Episode #1- I talk about "doll shaming". Many of you have written to me in the past about this issue and how it affects you and your love of dolls.
Feel free to join the discussion.
Feel free to join the discussion.
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THANK YOU for covering this topic!!! I have loved dolls all my life (I'm 51 now) and was hesitant to even collect more dolls beyond my childhood ones (some of which I still have) until I was in my thirties, but hid it and only bought little mini dolls I could hide easily like I was doing somthing nefarious because no one in my family or acquaintance collected dolls and made it obvious to me that it was okay or not insanely weird.
ReplyDeleteI very seriously did not start collecting 18" dolls I couldn't hide until I stumbled across your blog online one day in 2015!! Seeing another obviously grown woman so obviously loving her dolls and being SO public and open about it removed the barrier for me and opened up a whole new world of adult collectors of PLAY dolls to me (not just formal antique museum style collections)!! My collection has SOARED since your blog liberated me!! I now have 58 18" dolls in addition to my over 150 dolls of other various sizes and types, a true dolly population explosion since 2015, which has given me immense pleasure and enrichment as well as helping me cope with stress and anxiety disorder.
So, I actually owe you a giant thanks for helping me relax into and enjoy my hobby without shame. YOU saved me from doll shaming!!! It's one of the reasons I had such a hard time with your blog ending, as it seemed then, for the year 2018. I felt bereft because you were like a mentor who gave me courage and the freedom to enjoy dolls.
As far as how to stop it, public service announcements might help! I'm partially joking, but they do it for all kinds of other bullying. Isn't doll shaming a kind of bullying? I'm fortunate, I guess, because I'm not on social media, so I haven't been exposed to the online harassing and trouble about which you wrote on your own blog some time ago.
Just keeping play doll collecting open and public without shame like you do on your blog I think is a big help. Like it was for me, I'm sure it's bound to help other people feel confident and comfortable to "indulge" in the hobby without fear or shame if they're drawn to it.
THANKS for all you do for the doll community!! YES!!! It's WONDERFUL to have you back!! You're already proving again what an important and irreplaceable asset you are in this space!!!!
Whoa! Thank you for your kind words.
DeleteI love the points you make especially about removing a barrier and having courage. We are always rewarded if we show courage. By allowing the inner child and one's inner spirit to express it self through work and/or hobbies, it allows one to really LIVE. Freedom of expression and creativity is enhanced through dolls, (as stated in the video).
Thank you for being a long time supporter of LADL. I appreciate you and the things you have shared in your comment.
I have been shamed over my love for dolls & stuffed animals. I turn 62 in 60 days. I believe doll shaming is bullying! My sister, brother, brother's lady friend, & even my daughter. I am in therapy because of the bullying about my dolls & other things. My therapist told me that collecting dolls is okay. She also said they have such cute & interesting faces. I play with my great nieces & share my love of dolls with them. The youngest are all girls. I didn't attend any family functions last year. I have threatened to bring my support bunny with me Easter. I have struggled with my life when my career goals were smashed when I was diagnosed with RA. I am enjoying my dolls.
ReplyDeleteAunt Mimi I am so so sorry you've had to deal with doll shaming. You have many friends here on LADL. Hold your head up. Everyone deserves the right to collect whatever makes them happy. Thank you for your comment.
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