhere of every race, background, and age. Her daring actions were most honorable out of any of those other AG dolls.

Addy's stories are by far the most exciting, inspiring, and invigorating out of any of the dolls in the collection. It is important for young girls to understand what happened in American history involving slavery to insure respect among everyone and that it never, ever happens again.

For all she stands for, Addy is truly a symbol American Girl should be undoubtedly the most proud of.

Didn't Felicity's grandfather have slaves on that plantation? It's been a long time since i read the Felicity books but i don't remember it being spelled out. If not i wish it was mentioned since it's a sad and shameful, but still true, part of history.

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Didn't Felicity's grandfather have slaves on that plantation? It's been a long time since i read the Felicity books but i don't remember it being spelled out. If not i wish it was mentioned since it's a sad and shameful, but still true, part of history.

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yes, he did. I don't think it's flat out said "This is so-and-so, one of our slaves," but it's quite clear. In the "Peak into the Past" of Felicity Saves the Day, they talk about slaves during the 1700's, saying "The owner of a plantation... might have a few to 100 slaves...." In the new Felicity mystery, it's clear that the slaves were, sadly, part of the "property" that Felicity's family inherited when Grandfather died. There's a stable hand who Felicity is friendly with, and a few others are mentioned.

Felicity's family also has Rose, "the cook and maidservant." Honestly, I'm not sure if that's a nicer way of saying "slave," but the "servant" part makes me hopeful that she was a servant. There's also Marcus, "The man who helps Mr. Merriman at home and at the store."

I think the inclusion of Isaac, the free black that Ben and Lissie are friends with (See Happy Birthday, Felicity!) is a great way of presenting two different sides.

Like you, I'm proud of AG for keeping this in there, as everyone has said in this thread, slavery was a horrible thing, but if we forget about it, we're hardly going to teach younger generations about the past, if we try to forget about these things. I wish it wasn't true, and in my mind, Felicity's family doesn't have slaves, but it was true of the time.

When Leslie was in 1st grade her teacher brought in Addy and read 3 of the stories aloud. I don't think it would have of affected my child in the same way if it hadn't been Addy. I think the kids fell in love with Addy, because in some ways she was just like them she loved her family etc. I don't think they would have been as emotionally involved in the story if it had just said "kids" were treated this way . I think those books have done alot to educate children on the travesties of the past. Also didn't Oprah even promote Addy. When we went to the opening of Freedom Center here in Cincinnati I saw Addys everywhere. I think they are a symbol of courage to yong AA girls. Being hispanic I know how terrible it was growing up in the early 70s and not having many play dolls that represented me, I think that it's great that AG offers so many ethnic choices. HOWEVER I am disappointed in the choice of characters for the movies. I understand Samantha being first as she is their best selling doll and maybe even Felicity being next as they needed to boost her sales, but I really hope that poor Addy is not being overlooked because they think an AA doll may not be as big a seller, I guess I will wait to see who comes after Molly before I pass judgement on that.

When a person(s) kindly asks you to explain something to them or help them to better understand, by all means-teach them what you know. Don't expect them to agree however [img]wink.gif[/img] . When someone demands you "prove" something, they aren't interested in being taught. Spend your time more wisely. Kiss a child, donate to charity, do shelter work. These are learning and giving tools that the world needs more of.
JIMO ~Bugs

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Originally posted by Taffy Cheerful:
It is often said, "Failure to study history only prepares you for future repeats of the same result," and since sooooo many people do not grasp the lessons of their history, I would offer, "History teaches that we do not learn from history..."

Taffy

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">"Those who don't know their history are doomed to repeat 11th grade......."
- James W. Leowen (Author of 'Lies Across America' the sequel to his other great book 'Lies My Teacher Taught Me' and the author to many more classics)
I really think everyone should read some of his books too!

But seriously, I'm proud of AG for not watering down American history.
I guess it's just too much for some people to handle........

I live in Los Angeles too, and I've heard the SAME stuff from acquaintances. Political correctness is out of hand here IMO. It's almost as if admitting you have any differences is some kind of affront.

A lot of people had concerns when Addy first came out. Pleasant Company sent a video out to educators, librarians, and bookstores. It introduced Addy, explained why they made her time period when they did, explained more about the character, and had an interview with the author, Connie Porter.

Realistic AA dolls are hard to find, and Addy is realistic to the point she makes some people uncomfortable. She's more like a real girl than a 2 dimensional caricature. Sometimes the most beautiful stories come out of making the best of the situations you've been dealt. Some people can't deal with that and IMO that's their problem.

Addy WAS a slave, for a little under half of one book... There's also 5 other books, where she's just an ordinary girl. She was hurt by slavery, but she also didn't let it become who she is. Regardless of anything else, she is a strong independant girl who is also African American.

Welcome to the board--and congratulations on your new job!

My main comment to people who are speaking from an uneducated standpoint is: Check it out first, then comment. If the people you are speaking to have never read Addy's books, they have no right to complain or pass judgment on her character or the company.

I don't think YOU should have to go through all this work in order to convince people who are speaking from an uneducated standpoint.

Ironically, slavery in the United States began with white people (non-English people at the time were considered non-whites). My five-greats grandfather came over here as a Scottish slave. White slaves (called indentured servants) cost more money--and they wanted to be free from bondage after a certain amount of years. As they began to cost more, people wanted a cheaper form of labor. This led to black slavery. As whites began to become guilty for the practice of owning black slaves, they came up with racist beliefs. You can read about the Missouri Debates for more information on this topic. This is to point out, however, that slavery is not necessarily limited in any way, shape, or form, to race. Slavery was invented first: racism came out of it. In some places in Africa, slavery still exists, and the slaveowners and slaves are all black. Slavery is horrible and abominable, and sadly it still exists to this day. Isn't it good to educate people, beginning when they're very young, so we can stop this type of thing from happening?

I wish you luck and hope all goes okay. [img]smile.gif[/img] Either way, enjoy your new job!

<font color="#33CCCC" size="1">[ March 22, 2006 02:03 PM: Message edited by: Melissa ]</font>

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Originally posted by FelinaDoon:
I think Praslrd is the best choice to help with this.....

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">...uh actually I am not. I do hope everyone here on this board knows that I am a "Loving" AG collector first and not the "AA/Black" AG Collector.

I am on this board for the love of my dollies only. I am not here to talk OT on delicate issues like this.

There are three things I do not talk about and/or stay away in a public forum or debating; Race, Religion, and Politics.

Yes, I am prasnlrd. That is my life, but I am just me and not out to try to change or debate that with anyone. I am here for the dollies, only.

[img]graemlins/island.gif[/img] [img]biggrin.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/island.gif[/img]

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Originally posted by JenniferRobin:
As for your second question, about another significant event in American history involving a young African-American girl, the only one that even comes to mind right now is Rosa Parks, and I don't remember exactly how old she was, but ithink it was a little younger than 9.

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">She was a woman, not a girl. She was born February 4, 1913, and when arrested in 1955 she was 42 years old.

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Originally posted by prasnlrd:
I am on this board for the love of my dollies only. I am not here to talk OT on delicate issues like this.

There are three things I do not talk about and/or stay away in a public forum or debating; Race, Religion, and Politics.

Yes, I am prasnlrd. That is my life, but I am just me and not out to try to change or debate that with anyone. I am here for the dollies, only.

[img]graemlins/island.gif[/img] [img]biggrin.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/island.gif[/img]

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">That seems like a good philosophy to follow, Sheila. Those topics are really beyond the scope of a doll board.

I think that if people really want to tackle the issue of racism in LA, they could find a much better target than American Girl.

Look at how American Girl Dolls have brought us all together. We are many races, ages, income levels, religions, etc. American Girl and our love for these dolls has been a very uniting force, if we are any example.

One thing I forgot to mention--you said your co-workers think the Addy doll is a slave doll. As others have mentioned here, only her first book is partly about her time as a slave. But Addy the doll is meant to represent only her post-slavery life. Her very first/"meet" dress is the one she gets after escaping from slavery, so the doll itself represents someone who is not a slave.

If your coworkers read Addy's books, they'll see what a positive character and role model she is for all girls. [img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img] [img]smile.gif[/img]

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Originally posted by GreyMyst:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by JenniferRobin:
As for your second question, about another significant event in American history involving a young African-American girl, the only one that even comes to mind right now is Rosa Parks, and I don't remember exactly how old she was, but ithink it was a little younger than 9.

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">She was a woman, not a girl. She was born February 4, 1913, and when arrested in 1955 she was 42 years old.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I stand corrected, and terribly embarrassed to boot! Please forgive my ignorance; literature, not history, is my strong suit. I was mixing her up with those little kids, and in particular, that one adorable little girl, who were the first AA kids to be integrated into a white school in the south. An event where a group known as the "Cheerleaders" were involved. John Steinbeck referred to it in his journals as a horrific event, watching those poor darlings getting heckled as they arrived for their first day of school.
I'd like to applaud prasnlrd for her position on this board, and agree that while this is a passionate subject, this is a dollie board!
I admire the OP for standing up to the challenge she has been presented with, but think that ultimately it is up to American Girl/Mattel to defend their position against potential protesters, and unreasonable of the antagonists to attack her personally.

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There are three things I do not talk about and/or stay away in a public forum or debating; Race, Religion, and Politics.

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That seems like a good philosophy to follow, Sheila. Those topics are really beyond the scope of a doll board.

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I agree. In the spirit of that line of thought, I am going to delete my original reply to this post, and PM it to the person who started the thread. [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img]

Ugh! People can be so cruel!!! You a racist? Yeah right!

If you bought a girl a doll who was slave it would teach her that owning slaves is BAD. That racism is BAD. That everybody of every color is equal. THAT is what you are telling your child. That little girls like you had to go through this horrible time just because she had dark skin. That racism is a BAD thing.

If AG made a white doll with slaves that would be telling children the opposite of what I just said.

Sorry for your bad day!

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Originally posted by I*love*dolls:

If AG made a white doll with slaves that would be telling children the opposite of what I just said.

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Uh, that is also been part of the debate. Felicity's family did have slaves.

Oh, sorry! I hadn't read the comments when I posted.

I mean more of a white girl in the Civil war time period who owns slaves.