Some time ago, I found a question about this doll in my inbox. One that, if answered “correctly” would charge an ultra racist offense against the popular chain, Costco. Appearently, this African American doll, wearing a hat that reads Lil’ Monkey, was sold by the chain briefly. Briefly, because a few black parents found themselves in an uproar and were successful in having the doll pulled from shelves before it could even touch the shelves of most store locations. When taken at face value, these parents should be applauded for their groundwork. It is historical fact that black people have been referred to as monkeys, as animalistic, primitive and so on. So, it is understandable why black people would NOT allow this doll to be marketed to young minds, for fear of re-enforcing that trope. However, when I look beyond the surface, and start to peer outside of the box of oppression, I am not too sure that an uproar was/is completely necessary.
First of all, lets just take a look at this particular doll and what she comes with. The “toys” that accompany this “baby” doll present an idea of a zoo or pet theme, not necessarily a “black baby as animal” theme. I do not see the inscription on the doll’s hat as a literal marker of her identity, but as a nickname, one that I have often called my own little girl because of the way that her long model legs wrap around my body when she hops up into my arms. I also have a friend who affectionately calls her son Lil’ Monkey and who has no problem with adorning him in monkey themed everything!
Secondly, this black doll was not the only doll to sport a Lil’ Monkey hat. She was one of three dolls, the others being white and latina. Furthermore, the monkey was not the only animal chosen for the collection. 
Presenting: The Pretty Panda. That’s right. Here are 3 additional dolls, all wearing 3 additional animal themed hats with 3 additional sets of accessories. So, is this doll racist and offensive as well? Apparently not, because it, unlike the Lil Monkey doll, can be purchased at Costco. Would this panda themed doll be offensive if the collection included an asian doll? Was the discontinuance of the monkey themed trio really necessary? I still think not.
I am still waiting for the day that all racism will cease to exist, but I am also still waiting for the day for us to finally rise above old school ideology and employ a little appropriation in cases like this. In no way does that mean turn a blind eye to blatant racism and just lie down and take it, BUT what it does mean is to really analyze a situation and take into account all possibilities before deeming something inately racist.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Okay…so for me, the jury is still out on this one. I just can’t get with the whole ‘monkey’ business. I don’t know. There is so much to consider for me here. The whole monkey reference is so deep-rooted in our culture as a negative. We have been called monkeys, coons, and so many other names.
Last year, this little Asian kid called my baby, during an argument, a “slave” and a “monkey”. An Asian kid. So, while the label was put onto other dolls of other nationalities, it is the black doll that will most likely be associated with the title – throughout. No one else.
Now, could it be one of those things where we now have all these people running around making “nigga” a part of their daily lingo, and getting away with it because it is not “nigger”, and because they are “just joking around” when they say it? I don’t know…
Your friend “affectionately” calls her baby “lil monkey”. But would she mind if someone else called her baby that? I tend to think not. It is something reserved for just the two of them and we all ‘gift’ our babies with little nicknames, at some point or another. Other races of people are using “nigga” as they interact with one another, but would we get mad if they were speaking to one of US and said it to one of us? Personally, it would make me pause a minute and probably want to punch the person in the face. So, I can’t say.
The jury is still out and I will end it on that because I could so go on and on and on…you know ME!
I guess, at the end of the day, it’s all about preference and I would NOT purchase one of those dolls, nor would I want to see it in person. Just don’t know how I would take that seeing it up close and personal.
Traci´s last blog ..The Chase…
I have to be honest and say that I, like you Barbara am not 100% certain that this doll is cause for an uproar. we too have called my daughter “Lil Monkey because of the way she climbs all over the place and it has not bothered me when other referred to her that way because they are not saying that she looks like a monkey but that she climbs so easily- an unexpected trait for a baby. I think INTENT is so important when deeming something racist or not and I’m just not sure if the INTENT was there.
*Smiling from ear to ear* My childhood nickname from my late grandfather was “monkey” and few understand more than an 80+ (now deceased) Black man from South Carolina how egregiously offensive primate/primal references are.
At some point we have to choose our battles more wisely. Racism is quickly becoming the new “wolf” (The Boy Who Cried Wolf) and it is NOT to say that racism doesn’t exist-but to look further, look wisely at the definition of racism-how is the purchase of this doll (namely by people who identify as Black)discriminatory, an act of oppression or claim of superiority by another race? Surely, one could argue that it might be purchased with the INTENT of the aforementioned, but somehow I don’t get the impression that the marketing heads sat around the board room masterminding the latter.
T. Allen-Mercado´s last blog ..A (Not Exactly) Random Thought Thursday
When this one hit my inbox, I’ll have to admit that I just ignored it. I didn’t agree with it being necessarily racist. I understand that we’ve been called Monkeys, but I think this one was sort of a stretch. Especially considering that racism is heating up in places all over the country, we do need to choose our battles and expending of energy wisely. On this one I just kept my energy.
Love’s Gumbo´s last blog ..Naturi Beauty Concepts Giveaway on MBB
I think that this really is a sensitivity issue. The labeling of the doll and the references really do show a lack of sensitivity.
We’ve had this conversation before, haven’t we? Remember the whole, “white chick” conversation, lol?
I truly believe that connotation is extremely important. A white doll labeled “little monkey” has a very different connotation than a black doll does.
Being aware of connotation is crucial. If, for some reason, the makers of the doll have had their head under a rock and did not realize the connotation, then someone needs to point it out to them.
I don’t think they deliberately made such an insensitive mistake, but it was pretty damned stupid, nonetheless.
Sensitivity towards racist connotations is not just about fighting racism-its about our growth as a country and as human beings.
We have a long way to go to reach a point where all people relate to each other with mutual respect regardless of race, creed, sex, etc.
However, developing a sensitivity towards past hurts is crucial if we are ever going to get there.
Some stepping stones are more subtle than others, but are nonetheless crucial.
I am a white father of a multicultural daughter am tend to be ultra sensitive when it comes to prejudice of my daughter, but I must admit I do not see the problem with the Lil’ Monkey reference in this doll line because all three types of dolls included the monkey hat and stuffed animal. I would certainly understand if the latina doll included a kitten and the white doll a puppy, for instance.
As with most things in life, sometimes we as a species need to take a moment and utilize the thing that seperates us from the rest of the animal kingdom, our brains and analyze the situation at hand. I am all for being safe rather than sorry, but this seems a bit of overkill. However, I am fortunate to not have to feel the pressure of hundreds of years of racism and oppresion.
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