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Doll carries on the perpetual controversy of perception and affiliation (1119 hits)

(Link) - http://www.theroot.com/id/47216?GT1=38002
(Excerpt)
Lay Off Soror Barbie!
By Raven L. Hill | TheRoot.com

Don't let outdated stereotypes about AKAs stop us from celebrating the new black doll.

July 14, 2008--When I'm correctly tagged as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, I'd like to think that it's because I exude ambition, class and a belief in paying it forward.

Experience has taught me otherwise.

Some people look no further than the color of my skin and length of my hair. The stereotype of the light-skinned, long-haired AKA is an ugly one that has persisted—partly, thanks to Spike Lee's unforgettable depiction of the vapid and vain fictional Gamma Rays in School Daze.

This image of AKA was re-ignited earlier this week when pictures surfaced of the Barbie doll thatMattel created to commemorate the sorority's centennial year.

"If the doll is supposed to be representing a sorority for black women—why did they choose to make the doll that color," reads the post on MediaTakeOut.com. "And to all the proud AKAs out there—we're not trying to start no mess. But somebody had to ask the question."

Well, the doll in question is caramel-colored—a shade that mirrors many African-American women, including this proud AKA, as well as other African-American Barbie dolls, though not all. I would even say that "Soror Barbie" is progress. Growing up, Barbie was my favorite doll, but she rarely reflected African-American images or interests. I would treasure this AKA doll regardless of whether her color exactly matched my own. I am certain that many of my sorors share this sentiment. … (Click on link for more- http://www.theroot.com/id/47216?GT1=38002)

Now, come on folks, some of us have thought like that (at on time or another), or know of someone who has held tight to the stereotypes illustrated in the article. At any rate, is there really any validity to it "then and/or now?

PEACE,
Jane

Posted By: Jane L. Wilson
Thursday, July 17th 2008 at 4:10PM
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Just another pain so I'll attackit that way. Great lead in piece you blogged there. The argument retains validity due to a conflict that, although exaggerated greatly in the media of only being pertinent to the black race, is relevant to many races who have become an ingredient in the great "Mixing Pot" we call America. What's really happening is that so many people are in search of their own identity that any attempt to represent a race will create a surge of feelings and emotions that have at times been bitterly represssed. So much emphasis is put on manufactured representations of, for the sake of this reply, the black race.

As a race, we are a myriad of shades of beautiful and unless you want a "doll" to look like a kaliedascope you are going to exclude a majority of folks anytime you "snapshot" with a manufactured representation. Be it videos, movies, billboards, magazines, advertising, toys, games or dolls, if you only create one, you will create ire in the others who don't feel they are being represented. Add to that the long standing truth that miseducation, social positions and wealth distinctions have continued to create in fissure in what should be a collective and solid relationship of blacks loving and accepting blacks as they are without regard to melanin saturation and you are treading on shaky ground when you try to create one something to represent the group.

Will we ever get past the shades of skin to realize that we are the same and be able to accept that no one shade is better or worse than the other? Can we begin to look deeper into our history and findout that our race has greatness bonded to it regardless of the color of individual accomplishers? We have to be the staunchest supporters of the rule that we shouldn't be "judged by the color of our skin but by the content of our character." Each time a situation such as this one arises, it serves to show that many blacks can't even be true to our race so how can we expect to measure, mark and progress to the levels we so richly deserve but others are holding onto?

Jane, you always find the point at which to begin such interesting and educational debates. I want to thank you once again for this one and I hope that many folks take the time to think about the implications and to self examine their mental measure of the race they are a part of. Once we can begin to truly love our race, we can begin to see past the petty separations that can occur when we focus on the wrong thing. The celebration of the anniversary should have been the reason for attention. The creation of a doll, that years ago wouldn't have even been considered for manufacturer, to mark that celebratation should be acknowledged at just how great the women of AKA and all of the other sororities, are in spirit, courage, intelligence, perserverance and deeds. So great that they had to be acknowledged by the manufacture of the doll in the first place. Wow, think about THAT for a minute.

Well, I'm thru. Let me get down off my soapbox and continue my self created battle against pains and for living a healthier, happier, less pain-filled lifestyle.

GOD Bless us all, everybody
V.Holland a.k.a. Chronic Pain Hero
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Sunday, July 20th 2008 at 4:15AM
Vinicent Holland