Doll Owner Stereotypes?

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
Before I read this forum, I didn't really associate any stereotypes with BJDs, unless having disposable income is considered a stereotype. As for people who aren't interested in BJDs, I don't know anyone who knows what they are except people who are interested in anime/manga/Japan/etc. I think BJD owners are the most aware of stereotypes, which have been listed here numerous times already. Personally, if I hadn't read other answers, I would have said the stereotypes were: interested in anime/manga/Japan/etc and more creative than the average person. I don't consider either of these to be negative stereotypes.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
I like anime/manga/video games/J-rock (or whatever it's called now)/Gothic Lolita fashion, but I don't fit the artistic/creative stereotype, unfortunately.

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
Probably from online forums. Since I wasn't in the hobby before DoA, I'm not aware of how it differed then, but when there's a nicely organized forum where a large number of people gather, it's easy to spot trends in the interests of the forum's users. For instance, let's say there's a forum for people who like rocks. There are 10 people on the forum and 8 of them enjoy nature and make posts that reference their love of nature. Perhaps they enjoy taking pics of their rocks in beautiful locations outside. The stereotype could then be established that people who like rocks also enjoy nature, though 2 of the people on the forum hate nature and only photograph their rocks indoors. (Note: I know nothing about rock collecting...or nature.)

 

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

Sure. People think we have no life or friends, because our dolls fill that role. We are all into anime, manga, yaoi, cosplay, video games, throw in "kawaii" randomly in our sentences because we think we're Asian, and waste tons of money on stupid dolls that don't do anything or serve a purpose. Oh, and don't forget that we are all pervs because we have anatomically correct dolls ^^;

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

No. I watch anime sometimes (mainly on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim), but I watch Regular Show, Adventure Time, King of the Hill, Family Guy and American Dad WAY more. I do not cosplay, or attend anime conventions. I am interested in Japanese culture, mainly since I've been in love with Pokemon since I was 5 or 6. I hope to learn the language and visit Japan someday, but I also want to visit many places. This is because I think Japanese is very beautiful compared to most other languages. I've already taken Spanish and German courses, so it's just natural for me to want to learn languages. I don't like yaoi, manga, gothic/lolita fashion, or j-rock. BJDs is the main interest I have invested in Asian culture.

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

Because the vocal minority can outweigh the silent majority. Most "normal" people don't make a scene, but it's the people who do that are remembered (much like the woman at work that took their doll into the bathroom, as someone mentioned). This leaves a negative impression about anyone who is in the hobby. It exists within every hobby and everyday life. I don't think people should fit into a "cookie-cutter" society in terms of behaviors and such, but this is why I think stereotypes are formed.

Overall I could care less if people thought I was everything the stereotype suggests. We will all have different interests, but we all have BJDs in common. This is why I think this community is so strong.​

 

Everyone has pretty much covered 1 and 3, so here goes number 2:

Ways in which i DO fit the stereotypes:
I am a nerd. Not for animu so much, but I'm big on the superhero comics. I play lots of video games, but mostly action and FPSs. I guess you can say I'm creative too. I sew and sculpt and paint.

How I break the mold:
I don't take myself (or my dolls) seriously at all. I am introverted, but I have a wide variety of friends. Gay porn does NOTHING for me. Ummm what else... I don't have any cats? Heheh.

 

I want go in detail about the "stereotype", because most have already mentioned anime- and manga-fans, and that is the one trait that immediately struck me as a part of the BJD-owner-stereotype.

As for me, I feel I sort of fit in, sort of not.
I am a very slim girl (bordering on underweight), who are into anime, manga, games, pretty much anything creative, and much else. I'm also a BL fangirl (GL fangirl just as much though, mind you).
I could, however, never even consider majoring in anything pertaining to anything of those hobbies, and am currently majoring in science in general, because I have a soft spot for anything science related and know I want to study medicine.
Even though being on the "anime"-fangirl side of the fence, I prefer my dolls not to be anime-ish, I do not want my boys too girly, and have found myself more drawn to the realistic sculpts.
So, I think I fit a bit into the stereotype, if the anime/manga-interest is a part of it, while my scientific side is, as far as I've seen, a bit rarer on the total in this community.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype?
Yes . most of the people think we are lonely and have no friends , but thats not true
we do have friends . i think most dollowners love manga/anime . And also - what i see-
they are alternative . or wearing not usual stuff from usau stores but buy it by like alternative shops

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
Yes i do . except that i love manga more then anime

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

 

I'm just going to answer #2 and #3, because the stereotype has already been identified multiple times.

I don't fit the stereotype, not at all. I do not like Anime or manga, I find Japanese culture to be over-rated and exploited by the "weaboo" types out there, and I have no issues connecting with people, and BJDs aren't my main hobby by far.

I think the stereotype came into being and persists because the most visible members of the hobby are the ones at anime conventions, or carry their dolls around while going to Asian specialty shops, restaurants, and what have you. While there is nothing wrong with this, it has made/fed the stereotype.

 

Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
I've seen that there is. The kind of stereotype depends on who you ask, though, and about what age you are talking.
Older people with dolls are stereotyped as often being fat doll-moms, without children or with the children already having left the house. The dolls substitute for their children, so to speak, and they have enough money to spoil their dolls. That's what people feel about people with bigger dolls in general, where I live.
The younger ones are mostly stereotyped as being otaku, who save all their money for dolls, figurines, games and vids and don't spend it on themselves. They don't socialize much in real life but might go to cons and meet online. That is often the case when I talk to people from South Korea or China.
Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Why?
I might fit the second ST I mentioned. I'm 23 now and still in college. I don't spend all my money on dolls and also got other hobbies and some friends, but I could still be considered an otaku by people who aren't very familiar with that term and just look at what I wear, what music I hear, what kinds on games I play, videos I watch and what kinds of books I read. Also I did put some dolls on credit in the past, since I didn't want to miss out on them, so the time after I got them, I had to take more work to pay them off. And since I don't like to go shopping and only buy thing I really need for myself, that counts as spending a lot more on dolls than on myself (other hobbies not included).
How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
One thing: The price. The giant sum of money we spend on dolls made out of plastic.
another thing: A doll itself. General dolls, the dolls people might grow up with, are rarely brought along into adulthood and are mostly looking like babies or children.

 

Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
At times, yes. Some people get stereotyped as otaku: liking anime & manga, worshiping Japan, wearing lolita/decora/visual kei, whatever. I've found that some people also assume that your dolls are compensating for something missing in your life: children, a bad childhood, feelings of inadequacy with yourself, being lonely. That or the majority of us are elitist snobs that look down on cheaper companies, I don't know.

Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Why?
I like anime/manga and Japanese street fashion but otherwise, no. I'm not compensating for anything, I'm not lonely, and I'm not obsessed with Japan or any Asian country. I also don't look down on any BJD companies. That's rather silly.

How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
We're adults (for the most part) that collect dolls. We also spend a good deal of money on them and, as with any hobby, there are some crazies involved.

 

As for stereotypes I the main one would be that we are friendless, anime loving, nerds. I don't buy much into stereotypes though. People can think what they want, it doesn't make it true.

 

Very interesting topic!

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
I personally don't socialize with other doll owners too much, but I will put it this way:

When I found people posting about their dolls on YouTube I couldn't help but think: "I'm not like them." It wasn't that I thought myself better or that they were bad, but rather that I couldn't associate my reasons to want a doll with theirs. First of all, most people I met online who had BJDs would turn them into characters in their story. The reason I wanted dolls was for photography and fashion design. [Even though I write as well.]

The people whom I have met thereafter (and even now that some of the dolls that I want do fit into a story I'm co-writing with my best friend) have somehow "fit" with the impression I got from those vloggers. Basically, I've come to feel that there is a stereotype, but not just a singular type. There are many.

To expand. There's those who are the ones who paint dolls and are known for their face up skills. I almost consider them the celebrities of the BJD community; everyone has heard of them, fawns over them, and wants their dolls to look like this or such's person or to have their face ups done by them, etc.

Then we have those who characterize their dolls as punk/goth/emo/etc. These remind me of young people, of music, and freedom. I consider them to be the chill group. People I can approach easily and who might even like some of the bands I listen to.

Then we have those who are the collectors. The ones who buy all the really expensive, limited dolls. Some might share their pictures, but overall they're private. They're a fountain of knowledge too! I personally feel intimidated by these types of people because I feel that my non-$1000+ doll will be frowned upon by them.

Then there are the doll collectors who make all their dolls gay/lesbian or characterize them very sexually. The lolicons too. The ones always posting pictures of their girls in the nude, etc. They remind me of those who read YAOI manga and write fan fictions. I'm not saying that's true of all of them, but we're discussing how stereotypes form, right?

Then naturally -- the anime "freaks." The ones who cosplay their dolls into manga/anime/videogame characters. The ones who name all their dolls something in Japanese and who even dress up in cosplay too.

And I honestly hate all stereotypes... but admit that I have "put people in them" as well.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
No, I don't. My best friend and I agreed to get a Migidoll boy each to be twins and our best friend charms. Up until then I never considered writing a story based on dolls -- but we created a biography for our charms and eventually it blew up into a story. Even so, I don't feel like I fall into the stereotype of doll owners who buy dolls just to embody characters; because I don't. That's not the reason why I want dolls. I suppose there is that stereotype of BJD owners who photograph their dolls where I could fall into -- but I don't think I even qualify. Usually those people have super expensive cameras, spend hundreds on props -- thousands if you count props and clothing, and habitats and all that... whereas I don't particularly see myself going that professional about it.

I can't even say that BJDs is my main "hobby" because it isn't. I admire those who have the ability to devote themselves to this as much as they can, but I don't see myself being that way either. Every time I think back on the pre-established stereotypes I wonder: Where do I fit in all this? And I can't find myself anywhere.

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
I'm thinking that it has a lot to do with how people present themselves and their dolls. Like I said. I didn't come up with these stereotypes I mentioned: They were there when I started this. But it's definitely a "word of mouth" sort of thing. My friend wasn't into BJDs and I got her into it with my interest. I can already see her falling into a stereotype though, which has nothing to do with me. That's just how it is. These dolls fill a certain need and satisfy a certain aspect of us as individuals; and such attitudes are perceived by others as this or that. It doesn't mean the stereotype is correct, but we fall into it nonetheless.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype?
I think perhaps it is believed that we're all into anime and video games?? Although, when I've introduced my hobby to someone who doesn't understand these dolls, I'm given the impression they think I have deep conversations over tea parties with baby dolls. hahaa XD;

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
I think I probably fit somewhere among the anime related stereotype. I'm not bothered by it really. It's definitely better than people thinking I'm into something I'm not. 8);b

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
Where resin bjd and obitsu meet, I think its easy to see the similar connection. Volks having been around for a long time, has produced anime themed products and probably led people to associate resin bjd collectors with those interested in anime. I'm pretty sure that there are a good number of us who like anime too.. so the stereotype could have just been assumed from that as well.

 

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

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

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

I think there are stereotypes about the doll world certainly. And yes, most are as you describe. One of the biggest is that we are nerds. I think that, to some extent, you have to be if you classify nerds as people who are fanciful and intellectuals (and let's face it, most people do). Without that love of fantasies and creativity that is most often bred by fiction novels, there isn't much attraction to the hobby. The dolls would just be dolls.

Yes, I fit quite well into the stereotype, and I'm glad to. Now, I may not look it, as I'm generally rather tomboyish in my aesthetics (and I tend to be rather odd), but I think I fit in quite well.

The stereotypes came into the hobby the same way any stereotype is created. People take a look at the outside, make assumptions, and shazam! the stereotype is born.

 

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

All doll owners are poor

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

Absolutely

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

​The truth

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
Well, sometimes people tell me that a BJD owner is generally Otaku or visual people, japan lovers, etc.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
hahaha honestly no. I'm a regular high school teacher, I'm married and pretty boring, so hahaha, I do not believe in that stereotype.

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

Maybe... generalization.

 

There is one big stereotype that comes with doll collecting: Creepy and Crazy. Let's be honest, how many horror movies have you seen where there's a creepy doll in the closet or movies or books about dolls coming to life and not in a fun way (Chuckie for instance.) It's not fair for the hobby is put in that kind of light but anything that has large, blank eyes can give people the creeps. therefore the doll owners are creepy people too...? That's the widest used stereotype I've seen used.

 

I feel that if I tell people that I know (besides husband and immediate family) that they would judge me. The people I work with already do! haha but what can you do? I like what I like.

As far as what they judge me for, the idea of spending $400-$700 or more for a doll just blows their minds. And then they wonder what is wrong with me and then probably become iritated because they start thinking of all the things they could do with that kind of money then start thinking that I'm some rich idiot lol.

I don't mind the stereo types too much, but I always wanna say, hey, for one thing, I'm far below being rich! haha In fact, I stay broke because I like to buy clothes for my dolls and buy other dolls haha. And you spend your money the way you do, and I spend it the way I want to. I am married, we both have great jobs, and I have no kids. So I figure I can do what I want. My husband buys $700-$1,000 guitars because he loves to play and loves to collect them. No one looks at him crazy because they know he loves guitars and he plays professionally on stage a lot. And he sees no problem with me buying what I like, even though he thinks I'm cute and a little weird playing with my dolls haha! but he still loves me xD

I have spent $300 or more on purses. A lot of people do. So people need to just get over themselves

 

I agree a 100%! I am a nerd and I tend to think of myself as very creative too. I think that is what draws me to the dolls. I love manga, I love drawing beautiful things, and so I love my dolls and I love to draw them! they are so pretty and so perfect! ;D

I think that making the dolls who they are is what the hobby is all about. Like you just said, without creativity, they would just be dolls!

Amen!

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
Originally it was the whole anime thing, but i think now thanks (or VERY lack there of) we are now going to probably be considered perverted old men who are pedophiles... *tries not to tangent* People dont do much research and assume that BJDs are either "overly expensive, oversized barbies" or "Sex dolls" Yeah everyone touched on the anime and video game thing, but its not a stereotype when it describes a good portion of the population. But the most recent one about us all being middle aged guys who like hentai and upskirts who prey on children on youtube is the newest one...

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
The anime one yeah, i started out on anime and such, i didnt get into the hobby coz of anime, i got into via deviantart... so as an artist that's where my loyalties lie in regards, mainly because I like the more realistic dolls.
However... I am not a middleaged guy living in my mother's basement, i am a new mother of one, married, and aspiring artist and writer...

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
The Anime one... well because lets face it, most of us here enjoy it... most of us have some kind of ground in asian culture that brought us to the BJDS.

The other one... is thanks to poor journalism of someone who cant be bothered to do a good job and needs to get their fingers pinched by doll joints for the rest of their lives! *angry*

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
Yes, we are all anime/japan freaks who are immature etc wear lolita etc. Basically what everyone else said

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
That being said, i do fit into the stereotype a bit. I enjoy the occassional anime, go to conventions, wear lolita, am a casual yaoi fan and am also chubby. That being said, i don't believe i fit into it either because i am not the rabid fan of any of these the common stereotype suggests, nor do i buy dolls to become anime characters. So a yes/no for me

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
I think it's because, with any hobby, there are going to be those few crazy people that stand out from the rest, and that's what shapes public opinion. Sadly, there isn't much i feel that can be done with it

 

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

Being a relative new-comer to the BJD hobby, I would have to say I hadn't heard of any stereotype placed on BJD owners. I'd heard plenty of things about the dolls, but not the owners. In fact, the only doll owner I knew before one of my friends got into the hobby was a near retiree whom was into life sized realistic baby dolls and she really disturbed me. So I would have to say that any stereotypes are developed and perpetuated by those only knowing someone vaguely that owns a BJD.


2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
Well, based on what I said, I don't fit the stereotype because I hadn't seen one. Based on other's responses to the stereotype questions. I fit it somewhat. I do have a issue with fan-fiction that I'm trying to get over, and liked Anime when I was younger. Now though it's just as difficult to get me to watch anime as any other video medium. I do enjoy Jpop, J-rock and more traditional japanese music, but then again, I participate in international folk dancing and enjoy music from other countries more than America. I like Irish bands and German bands and would like Russian bands if I could figure out who they were. I've music from South Africa and South Korea as well. But I also don't quite fit into the BJD mold either. I haven't named the boy I'm fostering and almost have decided to keep him nameless so I can do whatever I like. Although I think he did have a name before arriving here. I've only pulled him out for making clothes or photo shoots, then he either gets left where I was working on the clothing, or goes into a case.


3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
As they said in My Best Friend is a Vampire "A Few bad apples spoilt it for us back in the dark ages"
That seems to be how most stereotypes are started.