Golliwogs

Press, 10 September 1984, Page 20

Golliwogs

Sir, — I believe the University Drama Society was wrong to bow to pressure and alter “Conversations with a Golliwog” without first consulting the author. We have what could be called a tribe of grandchildren.. Four of them, from different families, when small were given golliwogs, and when the mood takes me, I will make more. Did we encourage racism? Each Saturday some of the family oppose apartheid by protesting at the sale of South African wines in this country. And the four grandchildren who received golHes? As teenagers they have all taken part in anti-apart-heid protests of various kinds, but the golliwogs are still part of their bedroom decor and in one case, where the computer has taken over, it is the only sign of early childhood. We hope your student protesters continue to oppose apartheid, but trust they bring their protest to bear on something more credible than a child’s lovable, stuffed golly. — Yours, etc., CONNIE M. SUMMERS. September 7, 1984.

Sir, — It is not Philip Temple who has missed the point. In the professed attempt “to bring about tolerance and understanding toward a multi-cultural society,” the Student Collective has shown a most intolerant attitude, more likely to decrease rather than increase racial harmony. Explanations of cultural differences aimed at bringing understanding might help their cause; banning innocent toys will not. — Yours, etc., D. G. MOORE. September 7, 1984.