Retail Racism...

[Chutney Daftcraft]

Isn't this taking the racism argument just a tad too far?

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/black-barbie-sold-white-barbie-walmart-store/story?id=10045008

(Safe for work)

[OzGirl]

not sure about the whole racism thing, but the video is very interesting especially when young black girls are picking white baby dolls as being prettier, and nicer than the black baby dolls! Eve though the dolls are the same except for skin color, yet the young black boys, say both dolls are pretty and nice!

[kkrapf]

I can understand why this would leave some people feeling a bit sensitive. I can also understand that it's simply keeping the shelf stock moving. However, it does make me want to go out and get Alex a black doll. It's hard to face your own notions. But looking at the some-thirteen pearly white Cabbage Patch Dolls I had as a kid, haha... maybe it would be good if Alex had some diversity.

[kkrapf]

Also, P.S. I totally did not read the title as 'retail racism' at first glance. Rec... tal... Yeah. It was confusing.

[grafxgirl]

I didn't think of it as retail racism. I think it's just being taken too far. What else is the store supposed to do in order to try to increase sales on an item that isn't selling? If my daughter wants a black Barbie, she can have one. I'm not going to object. She's six years old and doesn't view people in different races. All she knows is it's a pretty Barbie that she wants to play with. I don't pick her dolls out, she does.

Here's another spin on the retail racism topic. Can it be argued that stores like clothing or hair salons that cater to a particular race are being racist? For example, I remember a store in the Martinsburg Mall that was some kind of urban wear, and it was quite obvious by the name of the store, Black Enterprise I believe it was, and clothing style that it was geared more toward people of the black race. How about the beauty salon in Ranson that has a sign posted out front stating that it is a salon for people with ethnic hair?

[derricksonb]

So every time a retail chain places a slow moving item on sale or clearance in order to move inventory it will be classified as racism? I don't see it.

Think about the sources that children have for what they perceive as beauty or the definition of a princess? For decades the only Disney Princesses (with the exceptions of Jasmine, Mulan, and Pocahontas) were Caucasian which may explain why some black children identify the traditional Barbie as more beautiful than the ethnic versions. Hopefully Disney's introduction of Princess Tiana will have a positive effect on that perception.

The only way that the black Barbie at Walmart could be considered racist is if they sold a busted-up 1998 Hyundai Accent with spinner hub caps and booming stereo next to the Barbie Ferrari and had Section 8 housing next to Barbies Malibu beach house.

GG is correct. The name of the store in Martinsburg Mall was Black Enterprises. Even though the sign of the hair salon in Ranson or the business name "Black Enterprises" are not blatantly racist the intent of racism is implied. This is probably why we don't see many minorities dining at the Cracker Barrel.

[Kensey]

Think about the sources that children have for what they perceive as beauty or the definition of a princess? For decades the only Disney Princesses (with the exceptions of Jasmine, Mulan, and Pocahontas) were Caucasian which may explain why some black children identify the traditional Barbie as more beautiful than the ethnic versions.

It's worth noting that Disney's characterizations of non-white characters have often been criticized for either portraying them as stereotypes, or basically white people with a tan. In some ways they're stuck between a rock and a hard place -- as the company that released Song of the South, they're forever tainted in some peoples' eyes when it comes to racial factors.

[Nanuk]

Maybe Black Barbie was intended to be an accessory, possibly to White Antebellum Barbie?

[Bruce]

Yes, and if the black doll would have been more expensive than the white doll everyone would be screaming that they are overpricing the black doll because she's black. Also, the spelling of her name sounds more Latino than black. Are we sure this is a black doll or some reporter just trying to make something out of nothing. This was nothing more than a business decision to get rid of stock that doesn't sell well plain and simple.

[Nanuk]

I agree with Bruce--simple retail decision to move slow-selling stock.

Now if the black Barbie was named Tamika and came with 3" acrylic nails and a fresh weave, a plasma TV, five little kids with different last names, and a counterfeit Dolce handbag filled with food stamps, a medicaid card and a bag of weed, THAT might cause some people to wonder.

[derricksonb]

It's worth noting that Disney's characterizations of non-white characters have often been criticized for either portraying them as stereotypes, or basically white people with a tan. In some ways they're stuck between a rock and a hard place -- as the company that released Song of the South, they're forever tainted in some peoples' eyes when it comes to racial factors.

It's interesting that you mention Song of the South as the repercussions and backlash from the racial overtones in that movie may be the very reason that Disney consciously portrays their non-white characters with "Caucasian" features and mannerisms. I realize that this may be slightly off-topic, but it's still related to the "caucasian" features of the black Barbie.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Mattel has marketed and sold "ethnic" Barbie's for many decades now. The price point at which the retailer decides to move the product or cease selling altogether is most likely based on supply and demand. The lackluster sales may have to do with Mattels marketing of Black Barbie which stated, "The new dolls have fuller lips, a wider nose, more distinct cheekbones and curlier hair." The only thing missing from the stereotype was some fake nails and Booty Pops.....

[kemeigen]

what's a booty pop?

[Chutney Daftcraft]

what's a booty pop?

I hope you know how much restraint I'm exercising by not answering this question the way *I* want to answer it. :rotfl:

[RockCity]

I agree with Bruce--simple retail decision to move slow-selling stock.

Now if the black Barbie was named Tamika and came with 3" acrylic nails and a fresh weave, a plasma TV, five little kids with different last names, and a counterfeit Dolce handbag filled with food stamps, a medicaid card and a bag of weed, THAT might cause some people to wonder.
Now that's some funny sheeit. Damn that's funny. http://cdn.content.sweetim.com/sim/cpie/emoticons/00020345.gif (http://www.sweetim.com/s.asp?im=gen&lpver=3&ref=10)[/URL]








[URL="http://www.sweetim.com/s.asp?im=gen&lpver=3&ref=12"]http://content.sweetim.com/tbsig/sig.asp?img=ad1 (http://www.sweetim.com/s.asp?im=gen&lpver=3&ref=10)

[derricksonb]

what's a booty pop (http://www.shannondale.org/forum/www.bootypoppanties.com/)?

I saw it on an infomercial last week. It's like a padded bra for your booty.

[Bruce]

I agree with Bruce--simple retail decision to move slow-selling stock.

Now if the black Barbie was named Tamika and came with 3" acrylic nails and a fresh weave, a plasma TV, five little kids with different last names, and a counterfeit Dolce handbag filled with food stamps, a medicaid card and a bag of weed, THAT might cause some people to wonder.

Now THAT was funny.

[cindylu]

How about the beauty salon in Ranson that has a sign posted out front stating that it is a salon for people with ethnic hair?

I'd like to think its the salon's way of advertising someone on their staff has experience with curly hair. Not all haircutters know how to cut all types of hair. Asian and African-American cutters know how to cut my very coarse and sometimes (especially during the humid summer) frizzy hair.

[derricksonb]

I'd like to think its the salon's way of advertising.....

I get that point, but let me ask the obvious question. If a salon advertised "Specializing in Caucasian styles" or there was a store in the mall named "White Enterprises" don't you think there would be huge repercussions from "minority" groups claiming racism?

[grafxgirl]

I get that point, but let me ask the obvious question. If a salon advertised "Specializing in Caucasian styles" or there was a store in the mall named "White Enterprises" don't you think there would be huge repercussions from "minority" groups claiming racism?

This is exactly where I was going with my question. I just wanted to see who else would bring it up.

[cindylu]

Well, I have been in salons where the customer is black and they do ask if anyone on the staff has experience styling African-American hair. So there isn't anything wrong in advertising a salon's specialty.

Pardon the pun but there seems to be splitting hairs going on!

[Chutney Daftcraft]

I've actually heard that same argument before. From my drunken uncle on his shack porch. He was ridiculing the United Negro College Fund at the time.

This topic right here opens up an interesting trail of thought. See, the reason that the black barbie didn't sell as well is because white people are already in the mainstream. Y'all are saying it yourselves. Hell, they ARE the mainstream. White people still dominate the mainstream culture in this country. Simply because there are more of us. So when minorities get all proud of themselves, and decide to develop organizations and events that will help advance their pride in themselves, and them as people, and white people make fun of that and extend the ridiculous idea that we can't do the same thing... I just have to say that we already have. Look at statistics by race in this country, and tell me that white people need MORE advancement and opportunity in the United States.

[Nanuk]

So once again, Chutney argues that all Americans should not be treated equally, and that some should be allowed special privilege that others are denied by law.

How Liberal of you, Chutney.


Personally, I see everyone as an American, period. We're all on the same team.

[ministerswife]

Well, I have been in salons where the customer is black and they do ask if anyone on the staff has experience styling African-American hair. So there isn't anything wrong in advertising a salon's specialty.

Pardon the pun but there seems to be splitting hairs going on!

OK, so this is a little late, but what the hey, here goes anyway:

A few years ago I went to a salon for a perm. I was assigned to an "African-American" hair stylist. While combing my hair, she yelled across the salon to the manager on the other end of the room, "Angela (or whatever, I forget the name now, but think it was Angela) what's that stuff you use on white peoples’ hair to prep it for a perm." Honest to GOD. This happened to me. Oh Yeah! Oh Yeah!:yikes::coffee2:

[derricksonb]

I've actually heard that same argument before. From my drunken uncle on his shack porch. He was ridiculing the United Negro College Fund at the time.

I love the way you qualify the statement by implying that mostly economically challenged, alcoholic, white males have this thought, but at the very least the UNCF is by definition discriminatory as one must be "African-American" to apply. However if the same stipulations were applied to scholarships for Caucasian students there would be outrage. I want to question, not the legality or constitutionality, but the morality of limiting these funds and opportunities to specific demographics when it is illegal to discriminate enrollment to a public university based on sex, race or religious beliefs.


This topic right here opens up an interesting trail of thought. See, the reason that the black barbie didn't sell as well is because white people are already in the mainstream. Y'all are saying it yourselves. Hell, they ARE the mainstream. White people still dominate the mainstream culture in this country. Simply because there are more of us.

And that very well may be the reason that the Black Barbie was on sale or discontinued due to lower than expected sales.


So when minorities get all proud of themselves, and decide to develop organizations and events that will help advance their pride in themselves, and them as people, and white people make fun of that and extend the ridiculous idea that we can't do the same thing...

There's nothing wrong with having pride in oneself and community, but when these practices exclude others or creates a double standard then it poses an issue. I've used this one before: One million black men (probably FOX News estimate) assemble on the mall in Washington, DC as a show of pride and unity, but if one million white men assembled for a similar event it would be labeled as a Klan Rally. A group of liberals assembles in front of the Capitol to protest President Bush's policies, The war on Terror or War in Iraq and are considered patriotic, but when conservatives assemble to protest the Obama administrations polices on foreign affairs, stimulus spending and health care we're racist. So tell me how one group can do one thing and it's perfectly acceptable, but another group does the same and the result is outrage?


Look at statistics by race in this country, and tell me that white people need MORE advancement and opportunity in the United States.

It's not that one race of people needs more opportunity or chance for advancement over another so much as each needs to have the same. After 45 years we need to open the books and take a look at the practice of giving 5 pt preferential to minority job/college applicants and tax breaks for women and minority owned businesses. one of the biggest issues I remember from the 2008 Jefferson County Commission candidates Forums was Michelle ?_?_?_?_? ( a black student from Shepherd College) asking candidates what they would do "to attract minority business to the county or create opportunities for African Americans in Jefferson County." Why should our focus be limited to creating business or employment opportunities to one demographic when we should be trying to attract the best and brightest across all demographics which in turn creates abundant opportunities for all.

[Chutney Daftcraft]

It's apparent that what I posted was a complete waste of my time.

Oh well, though. I'll try to shed a tear for all my oppressed white homies... :rolleyes:

[derricksonb]

Who said anything about being oppressed? I am actually promoting a true culture where all people are equal and given the same opportunities based on their merit. I realize that this strays a bit from the original discussion about a discontinued doll, but not really.

[Kensey]

I love the way you qualify the statement by implying that mostly economically challenged, alcoholic, white males have this thought, but at the very least the UNCF is by definition discriminatory as one must be "African-American" to apply.

Point of order:

"Q: Does UNCF only support African American education (http://www.uncf.org/aboutus/faqs.asp)?
A:UNCF was founded to address inequities in the educational opportunities afforded to African Americans. UNCF believes in higher education opportunities for all Americans. UNCF-member schools do not discriminate and UNCF-administered scholarships are open to all."

[Curt Mudgeon]

When I grew up your booty was what you wore on your footy.

[Chutney Daftcraft]

When I grew up your booty was what you wore on your footy.

LOLz! :rotfl: