Golliwogs still popular in Wakefield
GOLLIWOGS are still popular in Wakefield – despite their offensive connotations.
Penlan Cards shop, on Cross Square, said Wakefield customers regularly snap up the dolls, which were especially popular during Christmas.
But despite insisting there was nothing racist about the dolls, the shop owner refused to tell the Express her name.
She said: "To be honest we just can't get enough of them. People are always coming in and telling us how lovely they are.
"Even with the issue being in the news last week, we sold three dolls."
Former prime minister Margaret Thatcher's daughter, Carol Thatcher, was sacked from her role as a reporter on the BBC1's The One Show for reportedly calling a black tennis player a 'golliwog'.
Since then golliwog dolls have been removed from sale at a gift shop on the Queen's Sandringham Estate and the Royal family issued an apology.
Do you think golliwogs should be on sale in Wakefield? Do you find them offensive? Have your say in the comments section below, or take part in our vote on the right of this page.
But the Wakefield gift shop said they had no reason to stop selling their dolls.
The owner said: "We have sold the gollies for years and in the time I have been here I only know of two complaints.
"If anyone had a problem with it, I would say I am sorry they are offended but I think the gollies bring more pleasure than they do objections."
The golliwog was first created as a character in an 1895 children's book by a New York-born woman, Florence Kate Upton.
Enid Blyton also featured golliwog characters in her books, often as villainous characters.
And a golliwog appeared as the mascot for Robertson's Jam from 1910 until the image was withdrawn in 2001.
John Pitt, corporate director for corporate services at Wakefield Council, said: "The council is very proud to celebrate and engage with all communities which make up the diversity of the district.
"We would not condone actions which cause offence or are demeaning to any individual or community."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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