Harpo Productions recently requested that the Dafel Dolls and Bear Shop in Australia pull a “Mamee” golliwog washerwoman doll from its shelves in fear that it might offend Oprah Winfrey, the Herald Sun reports. This request was made right before a private cocktail party for Oprah was hosted in the shop on Friday.
The washerwoman doll is a blackface doll dressed in a maid costume and headscarf, akin to the offensive sambo dolls that were produced post-slavery. Golliwog dolls are viewed as offensive to Americans because of their perceived links to slavery and oppression of African-Americans. The store owner signed a confidentiality agreement with Harpo Productions, but confirmed to the Herald Sun that a meeting indeed did take place. “Oprah’s people came . . . and yes it was discussed,” a source familiar with the agreement told the Herald Sun. “As a result, they won’t have that particular doll on display. But there will be plenty of other gollies when they come through.” Are you offended by the doll?
