Question for African Americans?

Question

This is a question for black/african americans and how you will deal with a child that thinks this way. I will appreciate serious responses in this matter. I was looking at a document recently about african american/black children who chose white dolls over black dolls. The reason some of these children chose the white doll was because they felt the white doll looked better than the black doll. I have a niece that is going through that. She always chooses white dolls over black dolls. I am not teaching her to be racist but I want her to know that it's o.k. to like white dolls but what about the black dolls, asian dolls etc. I don't want her to grow up thinking something is wrong with her skin color. How do you teach either your children or a relatives children that black dolls are beautiful and look like them. Click link below and click play under the girl holding the camera (Young student's document leaves...)

http://www.komoradio.com/home/video/5001856.html?video=pop&t=a

Answer 1

Lol I asked a question like this earlier. I'm not sure actually. I'd like to think it's a social problem as I refuse to believe that white people are inherently more beautiful than blacks. I really do think it's just the media and social environment that contribute to this thinking. I remember watching cartoons when I was younger and all I remember were white characters, with exceptions of course, but the majority of the good guys were white people. This is the same as with television in general, whites dominate the visual media. Other than BET or a few sitcoms, the only other place blacks are represented is on Cops or the nightly news. I don't know what to tell you. I think it's easier now to find black role models on tv and in books i.e. thats so raven, static shock but still not enough to balance the preeminence of whites i.e. harry potter, pokemon.
EDIT
For many who say it doesn't matter, they have failed to realize that the white doll was consistently chosen over the black doll in the test. That puts to rest any idea of coincidence, it suggests some kind of (nonintentional) indoctrination.

Answer 2

I do not have any children, but I have taught middle school before. Using that as an example, the only way I could see for them to see both are beautiful, is if they see both at home. The parents have to make sure they override what they get through television. I had both dolls, but I know my parents told me I was just as beautiful and important.
I could go on and on about dolls- how the only black dolls are dark skinned and being light skinned there are no dolls that look like me- but that would be going too far.
That documentary is sad though.

Answer 3

Depending on how old she is, she may not even realize there is a difference in the colors. Or even what race means. My little sister used to do the same thing. She would go for the white dolls. But, that is because she is lighter skinned and those are the dolls that looked closer to her.

Answer 4

For those who say she doesn't see color:
If she's not seeing color it's only because she sees black dolls or dolls with her skin as bad.

Answer 5

That's kind of funny you would pose that question. My god-daughter loves Asian and black dolls because she says they're "different". So I guess you get it no matter what!

Answer 6

I am Caucasian and this film clip made ME cry. Do Black/African-American children need more Black/African-American roll models? There are so many beautiful Black people in all professions for children to look up to.

Answer 7

well becuase the white dolls are more widely produced, also barbie fits the white dolls and not the black ones.

Answer 8

Myself, being a Muslim, completely ignore race. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that all men are equal except by piety and he told us to completely ignore the race of men and focus instead on their character and piety.

I would suggest the same for you; completely ignore the fact that she likes the white dolls. Rather, completely ignore that they are white dolls!

Answer 9

im not african amercian or black.. but... if you excuse me...
children dont know anything about racism, black, white. yellow blue, purple, green, or orange people!..im sure your niece just likes what its pretty to her..it doesnt mean black dolls are not.. remember... beauty is in the eye of the beholder.. just let her be a child... and dont try to make her grow up faster or think like an adult ..... she is smarter than what you think!

Answer 10

I agree with SomeGuy. Your neice probably dosen't even realize the diffrence between black, white, and asian, but just sees three dolls.