Doll Owner Stereotypes?

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
Honestly, there are so many different people owning the dolls that I don't think there can be really much of a stereotype at all, besides liking things related to JAPAN. Before I got into the hobby I had never thought any of these typical stereotypes other people are pointing out in doll owners. Oh wait, I remember thinking that doll owners were rich, because the dolls are so expensive LOL

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
Well other people mentioned an Otaku stereotype, and I pretty much adhere to that, but not to any level of creepiness loll

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
Well, the dolls ARE from Asia and I supoose Otaku types were the first in America to get in on it.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.

Like many have stated, doll-owners are classified with the drama-mongering, fat, basement-dwelling Otaku-wastes that live at home with their parents, watch Sailor Moon and Naruto to wank-off, and wear ridiculously under-sized Cosplay outfits at inappropriate public functions.


2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?

While I am overweight, I long ago lost all interest in the Japanese popculture. My dolls weren't bought for any reason, beyond being absolutely beautiful-- or blank canvases for me to practice my hand on. I live on my own, and while money is sometimes tight.. and I shouldn't get that wig, or pair of eyes, I always seem to manage.

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?

All stereotypes have a basis in truth. While not all of us are that way, there are QUITE a few that are.

 

) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
I'm learning more and more that they DO. But, it's only on here, mainly that I see that. I don't take my dolls out much, so I don't get alot of questions or comments related to their perceived stereotypes. (it they have them)


2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
I really don't fit the stereotypes mentioned here much at all. I am a HUGE fan of art and have been an artist for most of my life. I suppose art dolls fit into that catagory for me as well. I love to design for them and appreciate their beauty like I would a fine painting. I am not in LOVE with them or use them in any way to replace friends ~ as I would not use any other work of art to replace friends or my social life. ?? They are objects. Not sentient beings.
I am too busy to be at home all day on my computer (so I'm not overweight or shut-in). I have many other passions in life and plan on exploring them ALL!
I'm not a yaoi (?) fan or into Manga/Anime. Just never appealed to me. However, I love Japanese culture! But, I love MANY cultures!



3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
I suppose there are people that go to Anime/Manga conventions and the like with their dolls ~ or take them to school while having a habit of cosplay~ that would pretty much give the folks a stereotype to focus on. (people do after all make judgements and comparisons in their own minds every day) Whatever. That's life.

If we don't want the stereotype to fit us (or be judged by it), we either keep our hobby to ourselves or be prepared to open up and share our world.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.

Personally, Stereotyping can be negative, or positive depending on what you make of it.
I view this as a means of ‘understanding’ a certain aspect or part of a culture or scene that a particular individual has trouble contemplating, so thus they measure the facts down and twist it into something that is not quite entirely accurate.
Many of these ‘otakus’ in fact, are Japanese, Or German, and truthfully the Japanese people love it.. I’ve always gotten answers that they love how their culture is being recognized and tourism is up the roof in profits now. Though many do not appreciate how others interpret their culture in odd ways such as ‘basement dwelling’ and you know, sitting around eating Doritos, And of course, these certain types of folks are a easy target as they are portrayed as being kind and shy aloof from society, and maybe this offends people and also, probably to put themselves at a higher standard.

Everyone wants to stand out on their own these days, so they will always go to great lengths to chime in, or make fun of a certain stereo type they may have once found themselves a part of, as we all wish to be accepted into society and not hated upon.

much as I’d rather see these American individuals to consider other cultures aside from just Japan, I think it’s great they even bother to look outside the American way, no harm has been done, and from what I’ve asked, many Japanese people obsess over our culture I cannot tell you how many I’ve seen dress up like lady gaga or admire our movie stars and Hollywood especially, if you go to Disney, you will always see a flock of Japanese tourists, and Walt Disney merchandise is BIG over there, much bigger than their own anime scene.
And from what I can tell , it’s very true that many BJD owners were once interested in Japan, it’s because the dolls fit and come from that Society, so it makes sense, and there’s nothing wrong with that? I mean, I can’t see how that in particular is insulting. I think most people would find it cool and neat, cause Americans in other societies are viewed as stuck up and keeping to themselves…not looking outside of themselves and judging others, you’d be surprised actually, America is probably the most judgmental society on the planet, if you go walk around Africa for instance, you’ll find much nicer hospitality then you can get here.
How could sharing cultures possibly be a bad thing? Though when taken to excessive or obsessive measures ANY hobby is bad for you, even sitting around and splurging on dolls, as you should always take care of your health and live your life to its fullest, do not take things overboard and be wise about how much you invest as your own hobbies will change over time. Don’t sit there and waste the day or you will regret it later. That’s all I have to say about the matter.



2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?

I am overweight, but I realized..how important taking care of your body is versus neglecting it. I am on the road of change, and have had some serious health problems the past year, quite frankly I’ve learned my lesson, Its not a looks reason, but a health reason.
I was interested in Japanese pop culture for some time… but I outgrew it particularly once I saw other cultures were much more fascinating so thus I indulged myself in learning about the world and other various cultures. I discovered the BJD hobby 2 years ago through my boyfriend who happens to be ethnically Chinese, I had outgrown that particular visual kei street style scene before then, however I still enjoy the fashion to an extent and would probably wear an outfit or two if I had the body for it, and guilty I have owned Lolita, but only worn on Halloween as a means to have something to wear, my roommate who is Japanese at that time…had actually thought it looked really good on me and found it ‘cool’ that an American would wear such a thing. And especially never worn to a con or anything as I view myself as too overweight for it, but I never judge a single soul who dose, it’s their body, let them figure it out on their own, because your opinion will not contribute to theirs.
I have spent time being frustrated on it, but what can I do ? its not my job here on this earth, and it only adds bad energy to the subject, I'd rather help someone then do anything harmful, as I always feel better when doing so, and I am proud to know I am not adding any suffocating fog in the air. Judging others helps no one, not even yourself , and your opinions will never be heard by the individual you place those ideas upon, they will go in one ear, out the other, or you will just make someone cry and they will get pissed and either hardcore the hobby and make matters worse for themselves, or they will commit suicide, humanity is stubborn and honestly , who wants that on their hands? The problem you had wished to fix or press your ideas upon will never be solved or heard. pointless. A complete waste of time. And I am unsure about you all but I would rather say something kind and memorable, then mean and forgetful.
Let people realize their own issues, don't say it for them because they will never hear you, and even so its up to them. You have a choice, be kind and considerate to your fellow man, or you will ultimately cause drama, suffer and be hated for bringing down others.

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
Obviously, sense the dolls come from Asia they are grouped into this segment of judgmental society, the reason why is because there is no better place to put the hobby as a lot of the 'otaku' scene do seem interested in these dolls, mostly again, as they come from asia and if your interested in another culture, you'd like to learn everything about it. I have had many aunts in their 60s interested in these dolls...everyone is, because they look like real human beings. Who would not like these works of art? Basically American society has grouped BJD owners this way as Otakus were most likely the first to find out, due to liking the culture first and of course happen to stumble upon the subject, and most people must group things together in organization in order to understand them easier, it doesn’t mean they do,but if they can’t put a label on it, then they have to do the extra work of creating one. If bjds started up in Russia, you wouldn’t have this particular stereo type.

 

I partially agree with this- there is a good deal of truth to the stereotypes we all complain about, but that said- being imaginative doesn't make you a weirdo. I think that an overwhelming majority of us here are mature collectors who don't actually think that our dolls "demand" anything, and who are fully aware that they are just dolls. These "mannerisms" are simply a fun way to express the awesome characterization that goes into these dolls for some people- and that's no weirder than those outside the hobby who name their cars or talk to their cats.

Let's face it, human beings are social. We love assigning feelings to things, so why not dolls? That doesn't mean we're all raving lunatics who think our dolls are possessed by some sort of nekomimi shinto priestess. Sure, there are some crazies out there- they exist in every fandom, the people who take everything just a little too far and truly feel as though their hobby can replace normal human social interaction, but they aren't the whole hobby. They're just the part that people see when they take a glance at something they're not into and only see the surface. I'm in no way condemning them for that either- I take an extremely shallow view of fanfiction writing- amoung other things. I don't know all the ins and outs of that hobby, so all I notice are the odd nutjobs huddled in corners. It's no different for people who aren't into bjds.

To that note, I'm not overweight, nor do I collect cats (though I'd like to have some at some point.) nor do I live in my parents basement (although, as a college student I still technically live with them on weekends and holidays XD). I don't tote my dolls around in public talking to them while dressed in undersized cosplays either, and I've noticed that many of my fellow hobbyists also don't. So I guess the thing about stereotypes, is that they don't tend to lend themselves well to the masses, in fact, they're anomalous in and of themselves- take that for a paradox!

 

Doll owner sterotypes? What I've gathered: Histrionic, poorly socialized brat adult-children that are out of touch with the real world yet want to be accepted and rejected by it.

I think some of it comes from the outspoken minority that takes things to the extreme to get a reaction out of a "non doll person". "I know my roomie is terrified of dolls so I'm going to put it right next to her! XD" Seriously? Why? Possibly some of it is lifted from observed behavior at anime cons, but then again those things can bring out the worst in anyone. I lost count of how many melt downs I was unfortunate enough to be present for during Animefest... -facepalm- Some of it is from doll owners just plain not knowing any better. I'm thinking of a discussion on Erzulie's hair in the BID thread. I was seriously gobsmacked at how many people in 2011 seriously thought an afro was *the* realistic hairstyle for a 4-5yr old black girl. Turns out they just didn't know. At the same time, I kinda wonder how other groups would feel if they saw the dolled interpretations of their heritage/culture/life.


I think the only part of the stereotype I fit is the adult-child. I'm a terrible adult; I have to keep reminding myself that 27 IS an adult and that I should probably act it. Others my age have homes and are raising children while my husband and I are "raising" resinoids and Kamen Rider figures like we're still in college. XD

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
I also think the stereotypes have been described before ^^U

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
No... I am honest. I'm not an otaku, nor a wapanese, don't like lolita or cosplay, and I'm not into korean/japanese/asian boy bands or j-rock or visual key, etc, etc, etc... (despite the fact that I have Chinese blood). I don't use dolls to compensate a "lack of real life friends", but rather compensate for all the bad things that happen in my native country (where most of my family is) and don't want to deal with that (now that I live in a developed country and embrace capitalism).

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
I think stereotypes in general exist for a reason. And people tend to look over the most extreme personalities and think in black and white. Also, conventions and meetings in general might spread stereotypes as well (I know a lot of people who are into BJD and love cosplaying or wearing lolita in public, or go to anime conventions). While I think stereotypes could be true to some extent, there's always (and most of the time) exceptions to the rules.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
I can't say any more that haven't been described.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
I'm like the stereotypes because...
- I'm a loner but I choose to be. I like being independent.
- I am a nerd, I love learning.
- I am from a well-off family.
- I like the lolita/cosplay part of Japanese Culture.
I'm not like the stereotypes because...
-I dislike yaoi, yuri, hentai, etc.
-I am "too skinny" as some people put it.
-I do not consider the dolls to be friends because they are not alive.
-I am not a huge anime fan. (There are a few from my childhood I like to re-watch..)
3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
Close-minded people who are really ignorant about the entire hobby. Really.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.

I don't think there is a hobby that doesn't have a stereotype, there are even stereotypes within the stereotype and there are those within the stereotype that give it that aspect.

I think a lot of it has been described already, most people think that we are obsessed with all things Japanese and anime and manga and whatnot, and within the age groups there are those who are older and collect all kinds of dolls and 'toys' and those who are younger to get their parents to buy their dolls and everything for them and those who have literally hundreds of dolls and the list goes on.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?

I'm sure I fit one of the substereotypes, but I definitely don't fit into the main one, unless you want to switch Manga with Uncanny X-Men comics and Anime with Detective shows... I'm not really into anime or manga or any of that stuff, I've been to one Con because I let a friend drag me, but otherwise I'm not really into the whole Japan thing. I love being a Minnesotan, although I do like Australia and plan to at least visit it for an extended period of time somewhere in the way future...

I originally got into the hobby because I liked the idea of being able to make my own clothes and shoes and wigs for the doll and being able to give it my own faceups and make it my own little arts and crafting project. I fell in love with the dolls because I thought they were absolutely beautiful and although I never actually planned to buy one, as soon as I saw Luts Odin my heart was stolen and I was in the hobby whether I had planned to be or not XD

But yes, I'm only 21, but I sort of fit more into the older stereotype; my grandmother and I collected porcelain dolls when I was younger, and I love to bake pie(including the crust) and Italian food from scratch, and I'm known as the sewing guru to my parents whenever a button comes off or a pair of pants or skirt gets ripped, and I like to play cribbage and board games with my grandparents when I visit every other week or so.
But then again, I also have a fascination with medieval weaponry, most particularly swords and axes, and I love country and classical music, and I love the outdoors and going rockclimbing and kayaking, and, again, I'm into Marvel comics, most particularly Uncanny X-Men. And I likes musculature... Like, Greek statues... And comics...

So I'm sure there's a stereotype for me out there somewhere, I just haven't found it yet.

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?

Exactly how there came to be stereotypes everywhere else, people look at the loudest or most noticeable members of a group and say they all act like this or that, even within the stereotype I see this happen. And, again, it doesn't help that normally people stereotype and are stereotyped by the part of the group or hobby that makes the most noise or stands out the most in society. And for this hobby that happens to be people who are obsessed with Japan and like to wear strange outfits in public on a daily basis, who wouldn't take notice of that? It seems to be an easy stereotype to make.

 

this thread is really interesting. I honestly got sick of people that feel the need to put a lable on me like i'm some kind of jar. I admit, i am in to asian music, but that hAs nothing to do with my bjds, as they portray my ocs. I actually came upon them verry randomly, and fell in love with them imediatly. I really don't like telling non-dolly people how much my resin kids actually cost, cause then they just asume I'm spoyeld. And the truth is i work very hard to save every peny i can . So stereotypes like "the rich kid" one do bother me.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
I have no idea. Maybe, probobly, but not nessesairy

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
Ehm.. I have no idea? "like doll stereotype" ? no.. I dont think my friends think so either. Im still me. as I always ben.

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
ppl love to put ppl in facks. why I dont know. Myself i think its kinda rediculos.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
Only by reading this thread have I been able to summarize a stereotype where before I wasn't aware of one. Even though I've been curious about bjds for a few years, I've been slow to join the community face to face. I've seen a couple of bjd owners in highschool (ages and ages ago, now) and, yes, they were into anime and, yes, they were considered outside of the accepted or average student body. But I've never had first-hand knowledge as to the true culture of bjds specifically.

If the stereotype is true, I don't think I'd fit in very well with my fellow doll lovers if only for the lack of anime knowledge and cultural references relating to Japan or similar things.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
If, by the answers to this thread, bjd owners are dramatic anime followers with childlike social skills then I don't think I'm typical. Though I'm not completely atypical of the stereotype either. I've never followed an anime nor do animes really entice me. I'm not big into Japanese culture (unless eating copious amounts of delicious sushi a couple of times a month counts).

I find it hard to be dramatic and reactive. I internalize things I take personally. I don't like confrontation. I'm not a huge fan of creating drama.

My social skills are that of a born introvert, but I'm sociable enough thanks to opportunities in my life that gave me a chance to be without fear. I'm pretty good at knowing when to stop kidding someone. I don't get angry over petty things. Good ole guilt keeps me from any outbursts. Oh yeah, I'm mentally healthy, alright.

As for any physical characteristics attributed to bjd collectors, I simply don't think they exist. I've seen far too many varieties of collectors from pictures that there can't possibly be a standard. I'm like everyone else, different.

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
The hobby is socially unusual (at least in the states where I am). Like anything that a minority of people follow, people immediately attempt to categorize various things about us. Humans are generally built like that. Things we aren't familiar with we try to build labels for. It's where stereotypes came from in the first place.

Stereotypes, in my opinion, are caricatures of groups of people who follow certain ideas and have a certain culture. While they may be based in a seed of truth, they've lost all credibility by magnifying only certain aspects. People take something stunning, something that stands out, and say "Okay, this is what all of you guys are." That's simply not true.

That's my two lincolns. Recommended dosage with a grain of salt. Pepper if you must.

 

Sorry to post again but I wanted to say you make a wonderful point there I agree with most of what you had to say as well as Bellforge, And yes I agree with the cringing at how some people socially act, but as I stated I have no right to judge because as a kid / young teen I fit this stereo type pretty well at a point and time, only now that I'm older and more mature I can see how silly the whole Japanese fad thing was back then.

 

I agree that BJD lovers can be put into the 'Otaku, into everything Asian' stereotype, but I don't mind, as a good amount of the time I have seen this to be true (Me included, Anime & Manga lover, BL fan, love Asian culture, etc.), and I learn to embrace it. It is a little unfair, but hey, I don't mind, as long as no one is mean about it, although I know they can be..

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.

Well, yes. It's the same thing that people keep on saying... that BJD collectors love everything Asian and anime.

I also think that people assume that BJD owners are socially awkward and pretty nerdy.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?

Not at all. I really dislike anime and am not huge into everything Asian.. and I say this as a person with an Asian grandmother. I just don't see the point in being obsessed with any particular culture.

I am not socially awkward. I am well liked, beautiful, thin, and I have smashing taste in clothing. I'll admit I'm not the most outgoing person in the world, but I don't have to be. People always want to talk to me and spend time with me so I don't have to work at getting attention.

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?

Well, the resin doll thing did start in Asia so that would make sense that people would assume that people that love something that originally came from Asia would love all things Asian, anime and all that included. I can see how people would jump to that conclusion, but it annoys me.

I think that the whole thing with people assuming we're all awkward lonely people is just people being mean. This isn't a very main stream hobby and people don't understand it. People tend to dislike what they don't understand.
When I tell people I have dolls they think it's awesome because I'm awesome. I am a costumer at my University so most of them assume that these dolls are only for costumers. Most people haven't had a lot of experience with them.. so they just go on what little they know.

 

i think there are many stereotypes about anyone with dolls, look at a little girl with a doll and you think 'aww thats cute', you think of a boy and you think ' what are his parents thinking', you look at a teen and see them with a doll and you think ' why havent they grown up' then you look at their clothes, if they are wearing pastel clothes then you think 'aww disney kid doesnt want to grow up' or if in darker clothes you think' has that doll got a soul , is it a voodoo doll' thats just on the younger generation, there are far too many stereo types, especially in the west, i personally hate it, im in the younger generation range, and i at the moment only have my porcelain doll and am about to get my BJD's and i get looked at like 'OMG shes going to curse me', however i would never ever curse anyone in my life, however im also not a disney kid who wont grow up. so i get put into a stereotype that just isnt me, and it happens to us all. (red heads are angry, small people are frustrated, people who wear glasses are smart, and so on). so talking about stereo types can sometimes make things worse as people start to act like their stereotype, or mold themselves around it so as to hide from it and thus change who they really are. or it can make people think it more about you as well..... tricky subject really, up their with prejudice and racism in my book (esp as stereotypes quite often are!).

 

Before I started collecting BJDs I had been collecting pullips (and I still do). Pullip collectors (as well as a few other types of collectors) consider collecting BJDs as "the dark side," so we have some BJD collector stereotypes of our own.

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
One of the biggest stereotypes that show up in other communities about BJD collectors are the mindsets that the collectors are elitist jerks, they are snobby, kind of scary, and the more rare and expensive your doll is the more you're liked. If you own a BJD from Bobobie, Goodreau, ResinSoul, and the cheaper doll companies you're considered inferior. Owners on DoA are especially attacked for this. DoA has an elitist atmosphere you have to be "invited" to be a part of the forum, there is a list of what kinds of BJDs are "the right kind" to be discussed on the the forum, and you're very much walking on a tightrope when it comes to the rules because one little thing you do could get you banned.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
The Anime and Manga aspect because I do like those things, but I'm not a crazy japanglish-speaking-crazy-otaku-superfan. I've been to two anime cons in my entire life. As for the elitist part, I don't think I am elitist. I only own one BJD, and I don't judge other people's dolls just because they are less expensive, or not as rare that would be ridiculous!

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?

One rotten egg spoils the bunch. If ONE person does something it has an impact on others.

EX: If ONE person decides to be an elitist jerk about their BJD and knocking someone else down about a cheaper doll, rumors spread and stereotypes are formulated.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? 3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
Yes they are. But i think stereotypes happen not matter where you go. I have seen some minor BJD stereotypes and some very serious ones. I have seen the sterotype that all doll collectors are Weaboo's (Wapanese). I think this is because it is likely you need to like something else from Asia to know about the dolls. And i know in the UK you see a lot of these dolls at anime cons and sometimes, people even call them those anime dolls.

Also that all owners of male dolls like yaoi/boy love because they all male dolls in the hobby are gay. I know a small number of people who do. Maybe people just remember them more then the rest of the doll collectors. A lot of people in the hobby being furry's or Otherkin. I think again this is people remembering a small number of people.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?

I don't think many people fit into stereotypes. They are too fixed on idea's. People are their own people. So no i don't fit in them and i don't think others do either, or at least only a small number.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
Yes, most everything in the world has been stereotyped so we get our own list too.
*ABJD collectors are Japanophiles and are obsessed with everything about and from the japanese culture.
*Socially awkward and loners: "prefer there dolls to people." ----this fits for most any one with a very instense solo hobbie.
* Believe other types of dolls are inferior to ABJDs---Barbie, non Asian BJD, other vinyl dolls etc, which leads me to the last one
* ABJD collectors are elitist who only like rare and expensive dolls and shun inexpensive more common ABJDs.
2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
I probably do fit the stereotype a little. I do love japanese culture. I do watch anime, read manga, listen to J music, follow J fashions and favor some japanese food. But I also other cultures like french, indian, mexican, spanish, english etc... I just love culutre what can I say.

I am a shy person, but I wouldn't say I am down right socially awkward I am polite and try to treat people as nicely as I can. ThoughIi have to admit in some occasions I do prefer my doll to people, especially afetr dealing with some one particularly disagreable.

I love dolls, all dolls. It has been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. In fact one of m favorite shows was the doll show on QVC. I would want almost every doll they were selling but I was a child which equals no money to buy anything. Right now I only have my BJD but I would like to have other dolls like Blythe or other fashion dolls.

I am not elitist about dolls either I am on a tight budget so it took me a long time to be able to think about even purchasing one. There are some dolls i would never buy even if they are expensive and rare. I believe that price and rarity should not be the sole measures of whether to purchase a doll.
3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
Like most stereotypes started. I don't think it took one person, I think it took a group of people that kept the stereotype going. I mean you can meet one person that has these characteristic and think "oh that person is such and such" and leave it as a one case scenario but if you keep meeting other people that have one major thing in common with the first (i.e. ABJD collecting) and who also possess the same characteristics, you start creating patterns in your head. Then perhaps when soem ask you about that group of people you start telling your experiences with those people you meet that were say ABJD collectors generalizing to the whole sphere of ABJD collectors.

 

Yo yo,

I hadn't thought about it, but that is the one stereotype, the elitist personality, that I do think about when it comes to the BJD community (especially when apposed to other doll collecting). I have a Pullip and a Hujoo right now and neither one are appropriate to talk about on this forum. I am working on finding a perfect BJD for me so I almost feel like a poser for being on a BJD forum. But the dolls interest me enough to keep me on.

Though I've not met someone yet who seems to be an elitist to me (though I don't get on forums as much as I'd prefer), that is the thing that is still in the back of my mind when thinking about a BJD/ABJD owner. It's not conscious, of course; that's why it took your post to make me actually recall it.

I agree. I think, in the topic of personality, that it does take only one person to have an extremist opinion, attitude, or belief speaking out and a few people nodding in agreement to make that generalization.