Doll Owner Stereotypes?

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
Definitely, and I think loads of people have already mentioned most of what I am aware of-- nerdy, sometimes overweight adult women, otaku/lolita fans, plus emo/goth enthusiasts, and generally unprofessional/immature across the board.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
Nope. I liked anime when I was a kid, and while I still appreciate the more serious Japanese animated films (Miyazaki's work for example, Grave of the Fireflies comes to mind as well) I have not been a "anime fan" since I was in braces and pigtails. Also, I have a very professional work life, and don't have the patience for the "Squee omg!" crowd anymore =/ I keep my hobbies to myself, and participate on this forum to get the "Squee omg!" out of my system. However, I did professionally model cosplay for a few years, though almost none of it was anime based (Lara Croft, Batgirl, pinup, etc.) So I'm a general nerd and a gamer, but I don't express that with outrageous expensive costumes that I wear like "what are you looking at, these are my normal clothes" and whatnot.

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
I'm pretty sure it's because the doll people that are obvious in the public eyes are the ones that publicly display over-the-top expressions of their fandom. Wearing gothic-lolita in their everyday lives, 30 year olds wearing anime t-shirts when most people consider it something for children, etc. The attention they draw is not one of genuine interest, more like if someone was wearing a clown suit in the middle of Wal*Mart, but they continue to do it for lord knows what reason. I think it's just that whole thing about being a "nerd," lol! The ones that show it display it to the extreme, and create the stereotypes. The rest of us sit back and shake our heads, but in the end we all DO have at least one thing in common

 

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
Yes I think I do fit the stereotype to some degree. I read a lot, whether it's manga or novels, I'll follow a story if I like it. I watch a little anime and game a lot. I'm also not the most social of people, sure I can talk and be outgoing like any other person, but I don't like going to parties, which puts me on the sideline and makes me seem "anti social" to a lot of people. But if that makes me a stereotype then so be it, I like being me
Edit: I also forgot to add I love to write. Just piling on the nerdyness now xD

I don't think there's really much I can say about the other two questions since they have been answered so well already.

 

No. Not at all.
I know very little about anime and frankly it doesn't interest me. I think people who collect things in general are stereotyped as the "sad, weird" type of person. And I think that's unfair - just cause you're interested in something and you have a hobby that makes you happy, doesn't mean you're some kind of recluse who sits indoors all day with your dolls. However I think I might fit a bit of the stereotype in that I'm fairly reserved and nerdy

 

I agree with what has been often said here. Yes, I believe that the stereotype for BJD owners is for them to be people really into Asian culture, anime, manga, and so on, as well as into crafting, sewing, and art. However, from an outsider's view I think they would also expect BJD collectors to be socially awkward and childlike.

I'm definitely a Japanophile. My major is East Asian Studies because I've wanted to go to Japan since I was in the fourth grade (thank you, Sailor Moon). I really love sewing and crafting (yes, I cosplay), so I fit into most of the supposed stereotypes. However, I don't think I'm socially awkward, and I don't sonsider myself to be very childlike. After all, I know lots of adults who are into cosplay, and even Renn Faire garb, which I consider to be part of the same thing (dressing up and playing). I'm... Pretty sure I'm a mature person. I try to be, anyway.

Basically, I think the Into Asian culture" stereotype came about because ABJD are, in fact, Asian. A lot of people probably discovered them because of other things from that part of the world (like I did with Angel Layer). While it's not true for everyone, I at least can see how this stereoype came about. Especially since it's so applicable to me. The same goes for the sewing stereotype. Because these dolls were made to be customized it seems obvious that other people would assume an owner was planning to sew/craft/mod the doll themselves. Again, not everyone does, but there's a reason for the creation of the sereotype.

The socially akward stereotype, however... I think that one came about because people associate dolls with children, and therefor automatically assume that someone who owns dolls is someone who hasn't grown up or has no friends and needs dolls to compensate. Now, I know this isn't true, but I believe that is how someone who doesn't understand would see it. Especially in today's society in the U.S, people assume that toys and play are for children only. Adults do not play. Adults work and own cars. This stereotype is something I can't stand, since I'm part of a large community of adults who love to play (cosplay, Renn Faires, BJDs, and so on). I think the general mental health of the U.S. would be much improved if more adulots just gave up and played dress up and pretend once and a while. But the average person I see on the street probably thinks that is beneath their dignity.

There is also the "herd" mentality to consider. If you are currently in high school or middle school than you know exactly what I mean. It is the mild fear of anyone who does anything different than most people. There is the desire to "explain" why that person is different and can therefor be shunned. "Oh, he/she is carrying a doll. They must have something wrong with them. I can mock/ignore/harrass them until they conform." People just generally have trouble understanding things that they don't personally like.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
I'm not really sure because I've never spoken to people about how the BJD community are perceived, but from what I've read here and elsewhere, it would appear we are perceived as overweight, physically unattractive white women/teenagers who are obsessed with Japan and being overly dramatic, wrapped up in the idea that they're "creative" and "artistic" and whatnot. We read a lot of fantasy and like elves and fairies and stuff. We love manga, yaoi in particular, and say "Kawaii!!!!" a lot. I don't actually interact with many people in the hobby who are like this, but there you go.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
Not at all, really. I don't read manga or watch anime, I don't care much for Japan (don't hate it or anything, just not especially interested). I'm white and female, but not overweight- if anything, worryingly skinny. I hate drama, but I guess I am obsessed with being "creative and artistic". I loathe fantasy, have no interest whatsoever in elves or fairies. Gothic horror for me all the way! and I have never, ever said the word Kawaii. I like dolls because they're beautiful and allow me to create characters and storylines, which I enjoy.

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
I just don't know! People like being able to put groups of people into boxes. Makes them feel safer, you know. But at the end of the day, every doll owner is different, with different ideas, different view points... just different people!

 

You said it so well.

People can't help but make stereotypes, because the brain simply works that way. It makes categories, because it's easier to manage the vast amounts of information it gets than just dumping them without any categorizing. Also, making stereotypes were an evolutional advantage, since it helped to differentiate between "like me - can reproduce" and "not like me - can't reproduce". Fighting stereotypes is a noble thing, but entirely brought on by culture, and it goes against basic instinct....there is no person who is absolutely free of stereotypes.

And actually it's quite funny, how we all stereotype the 'others', the 'non-dolly' people. We make assumptions about what they think about us...not to mention that all these assumptions are very heavily influenced by our cultural background.

For example - here, where I live, actually nobody would assume that someone who collects ABJD is an anime/manga fan, japanofile or a nerd...or anything like that. Simply because most people don't even know that such a thing like anime exists. Here if I say I collect dolls, most people assume that I'm some kind of artist who makes her own sculptures. Or they think of cloth-dolls, and think that I'm in the "childish" category, some people already mentioned before me^^ But most strangers, who haven't seen my dolls usually guess 'porcelain' and 'very expensive'.

Interesting huh, how a different location can change all those stereotypes?

Also it's intriguing to see what one considers 'fitting a stereotype'. For example - my rough background is eerily similar to Laelen's whom I quoted. I'm a freshly graduated medical doctor, with passing interest in anime/manga based mostly on the aesthetic/artistic values, absolutely no interest in japanese music, and a bunch of engineer and financier friends. She thinks she doesn't fit the 'stereotype' - maybe because in her culture fitting into that stereotype needs a much stronger obsession with japanese things. However I think that I do fit the same stereotype, even though our basic background is almost the same (though I'm not asian myself XD).

Stereotypes are very subjective, and the moment you want to talk about a group of people (stamp-collectors...woodworkers...people who are using stereotypes)...you'll find yourself using your own stereotypes - at least to some extent.^^ Still, it's rare to find a person who fits into a certain stereotype perfectly - some aspects may be there...but a perfect match? That's almost as hard as finding a resin match to Soom Vesuvia...

 

Actually where I am, people are probably most likely to think 'childish', or expensive collectibles, or the ever popular 'desire to have children'. Even though a lot of people are aware that anime exists, they don't necessarily know a lot about it other than Japanese cartoons. Their knowledge doesn't extend much farther, and a doll is a doll is a doll to people not into dolls. Of course, age could play a factor too. People in highschool might come in to contact with more people who are knowledgeable about Japanese pop culture, where as it doesn't come up much for adults in the work place (of course there are always exceptions).

I think the people most likely to stereotype bjds as being related to Japanophiles, anime fans, lolitas etc are people who have both been exposed to those things as well as abjds -- or at least enough to be able to see some sort of possible overlap or similarity. I think that's why I've always gotten the most flak from people over my dolls at cons -- they've seen bjds around and know just enough to think they know more than they do and get a lot of it wrong. For most of the general public, it's not going to cross their minds.

 

Hahaha, that is actually really awesome! Congratulations on your graduation oUo!!! Hopefully I will be in a similar position in the future!

You're right on the money for subjectivity of stereotypes or any other factor of perception. I think taco's onto something regarding the scope of a person's experiences and how that can shape what is involved with stereotypes. I have seen some otaku [and other things of course..] that are just .. well..very out there. XD; So my scope of these things is rather large. And compared to your environment where, perhaps, there may not be such an extreme, you would probably place yourself more dramatically on the scale of fitting in. We base our perceptions only on the experiences we've had, and the information we've been in contact with.

But back to the topic at hand, I'd like to address this statement from the OP:

"We talk a lot about stereotypes, unfairness, and the challenges of being in such an uncommon hobby on DoA."

Yes, indeed there's tons of talk of the like all around DoA and in life, but often I find that there's a disconnect between the people who are 'victims' and a sense of reason and willingness to understand the other party who does [what I assume] the discriminating. In fact, a lot of people DO warrant those prejudices and don't go out of their way not to. I hope that makes sense. Now, it may be asked "why must I go out of my way for people to respect me?"

And well, the answer should be intuitive.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
I'll be honest, I spent a little time reading about us on Encyclopedia Dramatica while I've been in the hobby, and I did laugh (self-deprecating sense of humor and all XD). I think more than anything we probably get the stereotype of Japanophile (already mentioned) and also a penchant for egregious gender-bending. <_>

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
I do a little bit. I used to be suuuuch an anime-fangirl,-studies-Japanese-out-of-a-book-during-seventh-grade-history type dork. I'm still quite the D&D- and Magic-playing, Star-Trek-watching, socially awkward dorkface that I have always been, now a college kid looking to study dead languages out of a book during History of Western Civ. >> Not as much of an anime fan anymore, but that's more because I've felt the industry has changed. It's less geeky in a way, if that makes any sense. /OT

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
Someone before me said it best, I think; hobbies bounce from person to person when they have something in common, so while this is in no way true for every BJD owner, it's possible a lot of us were a little nerdy already, and our interests converged in this hobby while it was still young, so now that's our rep. XD;

 

I agree with this a lot. To the average person on the street, when you say doll collector, I highly doubt most are going to think of shrieking, teeanged fangirls who go to cons. Most are going to think of older women who collect porcelain dolls of some sort, and then follow that up with an assumption that they are either replacing children with dolls or have some sort of other social dysfunction. I think the anime obsessed stereotype shows up more online where people who frequent forums are going to have more contact with that particular type of collector, and often are people who share an overlapping interest, like seeing the dolls at cons.

I will admit, and I am not ashamed to, that on the outside I am one of these stereotypical collectors. I love anime/manga. I write fanfiction. I collect figures of scantily clad women. I love BL and yes, almost all of my dolls are gay. I listen to Japanese music. I've traveled to Japan, I've been that weird gaijin at doujinshi events. Oh well, those are all things I love to do, and the dolls are just part of it. It's been a long time, however, since I was a teenager. I'm not going to grow out of these interests because they're life long ones.

Doll owners themselves stereotype other doll owners all the time too, so it's not just pointing fingers at the so called mundanes/muggles. How many threads are there where a collector who doesn't act like the stereotypical "My dolls are my children/best friend who I treat like small people that I bond intensely with and take with me everywhere I go" type get treated differently?

 

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

Yes! All the ones people have mentioned already. And I'm sure there's a few more floating around.

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

Only in bits and pieces. I like anime, but it's not the only thing I watch. It's not even the only animation I enjoy! I like Japan. But I like learning about all sorts of cultures.

I hate defining myself by such a small box, which is essentially what a stereotype is. There's all sorts of parts to me.

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

Honestly? I think it's a case of the squeaky wheel getting the grease. Say you have two doll collectors who both crossdress their boys. When asked, collector 1 calmly replies that it's a doll, he's a guy, I like putting him in dresses because of X, etc. Collector 2 starts foaming at the mouth and shouting about her precious-snowflake-boy being mistaken for a girl. Which one do you think is going to leave a negative impression? Which one is going to lead to the crazy anime/lolita/Japanophile/loner stereotype?

I firmly believe that we can change any stereotype if we react to such things in a positive, polite, open way. Even if the person asking questions is being rude, you can at least show that you're above acting like that.

 

Right I laughed when I read the title and the intial discussion of this topic, for a good reason of course.

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it. and 3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?

I think there will always be a type of stereotyping from any hobby but a lot of it does come from the people in the hobby itself. Usually I can see BJD stereotypes as either 1) the already mentioned fascinated/otaku stereotype. 2) Fashion doll collectors in general 3) old porecelain doll collectors. All featuring a type of obsession and clique. Of course this is my own personal view on this.

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

If you put my hobbies and interests on paper and not know me personally then yes I fit into the stereotypical 'Otaku' and 'fangirl' stereotype. I even had someone on one of my pages mention it. Thats what I think people are, if you just type out or write what you like then sure they are a 'certain' type of people but people are not always 2D, there are a lot more to them than just certain things.

For example, I fit the Otaku stereotype because I collect ABJDs, I read manga, I read BL, I wear lolita fashion, I cosplay, my favourite singer is from a J-pop band and another from a J-rock band, I watch anime, I attend Conventions. So if you consider all of that, I'm your stereotypical 'otaku' I guess. But for me its all 'natural' things, like some who mentioned above I'm just used to the asian aesthetic as that is what I've been brought up on and is attracted to. Anime to me is no different than watching say Simpsons because to me its all cartoons. If the story line is good then I'll watch whatever it is.

But on the flip side if you consider what else I like, I can tell you I like history in general, is fascinated with ancient greek mythology, victorian/edwardian era, costume making in general. I also like classic literature, plays, 50s fashion, ratpack music etc. Everything I like that is considered 'otaku-ish' can be countered by something else I like. My chosen future profession is also very none stereotypical too. People are not 2D creatures so ideally I try not to stereotype (I can't say I'm 100% successful, I try though). Although I sometimes think doll owners stereotype 'non-owners' as much as 'non-owners' stereotype owners. So for me I think the best way is to act normal and not make a big deal about it.

 

1) that's been answered too many times here already

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
I'm not big into anime/manga, lolita, conventions, and I'm not anti-social by any means; but I'll admit anime was my gateway to dolls 6 years ago. I am an avid listener of Japanese music, have been to Japan, and taken my dolls to Japan...so sure I guess so. I am not; however, the squeeing fangirl type in regards to dolls and I don't love all things Japan. I see the bad and the good. BTW, most of the ABJD's actually come from Korea...yet not a lot of people are Koreanophiles....I wonder why that is??

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
*looks around* yep, everyone's human.
Basic behavioral patterns are hardwired into the human brain; based on those that offered the greatest chance of survival throughout the evolution of life. Another reason might be insecurities. Stereotyping others is a way to cover insecurities and preserve your brain's definition of "normal".

Why is it that we as doll collector's stereotype amongst ourselves? Ever been to a doll meet? Those with similar interests outside of the hobby will group together isolating or stereotyping themselves into a certain group over another even though everyone at the meet is an ABJD collector. Interesting no? It all goes back to individual insecurities and hard-wiring. Most people have a herd mentality, they need a leader to follow in order to feel that what they think is validated by society. This is further broken down when there are groups within groups. Think back to high-school...same thing. Each person will seek out those that are the most similar and 'bond' with that group. I think it must go back to the human survival genes of ancient times in order to survive "safety in numbers".

And to further point out, yes not everyone does this. But most do.

 

I adore that you mentioned this; I thought I was the only person who wondered about that.

 

Hmm...this has all been a very interesting read so far!
I will start upfront by saying that I am an anthropologist (by degree, if not in my current job description) so I am always fascinated by the social classifications that people are assigned or self-adopt. ^_^

Thinking back after reading all of these posts, I have to admit that in my personal experience with people who are not familiar with the hobby...I have not encountered the most commonly suggested stereotypes mentioned in this thread. Those being that BJD owners are all anime infatuated, Japanophile, Con-geeks, etc. etc. etc.

To be quite honest, most of the people I have encountered outside of the hobby do not know enough about the hobby to come to such conclusions. In most cases, the first BJD they have ever seen is the one that I am holding when they see me. ^_~

That said, there are certain, common conclusions/reactions that people have had when they have seen me with a BJD:

1. They are shocked. Perfect strangers will stare unabashedly at me because I am carrying a doll. I live in America, and I am a 27 year-old, married woman of slight build. In most cases I tend to assign this reaction to the preconception in America that adults do not play with toys, as others have mentioned before.

2. In cases where it is someone that I know, but that does not know the hobby, it is often assumed that I am replacing my lack of children with BJDs. I have heard this from both my parents, my in-laws, as well as other family members and family friends, as well as co-workers. I do not have children, but people automatically assume that I want them and that I am filling that niche with my expensive, human-shaped toys. In this way, I imagine this also dovetails into the notion that BJD owners are lonely and using their dolls to replicate social interactions (which has been mentioned before as well).

In my experience with the BJD hobby I have met several doll owners who are very interested in anime, Japan, video games, drawing, fantasy, goth, vampires, writing, drawing, sewing, guns, and role play who like to cross-dress their dolls.
However I have also met BJD owners who are collectors of other types of dolls, photographers, current or one-time vegetarians or vegans, and who are professional artists. There are all kinds.
I have also met BJD owners across a whole range of ages from under 10 to over 50.
I think that there are probably trends within the hobby, due to the way that information about the hobby has been spread. What are the most common places to encounter BJDs other than on BJD specific forums or stores? Anime cons...on Deviant art...each of these venues also has their own collection of stereotypes.

As for myself...I'm sure I can be shoehorned into many of the commonly perceived stereotypes:
I took Japanese in college, though it was more as a form of resistance to my parents' insistence that I take Spanish than a specific desire to know all things Japanese.
I watched anime throughout high school and college. And though I have not watched it for quite some time, I do own several series (including the more expensive, pretty, fullset boxed type) and little actions figures and statuettes from said series. The series are collecting dust on my DVD shelf, and the figurines are mostly packed away in a box in the closet save a few favorite. I became interested in anime because it was a form of cartoon with very high production quality that told more mature stories, and that appealed to me having grown up on Disney's animated films.
I can safely be classified as a "nerd"...though you probably guessed that from my initial statement that I am an anthropologist. ^_~
I am probably considered anti-social. I am an only child, so I have no problem being without interaction from peers. I do not like crowds or parties, but I have been happily married for five years and have a small group of good friends that I see on a regular basis.
I dress eccentrically. I always have. When I was young my clothing was too brightly colored, too vintage, when I was in college it swung heavily toward goth, but that taught me not to care. I rarely dress in a gothic style anymore, though I've kept most of the clothing because I find it pretty or interesting. I just wear what whatever strikes my whimsy.
I do take my dolls out in public. I like to take photographs, and my tiny apartment simply can't support my ideas. I enjoy taking my dolls places because I enjoy my dolls. The people who know me have or are slowly accepting that, and I am learning not to care about the stares.
I am artistic. I draw, and I have dabbled in writing. I am interested in DIY projects.

But basically I stated collecting BJDs because I have always like dolls. I had a large collection of Barbies as a child, and I loved antique stores and thrift stores, which lead me to the Barbie-like brands that came about in the 1960s that were hard plastic and had joints. When I saw BJDs for the first time (I saw someone carrying one) I immediately latched onto it as a huge, beautiful doll with joints. The more I learned the more I knew these were for me because they just fit into my interests. Simple as that.

Finally, I'd just like to say that this was very nicely put:

^_^

 

Yes! All of my dolls are from Korea as well.

And I'm sorry for the super long post above...I didn't realize it had gotten so long... ^.^"

 

I'm going to skip number 1, because it has been over done and I agree with what was said. As for number two......

I do fit some of the stereotype. I'm overweight, 27, and female. I play DnD and video games. I'm not so much into anime anymore, I still prefer the classics to some of the new stuff. I DO cosplay, mainly video game characters, but only on Halloween or at Sakura con. I AM a yaoi fangirl but not a screaming one, my yaoi must have a good storyline as well as hawt ones. But, I also enjoy watching tv, mainly history stuff. I love my BJD, but, the collection that outweighs him by A LOT is my dragons. Now, here's where it gets interesting. My parents worry because I carry my boy with me everywhere, no one here knows of BJDs and he's a great conversation starter. Some people think he's creepy, some think he's beautiful, some want to know more and get one of their own. Most aren't swayed by the price tag, they think he was worth every penny. My parents don't see his appeal, and I'm fine with that, but they don't worry about my 200+, and growing, dragon collection? In some religions and culture, dragons are viewed as evil, and my family is quite religious, but I'm not. My brother had the nerve to call my boy "fugly" the other day, I nearly slapped him. My dad jokes about taking him apart and putting a firecracker inside just to see what would happen. My mom collects porcelain dolls, so she doesn't make such a fuss about him. As for stereotyping, no one here really knows about it, and for that I'm glad. I always make a point of saying he's from China before saying the other countries dolls come from.

And I agree for number 3, people make the stereotype.

--EDC

 

The hobby as we known it started in Japan--so there is a tie in there. But I think one of the biggest factors is that there are more elements of Japanese pop culture that have filtered over to the US (can't speak for other countries), and it's what people often come into contact with more. My Japanese dolls are outnumbered by my Korean and Chinese dolls, but I know more about Japan than I do Korea or China. That's not to say I have no interest in Korea or China (or a lot of other places), but I came into the hobby being more familiar with Japan. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of other folks weren't the same way.

 

Everyone here has said it. The major stereotype of doll collectors is old/fat/lonely/lolita/otaku/etc.
As for myself, I do fit into the stereotype. I like manga(not so keen on anime though), I play lots of RPGs, I cosplay, and I wear lolita, though I'm not old(not even 20 yet) and I'm definitley not lonely. Nobody can avoid being stereotyped, so I figure why not just embrace it and make it your own? And even if we do dislike being stereotypes as an "Otaku" or "crazy doll wo/man", it doesn't nesseccarily make it a bad thing. Different strokes for different folks.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
we're so obessed with japan (or korea). we're all a bunch or weeaboo who abuse japanese language and want to go live in japan or korea
and we're fat and ugly and we dont have friends and are total pervert since these are ''sex dolls'' and all our guy dolls are gay

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

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
people imagine a lot of things.
or its probably because there ARE people actually like that and they gave the rest of us a bad reputation (it's bad depending on your point of view of course)