Golliwog facts for kids
The golliwog (sometimes called golliwogg or golly) is a doll character that first appeared in children's books in the late 1800s. It was created by an artist named Florence Kate Upton. The doll was often shown as a type of rag doll.
People later made and sold golliwog toys. These toys were very popular in the UK and Australia until the 1970s. The word "golliwog" is a blended word made from "golly" and "polliwog".
The doll usually has black skin, white rings around its eyes, red lips, and frizzy hair. Most golliwogs were male, though some homemade ones were female. After World War II, golliwogs were seen as good soft toys for young boys, much like teddy bears.
In recent times, the golliwog doll has become a topic of disagreement. Some people remember it as a harmless toy from their childhood. However, many others see it as a racist image. They compare it to other harmful drawings of black people, like pickaninnies, minstrels, and mammy figures.
Changing Views on the Golliwog
As ideas about race have changed, the golliwog doll has become less popular. Its sales have gone down. Companies that used the golliwog as a symbol, like Robertson's marmalade in the UK, have stopped using it. They either removed the image or changed its name.
The word "golliwog" sounds like the offensive term "wog". Because of this, people now often use other names like "golly" or "golly doll" instead.
Images for kids
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The Golliwogg's Auto-Go-Cart, a 1901 book by Florence Kate Upton
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A 1920s golliwog perfume bottle
See also
In Spanish: Golliwogg para niños
