What's In A Name: The Story of the Golliwog

What, might you ask, is a Golliwog?

Sledding Fun

Oh, No! 

Notice the Golliwogg in Fido's mouth!

Based on a character in a childrens' book,

  the Golliwog was a hugely popular toy 

in Great Britain during

the earlier half of the 20th century.

However, in today's world of 

political correctness run amok,

this once beloved toy of little girls and boys

is considered racist against black people.

I believe this was never intended to be.

A rare Golliwog book by
American cartoonist and writer
 Florence K. Upton
(1873-1922)

 Author Florence Upton's Aunt Kate discovered two
little Dutch dolls and a homemade black rag doll in an attic.

Her niece took one look at the little rag doll and

the name "Golliwog" came to her mind.

For Florence, it was love at first sight.

Golliwog later became the hero in a series

of children's books written and illustrated by Florence, 

 which were very successful, but for reasons unknown, 

 she never patented the character she created.

As a result of this oversight on her part, 

another writer of children's books, Enid Blyton,

took advantage of the situation and began writing stories

which featured Golliwog as an ill-mannered and deceitful

character, while other writers and advertisers of the day

used him to make fun of and mock the perceived 

mannerisms of black people in racially insensitive

caricatures which were popular advertising slogans in

the United States of America at the time.

 Meanwhile, Florence Upton truly despaired over the 
 commercialized misrepresentation of her beloved Golliwog.

"I am frightened when I read the fearsome etymology
some deep, dark minds can see in his name, " she said.

Unfortunately, Florence Upton would not live long enough
to see justice done in her case.  She tragically died at the
age of 49 due to complications from surgery.

Over the years, her grave, which is located in historic Hampstead 
 Cemetery in London, England  has been the target of vandals,
whose reasons for disturbing her final resting place remain unclear.
However, since her creation of Golliwog has been deemed as a symbol
of racism, I believe her grave may well have been targeted by self-righteous
crusaders of 'political correctness' or what is commonly known
today as "social justice warriors".

I have always felt a high degree of disgust for grave desecration.

However,  due to a grant from Great Britain's Heritage Lottery
Fund, the headstone on Florence's grave has been placed upright
again and is in the process of being restored. 

Enid Blyton's book portrayed Golliwog as
a mean-spirited, wicked hooligan.

As a lifelong collector of dolls, I would love to have
one of these adorable and rare (at least here in America)
Golliwogs join my family of dolls.
I just have to find one first!

Adorable Handmade Golliwog Dolls