Australia:  The return of the dreaded golliwog



Golliwogs were invented by an American lady around 100 years ago but never caught on much in the USA.  They were however VERY popular among children in Britain and Australia.  They are based on the appearance of Africans.

THEY were once a much-loved toy, but became a casualty of the worldwide crusade against racism.

Now golliwogs are making a comeback, with stores along Queensland's tourist strips reporting strong sales, particularly to visitors from abroad.

Nostalgia-driven Baby Boomers, too, are snapping up the black dolls, renamed gollies, as gifts for their grandchildren or reminders of their childhood.

Store owner Deanne Edwards, from Prestige Flowers and Gifts in Hervey Bay, said she sells about 20 a week.  "They're absolutely adorable," said Ms Edwards, who has dozens displayed in her shop window. "We absolutely love them. The kids love them, I love them. They are very, very popular. I sell so many it's not funny."

But the doll's re-emergence has shocked Queensland's indigenous community who warn their acceptance would be a step back in race relations.  Mr Weatherall said the dolls were offensive and should be banned.

Since the 1960s, golliwogs have been condemned as racist, and campaigns succeeded in their gradual removal from public life, particularly in the UK, the US and Europe.

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