America’s Gender and Racial Ideologies in Dolls
author: Danielle DiCicco
Toys have been an essential tool for child development since the beginning of time. Toys were and continue to be an imperative aspect of child's play. Children’s toys have evolved according to ever changing societal norms coupled with advancing technology. Specifically, dolls are figures that have been reformed to reflect the time period’s playtime. The modification of their appearance and how they have been played with is a useful tool to analyze the change in America's culture. The changing appearance of dolls from the twentieth to the twenty-first century have been motivated by racial and gender stereotypes, contributing to the indoctrination of America's youth.
A prehistoric analysis is essential in analyzing the development of dolls. The first figurines can be dated back to Ancient Egypt and were called “paddle dolls”, which were made of wood. Their purpose is unknown, although they’re theorized to be a token of fertility or offerings to the gods. Their string hair and beads were used to reflect their female praisers.(1) African dolls were seen similarly and were represented through spiritual and supernatural measures. Their physical features correlated with their culture and moved towards human-like features, especially as a form of entertainment for trivial rituals. Native Americans adopted this tradition and used what we know today as a “children’s toy” to perpetuate their beliefs with a shift in who the dolls were for, being young girls who carried the clothed characters made from fur and animal skin. Constrastingly, the sixteenth and seventeenth century Europe adopted the wood-carved Queen Anne dolls that were only permitted to adults as collectibles, wealthy children, and royal heirs, later adopting the wax manufacturing technique.(2) The emergence of a children’s toy commenced once new materials were discovered and were implemented into the market.
The Egyptian paddle doll from the Middle Kingdom ca. 2030-1802 BC. This doll is composed of wood with “hair” made of linen and beads. THE MET.
A Queen Queen Anne doll from the early eighteenth century. Commentators provide background information about its usage and historical significance. PBS, 2021.
Ethnicities around the world have contributed to the growth of American dolls. European porcelain, glass dolls, gained popularity for a short time until the French baby dolls, made of rags or cloth, were constructed.(3) After the Civil War, America began assembling their own dolls, beginning with them being manufactured primarily in New England,(4) and eventually in other parts of the U.S. Toys made of cloth were preferred over wooden nesting dolls and such, which sparked the creation of puppet and paper dolls. The doll market has since expanded, proposing plastic dolls, ones that can talk and walk, and much more. This industry continues to grow from past innovations, constantly working on the next bigger and better toy that consumers will purchase.
A Bru French doll from the early nineteenth century. Commentators provide background information about its physical features and its desirable moveable parts. PBS, 2011.
Paper dolls from Paper Dolls and How to Make Them, A Book for Little Girls, published in 1856. Victoriana, 2003.
The progression towards dolls that represent humans of specific moments of time in America is a key method in this business. Generating a toy that will fit in with the norms of the present is essential. Predispositions are the bases of doll’s designs that the public gravitate towards. Racial differences, in particular, have played a major role in the development of American dolls. The period after World War II was discriminatory and failed to integrate morality into society. Minority children were directly exposed to segregation in all aspects of social environments. Ruby Bridges was sixteen years old when she was the first black child to attend an all-white school in New Orleans in 1960.(5) Regardless of her efforts, and many others in the postwar period, racial stereotypes continued. Given this, the lack of adversity was fused into the production of dolls in the early twentieth century. Black little girls were only exposed to white dolls if given the chance and it altered their perception of their role in the world. In fact, most toys in general were not made available to black children and those who couldn’t afford their high prices. In 1940, the Clark doll test confirmed the presence of racism in America. The results concluded that when given the opportunity to choose between dolls with yellow hair and white skin, or dolls with black hair and brown skin, most three to seven year old black children picked the white dolls.(6) This demonstrates that the desired race is learned at an early age through objects that promote societal prejudices. This outcome led to the ruling of the supreme court case, Brown v. The Board of Education in 1954 that deemed racially segregated schools unconstitutional.(7) Nonetheless, few neighborhoods and communities adapted antiracist views. Even the most Afrocentric and vigilant self-affirming parents were no match for these persuasive, larger-than-life media images, which children start to become aware of at the age of 3.(8) Cultural and political barriers restricted those without the desired white skin from being represented and celebrated in dolls, hindering the expansion of acceptance and integration in America.
Image from the 1940’s doll test. An African American child is seen choosing the white-colored doll over the black one in this experiment. LDF.
A column in a parenting advice magazine capturing a child’s false portrayal of her identity. Essence, 2002.
Incorporating colored dolls slowly made its way into production. However, it was a half-hearted attempt to include children belonging to minorities. Toy companies began to manufacture multiracial dolls with high prices, enforcing racial disparity yet again, as minority families still could not afford these dolls.(9) Many young girls had to make their own dark-skinned dolls that were virtually nonexistent,(10) furthering the divide between interracial relations. It was rare to see children come together due to their differences of race during playtime. Regardless, the 1960’s was somewhat effective in assimilating black excellence and pride with the Black Power Movement, ushering in the production of black dolls marketed to black children.(11) Distinct toys existed within America’s racial structures during a time that gestured towards equality. The celebration of African American heritage commenced and led to universal images of indulgence.
An article entry from "Adventures in RACE RELATIONS: The Miracle of the Colored Doll." It captures the effect of a young, colored girl receiving her first doll that looked like her for Christmas. The Chicago Defender National Edition, 1951.
Increasing dolls of multiple cultures and races are retailed and presented in the media in the recent century. Diversifying the nation is a shared goal of younger generations, incorporating it to those as young as possible. By 2019, 55 percent of all Mattel dolls sold globally depicted a historically marginalized group in some way, in terms of either race, ethnicity, religion, gender expression, or body type.(12) Statistically, products have expanded and the self-esteem of minorities and those not widely symbolized in children’s toys have increased, accordingly. Racial portraits continue to advance and accurately mirror a heterogenous America through children’s dolls.
Dolls hold the power to influence consumers. A prime example of this is dolls being infamous for perpetuating gender stereotypes. Children’s minds absorb what is deemed acceptable and how to act according to society with their toys. Young girl’s dolls portray what they should be as they grow older, for example, mothers who practice and master domestic skills. During World War II, women replaced drafted men in the labor force. As a result, mothers went against expectations and pursued roles in the workplace. However, the doll industry wanted to regress to previous notions. The dollhouse, for instance, was manufactured in the post-war period to promote mothering, brawls, and subverting.(13) The desire of dolls were to be played with, though with the hidden integration of the nature of a mother to the child. Although the doll had become a children’s toy, young girls were forced to grow up fast and learn how to be successful in an American society. The admired paper dolls were essential in instilling principles in a playful way. Hallmark’s paper dolls were well-liked for their bright colors and imitations of famous people, which were often women who had powering positions in society, such as First Lady Nancy Reagen, or famous nonfictional characters like Cinderella.(14) Distinctly, these dolls contained narratives that girls could hear before bed. For parents seeking to speed up those requests for yet another bedtime story, these cut-to-the-chase Hallmark capsulizations proved a time-saver. Better yet, tucked inside each and every poem was an easy-to-digest moral for little ones to learn from.(15) Young girls admired their dolls and their stories while learning societal reckonings.
Hallmark’s paper dolls from their “Fairy Tales Come True” 1947 collection. These dolls contain cards depicting the figure’s story with hidden messages. Journal of Antiques, 1947.
The doll industry excelled with new innovations of the second half of the twentieth century. Dolls that could be dressed in baby clothes, move their plastic limbs, and even ones that use their mouths to talk were made. Baby Alive, introduced in 1973, was the first doll that could “eat” packaged foods and digest them, and eventually its diaper was to be changed.(16) Due to being a one-of-a-kind toy, Baby Alives were of much popularity. One child recalls their experience: I was so delighted and always fascinated at the noise she made when her moving mouth sucked on her water bottle.(17) The domesticity that young girls learned was directly through this doll, allowing them to act out motherly duties and care for the figure, later for their own babies. Advertisements show small girls kissing and calling their doll their “baby”, hindering the line between playtime and considering a toy a part of reality.
Hasbro’s Baby Alive advertisement from 2017 illustrating the new doll that can cry tears and the child taking care of it. Hasbro, 2017.
The physical characteristics of dolls further simulated the idea of gender expression into young girls. Dolls have growing wardrobes and accessories from sequence dresses to pink sports cars. Their image is reflected upon young women and influences how they should present themselves. Girls should aspire to be luxurious. The overridingly popular doll is the teen-age doll which is provided with an extensive wardrobe and in some models with an escort.(18) The early 1900s pushed for women to be fashionable and comply with beauty standards. With this, women would become more bodily conscious, subjecting themselves to scrutiny if they didn’t match what was deemed acceptable.(19) This led to intense beauty regimens to ensure one looked in the mirror and didn’t have unwaxed hair or forgot their earrings. The integration of mirrors in the bathroom commenced in the early twentieth century, expediting this beauty movement.(20) If one looks physically pleasing, then they will reach self-fulfillment.
Barbie, Mattel’s most popular doll produced in 1959,(21) has forever altered the doll industry and gender presumptions. She can be accessorized and styled in so many different ways, from bright clothing to her sparkly high heels. Her style, shown to girls at a young age, swayed them into growing up and reaching womanhood fast. In fact, Barbie was first marketed to children aged six to ten years old and shortly changed to three to five year olds.(22) Barbie’s physique became and has continued to be an aspiration to young girls everywhere. Her slim figure and petite size is exposed to adolescents, motivating them to have the same. Mothers were fond of her because of how she wasn’t like other distorted, grotesque, and flat chested dolls, rather embellishing how a woman should look.(23) Although this has been of concern for other parents, her maker, Elliott Handler, says otherwise. She blames a child’s lack of self-esteem on their parental figures.(24) Elliott Handler fails to recognize the direct correlation between the appearance of Barbie and the direct support of the unrealistic portrayal of the female body.
An article entry reflecting upon Barbie’s physical appearance. Her “perfect" figure is idolized and persuades women to attend to themselves to gain this image. Los Angeles Times, 1974.
Mattel’s first Barbie in 1959. Odyssey, 2020.
Barbie’s image has been passed down into the twenty-first century, particularly due to a mother’s desire for their children to play with such a sentimental doll as they had. Her clothes are still pink, her corvette is still fast, her diamonds are still shiny, and most notably, she is still thin. Her attributes glorify quintessential European ideals of beauty: blue eyes, flowing blond hair and an hourglass figure.(25) Mattel has made more diversified figures, such as the Black Barbie in 1968 and the Hispanic and Asian Barbie in the 1980s.(26) Even so, the iconic skinny, perfect skinned European doll remains the face of the product.
Mattel’s “Superstar Barbie” debuted in 1977. Odyssey, 2020.
Dolls don’t only apply to females, as males have faced controversy over their interaction with the toy. It has been deemed unacceptable for boys to play with dolls, as they are a “girl” toy. Since most dolls are female and represent feminine tendencies, such as caregiving and companionship, boys are discouraged from using them at a young age. Boys must have trucks and play with guns which are used to instill manliness during play time. If not interested in these toys, it is common for a boy to receive criticism. A father recalled his son’s experience and how he has been humiliated by friends, leaving him in tears because of his admiration for dolls.(27) A “good boy” was defined in the twentieth century as self-restrained and upright, restricting oneself from desires that aren’t socially tolerable.(28) Films and media have assimilated this ideal into their work, forwarding inflexible standards. Ross’ son is seen playing with a barbie and Ross disapproves, then encouraging his son to interact with the monster truck and dinosaur, aggressive and macho objects. This episode came out in the late twentieth century, conveying the consistent gender concepts.(29) Another instance occurs during an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air when Will says he has a doll of the host of popular show “Soul Train”, though emphasizing that he plays with an action figure, not a doll.(30) Despite Will being a man in his early twenties, the notion of playing with dolls, despite who it may portray, is still discouraged.
A Friends’ episode aired in 1999 illustrates the concern with boys playing with dolls. TBS, 1996.
A Fresh Prince of Bel-Air episode exemplifying an older man’s love of “action figures". NBC, 1994.
To integrate change, America started to produce dolls that displayed masculinity. With America taking over the doll industry after Europe’s halt during World War II, it produced a wave of patriotic dolls including many which were dressed in accurate military uniforms.(31) Military men were the prime selling models for boy’s dolls. Boy dolls couldn’t have feminine features in the twentieth century, making it clear that it was strictly for one gender without plasticity. One of the most popular boy dolls, G.I. Joe, brought a new toy to the market. Labeled an action figure, the very first combat doll made by Hasbro had gained fame quickly.(32) Unlike Barbie’s Ken, dressed in bright attire and always attending to Barbie, G.I. Joe was the epitome of a manly man. The president and CEO of DML Associates Inc. expressed how the action figure was created for boys to play with something that was acceptable, as girls played with Barbie.(33)
Image of Hasbro’s G.I. Joe doll. It comes with many accessories, such as his blaster rifle and army-green backpack. Hasbro.
The representation of boy’s figures hasn’t changed in the present century. They are seen playing sports, wearing rugged clothes as guitar players, and often wearing blue or neutral colors. Many boys today enjoy playing with dolls or action figures that look like them. They have many different hairstyles, wardrobes, and accessories that young children can use to create something more unique and of their liking. This has been accomplished with the representation of a multicultural and multiracial society. Hasbro released its first black G.I. Joe in 1965, though a Hispanic G.I. Joe wasn’t produced until 2001.(34) Despite an effort to create a more inclusive environment for children and their dolls, gender expectations continue and so does a reluctance to change.
Target’s, “Our Generation”, dolls of “Theodore Skateboarder Boy Doll” (left) and “Malik Boy Doll” (right). Target, 2023.
Doll’s appearance has changed in accordance with American history. Children are exposed to promoted racial and gender ideologies that have had detrimental effects on solidarity. As a result, stereotypes have persisted within society’s social scale that withstands integration from the twentieth to the recent century. The exposure and analysis of the doll's transformation can bring light to this country’s troubled past. Reflecting upon devastating misconceptions can bring awareness to the topic, ensuring that children learn to embrace their individuality to promote in centuries forthcoming.
Notes
“A Short History of Dolls” HubPages, October 2, 2021, https://discover.hubpages.com/games-hobbies/A-Short-History-of-Dolls.
“A Short History of Dolls” HubPages, October 2, 2021, https://discover.hubpages.com/games-hobbies/A-Short-History-of-Dolls.
“A Short History of Dolls” HubPages, October 2, 2021, https://discover.hubpages.com/games-hobbies/A-Short-History-of-Dolls.
“A Short History of Dolls” HubPages, October 2, 2021, https://discover.hubpages.com/games-hobbies/A-Short-History-of-Dolls.
Class Notes (February 9, 2023).
Ibram X. Kendi, “My Family’s Doll Test,” Atlantic 330, no. 1 (July 2022): 18, accessed March 29, 2023, https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rgm&AN=157481386&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
Class Notes.
Gault Caviness Ylonda, "'But Mommy, White Dolls are Prettier," Essence, no. 4 (2002): 124, accessed March 30, 2023, https://ezproxy.bu.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fmagazines%2Fmommy-white-dolls-are-prettier%2Fdocview%2F1940893412%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D9676.
Enoc P. Waters, "Adventures in RACE RELATIONS: The Miracle of the Colored Doll," The Chicago Defender National Edition, (Dec 22, 1951), accessed March 30, 2023, https://ezproxy.bu.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fhistorical-newspapers%2Fadventures-race-relations%2Fdocview%2F492815989%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D9676.
Class Notes (February 14, 2023).
Class Notes (February 14, 2023).
Ibram X. Kendi, “My Family’s Doll Test,” Atlantic 330, no. 1 (July 2022): 18, accessed March 29, 2023, https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rgm&AN=157481386&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
Class Notes (February 14, 2023).
Donald-Brian Johnson, “Hello, dollies! collectible paper dolls from Hallmark,” Antiques & Collecting Magazine, 115(1), 2010, 20, https://journalofantiques.com/features/collectible-paper-dolls-hallmark/.
Donald-Brian Johnson, “Hello, dollies! collectible paper dolls from Hallmark,” Antiques & Collecting Magazine, 115(1), 2010, 20, https://journalofantiques.com/features/collectible-paper-dolls-hallmark/.
James Valentine, “Baby Alive doll from 1970s brings up nostalgic (and traumatic) memories for ABC Radio Sydney listeners,” ABC News Sydney, December 8, 2020, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-09/baby-alive-doll-memories/12961780?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web.
James Valentine, “Baby Alive doll from 1970s brings up nostalgic (and traumatic) memories for ABC Radio Sydney listeners,” ABC News Sydney, December 8, 2020, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-09/baby-alive-doll-memories/12961780?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web.
John Noble, "The History of Dolls in Europe and America," Woman's Day, no. 1 (1965): 78, https://ezproxy.bu.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fmagazines%2Fhistory-dolls-europe-america%2Fdocview%2F1816821968%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D9676.
Class Notes (February 14, 2023).
Class Notes (February 14, 2023).
Class Notes (February 14, 2023).
Class Notes (February 7, 2023).
Beth Ann Krier, "Sweet 16: You've Come a Long Way, Barbie: Barbie Doll Turns Sweet 16," Los Angeles Times, (Sep 08, 1974), accessed April 16, 2023, https://ezproxy.bu.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fhistorical-newspapers%2Fsweet-16-youve-come-long-way-barbie%2Fdocview%2F157533214%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D9676.
Beth Ann Krier, "Sweet 16: You've Come a Long Way, Barbie: Barbie Doll Turns Sweet 16," Los Angeles Times, (Sep 08, 1974), accessed April 16, 2023, https://ezproxy.bu.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fhistorical-newspapers%2Fsweet-16-youve-come-long-way-barbie%2Fdocview%2F157533214%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D9676.
Gault Caviness Ylonda, "'But Mommy, White Dolls are Prettier," Essence, no. 4 (2002): 124, accessed March 30, 2023, https://ezproxy.bu.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fmagazines%2Fmommy-white-dolls-are-prettier%2Fdocview%2F1940893412%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D9676.
Ibram X. Kendi, “My Family’s Doll Test,” Atlantic 330, no. 1 (July 2022): 18, accessed March 29, 2023, https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rgm&AN=157481386&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
George Hagen, "Guys and Dolls," Parents, 09 (2002): 173-174, accessed April 16, 2023, https://ezproxy.bu.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fmagazines%2Fguys-dolls%2Fdocview%2F1903401789%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D9676.
Class Notes (February 9, 2023).
Friends, Season 3 Episode 4, “The One with the Metaphorical Tunnel,” written by Alexa Junge, directed by Steve Zuckerman, featuring Jennifer Anniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Jessica Hecht, Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, Jane Sibbett, and Maggie Wheeler. Aired October 10, 1996. TBS, 1996, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWEy50AdmqU.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Season 5 Episode 8, “Soooooooul Train,” written by Andy and Susan Borowitz and John Ridley, directed by Shelley Jensen, featuring Tatyana Ali, James Avery, Don Cornelius, Joseph Marshall, Karyn Parsons, Daphne Reid, Alfonso Ribeiro, and Will Smith. Aired November 7, 1994. NBC, 1994, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYVpjFNUikI.
John Noble, "The History of Dolls in Europe and America," Woman's Day, no. 1 (1965): 78, https://ezproxy.bu.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fmagazines%2Fhistory-dolls-europe-america%2Fdocview%2F1816821968%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D9676.
Don Oldenburg, "Guys and Dolls: GI Joe is 30-Plus and Going Strong," The Washington Post, Dec 13, 1996.https://ezproxy.bu.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fhistorical-newspapers%2Fguys-dolls%2Fdocview%2F1033943215%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D9676.
Don Oldenburg, "Guys and Dolls: GI Joe is 30-Plus and Going Strong," The Washington Post, Dec 13, 1996.https://ezproxy.bu.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fhistorical-newspapers%2Fguys-dolls%2Fdocview%2F1033943215%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D9676.
Ibram X. Kendi, “My Family’s Doll Test,” Atlantic 330, no. 1 (July 2022): 18, accessed March 29, 2023, https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rgm&AN=157481386&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
Danielle grew up in the small town of Rocky Hill, Connecticut. As an only child, taking care of and spending time with her pets and animals was a popular hobby. She often had funerals for her fish, hamsters, and hermit crabs, all of them buried in the backyard of the house she grew up in. At a young age she was certain that she wanted to become a military psychologist, helping disabled veterans with her interest in PTSD and war stories. Her aspiration to become a Boston University student began as a child when her dad would bring her to Celtics games, still attending them and enjoying the sport today. Though transferring her sophomore year of college to this institution, she hopes to earn her bachelors degree in clinical psychology.