Doll Owner Stereotypes?

I think there are definitely a lot of stereotypes when it comes to collecting certain dolls, but not with BJD owners.

BJD owners come from a whole range of ages and dolly/artistic backgrounds so its harder to group us into one category. A lot of us came to BJD's after collecting other dolls, or being into manga, or having a friend who had them. i know all different sorts of doll collectors, and the ones of us who own BJD's came to collect them via a different route. I also know a few people who never collected dollies, figurines etc but decided to buy a BJD for their beauty. And also, there are so many different BJD's, none of us have the same ones.

I'm not into anime or Manga at all, i like sushi tho does that count? Hehe. Honestly tho I don't know if I fit a stereotype, I had a good think but I doubt if someone saw me on the street they'd say 'Yeah, she collects dolls'. I can pick a Blythe collector from a mile away, same for Barbie collectors, but definitely not a BJD owner

 

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?


1. No.... We range from young and old artists with gothic lolita dolls all the way to other spectrums (like militants with cute pink frilly girl dolls... like me). I mean, I'm in the U.S. Army, and an Officer no less. I don't think you can pick out someone who's into this hobby, so I can't say you can stereotype us.
2. I don't think I fit a stereotype at all! I have other hobbies too, like riding motorcycles and also, I'm TERRIBLE at taking pictures of my dolls!
3.If there were stereotypes, it's only so we can label groups. Makes it easier for us to organize and remember, I'm sure it's not malicious

 

Yes. It may not be as evident here, but on a community such as deviantArt, the stigma surrounding ball-jointed doll owners amazes me. Some have gone so far to say that all ball-jointed doll owners are mentally ill. I know a vast majority of people find these dolls creepy and they are entitled to their own opinion, but sometimes I think the doll-owner stereotype is all some people see when they think of bjd owners. Usually the middle-aged woman otaku, cosplaying with their doll and carrying it around in their arms, treating it like a real person--I think this image is what people usually think of, because that's probably the only time people outside of the bjd community has even had the chance to look at a doll in real life--at anime conventions, and thus they get tied with that image.

And then there's some of my "friends"--who think that bjd is just another obsession extending from manga and anime. They think I'll eventually turn crazy because I won't be able to tell what's fictional and what's not. They don't respect my hobby because they don't consider it as such; they think of it as an unhealthy obsession with an inanimate object. And I'm sure they're not alone in thinking that way.

That being said, I don't think there's a stereotype. People create their own stereotypes. To me, what makes us a group is that we all have one thing in common: we own ball-jointed dolls. That's all.

 

There are types within every hobby. Let's face it, the weird ones are always the loudest and the one's other people notice. If you like people with cat ears or anthropomorphic animals, people will peg you as a creepy furry because the creepers with weird fetishes are the ones flailing around the internet and going out in public in animal costumes talking about how they are Emo McSparcklecat. I have perfectly normal friends in that fandom, but in general it creeps me out. Sports fans have a stereotype as people who paint their bodies and get drunk in public. Lionel train collectors dress up in conductor outfits and build elaborate scapes in their basement. These are the stereotypes, because these are the people who we see most often involved in the hobbies.

The BJD collectors are no different. The one's getting seen by non collectors the most are the people we are all going to be associated with, unfortunately. The people posting the most photos, spamming their dolls all over the net, and taking them in public are, generally, the more 'crazy' type of people. I'm not saying don't do these things and I'm not saying all people who take their dolls out in public are crazy, so don't start yelling at me just yet. It is possible to be 'normal' in a hobby. I'm just saying go search BJD anywhere on the net and see who/what is getting the most attention by non collectors, who is popping up the most to show people outside of the hobby their dolls.

What everyone needs to do is just sit back, calm down, and when people give you grief for being a 'crazy doll collector', we have to stay rational and calm. Don't prove them right by getting into a screaming match or ranting and whining all over the internet about meanies. There will always be loud people giving every hobby a bad name, just don't be that person. I've been on dA a long time and posted photos of my dolls. I had negative comments about the cost or how creepy they were and I shrugged it off and now I pretty much only get people commenting who actually have something to say or have a shared interest. You will be a victim as long as you look to be one. Just enjoy the dolls.

 

I think people have good reason to stereotype bjd owners and that most bjds owner do actually fall into them. Just looking on the this forum alone you see things like "does your bjd have a soul?", "Let your bjd speak", owners talking as tough their bjd demanded an article of clothing or friend. Even I, as a bjd owner, find a lot of the commonly accepted mannerisms in this hobby a bit hard to swallow at times. I think in this light it's blindingly obvious why these stereotypes arose. The fact that there's quite a few people in this hobby that own (mostly) badly cosplaying bjd just adds another layer to the idea that mainly otakus own bjd (and to be frank, I've yet to meet a bjd owner that doesn't or hasn't read/watched anime).

I think anyone that claims stereotyping bjd owners is "unfair" or "baseless" (or even claims to not be a part of any of the stereotypes) are just being ignorant and forcing a blind eye. While on the other hand if you cant face the stereotypes that surround the hobby you probably shouldn't be in it in the first place. I can admit straight out that I fall under the artsy/manga stereotype, though maybe not to the same degree as many others.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it. Frankly, I don't think BJD's or their owners are widely known enough to BE stereotyped by those outside of the hobby. I do believe that those of us in the community, however, stereotype ourselves, which I'll expand upon in #3.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why? I know at one point I fell into all of the stereotypes below, because of trying to find myself and insecurity at who that person was.

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby? I believe many BJD owners have created a stereotype for themselves as a defense mechanism. Some, <b>not all</b>, were maybe always a little weird, and in response to the criticism of the perceived "defect" of character, made themselves more of an outcast and loudly broadcast their individuality and nonconformity. Many of these people were/are into anime and manga and I think most people get into both because of the beauty you perceive in either one, and the exoticism and insular, tight-knit group you become a part of.
I'm not saying all BJD owners are like this, just that I've noticed a large trend in many owners being into either anime or manga hardcore, being "lolita" or "gothic" or whatever label you'd like to give it; many of them go out of their way to tell you how they aren't "normal" or "common" or whatever.

These are things I've noticed or perceived, so if you disagree, please, I'd love to have a friendly debate about it. ^_^
Please, read this carefully though, I'm not trying to insult anyone. I never state that I think the things above are "bad", just that they're a stereotype.

 

Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it
Most things have dumb sereotypes with them, I think you can't avoid them, you can only ignore them. I think people believe that BJD owners are all lonely, and that we're looking for love and friendship from our dolls. Also like others have said, we're all otaku lolitas. And that dolls are "toys" something that isn't important.
Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
Im not going to lie, I think I may fit the stereotype, I, like many of us are, a huge otaku, I can't help it. And one reason Im getting the doll is to deal with my depression, so one reason, out of many, to get a doll is to have company.
How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
People must have heard about the hobby, and without looking at a forum like DoA, or asking a collector, they made guesses, saying things that made sense to them.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
Obviously I think we are all thrown into a stereotype and sometimes it all depends on who you talk to. For example, when talking to someone that has no clue about Japanese culture or anything of the sort; they won't put you in the 'loves anime, loves manga, loves yaoi, loves etc etc' group. Instead they put you more into the group of "can't grow up and realize that fiction is fiction and reality is a different realm", "socially challenged", and of course the mostly dreaded "Barbie fanatics that went to the next level." Most people that have no prior knowing of Japanese realated items think of it as such.
Then you get the people that link the BJD community very closely to all things Japan. See it be anime, manga, yaoi, yuri, JPop, or anything of the sort...we seem to be connected to it. This is by far the more prominant stereotype in this hobby. Asian influence is simply the easiest way to go about stereotyping us. Some may be true about our likes, and there is also many inaccurate points.


2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
In all honesty, I suppose I do fit the stereotype of "anime/manga/yaoi/etc etc" lover. I'm not going to deny that I do cosplay. I'm not going to deny that Japanese culture is a nice one. In fact, I'm going to Japan next summer. But not for the reasons of seeing Tokyo and Hello Kitty stores (well, that IS one of the reasons (: ) Instead it's for a Student Ambassador trip that is mostly education about the actual culture and even includes holding a prayer service at the Hiroshima memorial site. BUT Back on topic; I found BJDs without looking at anything Japanese related. I was looking at photography and found a few pictures of these beautiful dolls. Sure, I like anime and such...but I'm way more in depth into the art world. Fashion and photography, make-up and body manipulation is my forte. I dress in what would be considered grundgey vintage and sometimes cyber gothic. At times I even touch on some lolita. Honestly, I found the fashion before the anime. I don't really like JPop (I can't name one JPop group...but KPOP on the other hand makes me super happy ;D) I'm more in tune with under ground Europe culture and styles, anyway. So. I guess I could be half and half...

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
Like it has been said before, the stereotypes were likely dragged in by the minority of hobbyists that run around in frilly sweet lolita, holding thier Japanese named dolls (not saying anything against Japanese origin named dolls!), and saying Kawaii~ Desu~ and such in an English context conversation. This my friends in the cancer killing the fandom. Sadly this is what most people have had stuck in thier minds about it. Disheartening, yes. What we all are, no.

We all know our own identities, don't let petty stereotypes make you think otherwise (:

 

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

Most definitely yes. I'm going to sound redundant with previous posters here, but while not all BJD owners are the same, there seems to be a common generality. (anime/manga fan, JPOP, Sushi, ect).

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

Far from it in fact. I love these dolls, they are most aesthetically appealing as are many other things I own. I do like the cute aspect of the asian cultures and wish it'd be like that here in America, but I'm not fond of their style of humor. I don't like anime for that very reason, I also don't tend to like the story lines. The art of anime and manga is beautiful though, which is why Sailor Moon first attracted me (the one anime that caught me due to being celestial related). I am definitely not a fan of asian music and this is because I just don't like how the asian languages sound with instruments. I also find that sushi costs too much for how little taste it has. =/ So I guess in sums, I basically have one link with BJD and the possible stereotypes that'd arise, an that is the visual ART. (I love Asian fashion too)

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
lol, *hands pencil over*

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
I'm not so sure about that- I've never heard of it, though I have heard of 'doll snobs' who refuse to do anything halfway and
buy all the items for their dolls rather expensively- not to mention only buying expensive dolls in general- but I don't particularly care about that. And I don't judge- it's about a something that makes you happy, in my opinion, not status or a display of wealth-though it can be.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
I have had many conversation that started with 'no, it's NOT plastic-' as well as'yes, he is anatomically correct.'
I don't need the approval of someone who has no idea what I'm holding in my arms or have carefully stuck in a
special padded pocket of my purse- I'll explain about my doll or dolls, but I won't try to convert anyone.

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

 

I'm not sure if I'm really allowed to get in on this (not owning any dolls and all), but these are some REALLY interesting points, and as I've been into BJDs for years and just haven't bought one due to the money thing, maybe my opinion has some merit? ;;; idk

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
Oh yes. I've seen a lot of different ones though- the nerdy/shut in/desudesudesu/ect stereotype seems to be the most popular, but within some groups I've seen "owning a BJD" to double as "being obsessed with pretty things/being rich/being a self-important snob" and I know BJD culture overlaps REALLY heavily with Lolita fashion and cute culture.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
Very minorly, maybe? I do have a thing for pretty stuff, and I do like anime, but I'm not obsessed with either (ok, maybe the pretty things....) and I'm certainly into lolita/cute culture.

I think a lot of doll enthusiasts have similar personality traits (high appreciation for art, creative types, fashion dorks) and I'm sure I fit nearly all of those to a T, it's a shame people outside the hobby don't see that, though. It's always the loud and obnoxious hobbyists who ruin the rep of the hobby ;;;;

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
Like I said, it's always the loud obnoxious fans who ruin the outside worlds view on the hobby. Maybe I'm being too blunt, but it's true. A loud minority that's easy to make fun of will always overshadow a quiet majority that's just like most people and even fairly respectable. The lolita thing came to be because, well, it's true, a LOT of lolitas are into BJDs because the themes are similar: beauty and elegance paired with childishness and creativity.

 

i kind of threw the sterotypes over board when i saw pictures, of a little azone doll, taken by a warfare-journalist. You could see the guy shooting a ak47 and later on posing this tiny doll in a botanical garden.
Or the guy who works as a military instructor and takes these amazing photos of his dolls in his back yard.

talk about well rounded characters

I am usually always the rational one, calculate everything and whatnot. Also quite geeky/nerdy, but when it comes to dolls, i can throw this rationality overboard and just enjoy myself posing them, taking photos and whatnot.

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
Defintely. From what I gathered from my non-bjd friends. They always have this perception that bjd collectors are weird, loners, nerds, lolita lovers.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
Yes and no. Im a huge anime/manga fan. I luv Yaoi and the bulk of my dolls are homosexuals. Im quite an otaku, in the sense Im happy just rotting in front of my laptop the entire day. I used to write fanfics and I fangirl alot. The only things that catch my attention instantly are anything that is anime-like... be it a poster, an advert etc.

But on the other hand, I enjoy doing many other things that normal girls do. I shop, club, chill, play poker. And I work in an industry where no one will think Im such a dork. My friends and peers at work are always amused when they find out about the above loves in my life. In short, I do fit the so-called stereotype at heart but not on the surface.

 

I have not experienced stereotypes in this hobby - well, I personally have met so many bjd people from all different backgrounds and lifestyles since I began about 5 months ago. It is actually refreshing to interact with so many who share in your idea of what aesthetic 3d art is. Many non-bjd people and family, friends have their own "eccentricities" - they all are collecting something. So, for me ,we all, do not fit into any particular stereotype.

 

I have to admit that I'm a little weird. I like dressing to turn heads sometimes (I wore wolf ears and a tail to college frequently) and I do like bringing my doll out in public sometimes. But, although I like being noticed sometimes, that doesn't make me and attention whore. Honestly, it makes me exceedingly uncomfortable being surrounded by crowds of people. I like being the weird girl that slips below the radar. That being said, I absolutely hate the part of the stereotype that I've bolded in the quote. I can't tell you the number of times I've brought Tovarious (my AOD Chi) to the mall with me (usually because I saw something in a store that I thought might fit him) and someone's made some sarcastic remark like "Oh is that your 'friend'?" or "That's a boy? What's with the make up? (refering to when Tovi had AOD's default pink face up)" or "he should have a man's haircut then (because he has a longish wig)". It just irritates me.

But for all the snarky comments I get, I get things that are hilarious like "Is that a radio?" "no" "Then what does it do?" and "It looks like you're gonna cast a spell on me or something". So I take the humorous with the annoying. XD

I just tell myself that all hobbies/groups have stereotypes and that all stereotypes have roots in truth. You may not fit every part of it, but most people will probably fit some aspects. Stereotypes are just exaggerations and you shouldn't let them bother you. But that's just how I am. If someone says something snarky to me, then I'll play the part they're expecting and laugh at how silly they're being. Like when someone says "Is that your 'friend'?" when I'm walking around with Tovarious, I smile and say yes and walk away while they're looking all confused. It's more fun than getting defensive because when you get defensive they just have more to use against you and they never shut up. If you agree with them then they tend to get confused or think you're crazy and leave you alone. XD

 

1) Do you think BJD owners are put into a stereotype? If so, describe it.
Absolutely. We all love Japan, Yaoi, Lolita, and spend our time talking to inanimate objects, drawing or sewing in our rooms, and avoiding social contact.

2) Be honest - do you think you fit the stereotype at all? Not at all? Why?
Well.....I do like Yaoi.....every now and then. It's not a raving obsession but if pressed I will confess. Other then that no. I am a Russian History major who's only interest in Lolita is a friend who wears the stuff, and who's FRIENDS, are the Anime, Manga, Japanophiles going to cons and cosplaying. I adore people like that but I am not one of them really. I can't draw for beans although I do sew and I spend most of my time with at least two other people. I very rarely get time to myself. I would have to say then...I have a few things in common with the stereotype but I am not a poster child.

3) How do you think there came to be stereotypes in the BJD hobby?
I think certain things tend to attract certain people. If you like to draw or sew, the idea of customizing a doll to represent a character you love or made yourself will attract you. If you love Japan, things from Japan will attract you. I think there are some people in the hobby who exemplify the stereotype but that just like any stereotyping people take it to extremes. Of course people are always going to notice the person taking their doll out in public and carrying it around cons before they notice the doll collecting home maker who keeps their's in a glass display case in their bedroom. One of the things I love about this hobby though is how both of those doll owners can share their love of the dolls together. And unless someone hops on here before casting judgment they are very unlikely to see that.

 

Question one:Generally there are a majority of those who like anime and video games who are into BJD's. I'd say they make up a little over half the hobby? I for one love anime, I am an artist and I enjoy seeing dolls people own who look like certain game and anime characters. I personally have characters who I draw that I am getting as dolls, and as an artist I appreciate the beauty and aesthetic that the dolls possess. They are quite pleasing to the eye.

Question Two:Yea, I'd say I fit in with the stereotype. As I said, I'm a fan of anime and I play video games, I draw and I cosplay and enjoy going to conventions. It just means that I can bring my dolls to a con or in this case a meet-up. XD Why not have the dolls cosplay too? It's fun!

Question Three:I think the stereotype began when anime/game fans joined the hobby en masse and bought dolls specifically to fit a character from a show or game. I'm guilty myself, I've been slightly tempted to get a doll just to make him Kingdom Hearts Sora. XD I see some dolls would make lovely Final Fantasy characters. I also have yet to see some D&D players on here...THAT would be pretty awesome. Hence, a new stereotype is born of these and LARPers.

 

Yes we are stereotyped... we are a cult, people with little or no imagination have no idea what on earth we are *on* to lavish all this time money and energy on a * weird* doll.

Some of us revel in it, the very fact we are set apart, we are unique. Some of us are uncomfortable with it..but still have the imagination and self belief to carry on regardless what others think.

For me at least, i couldnt care less about stereotypes, call me weird, laugh if i take my dolls out..i really dont give a monkeys for outsiders opinions...ive always been the same.

 

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

Maybe I'll have something new to add, since I've only been "into" BJDs for a couple of years. I think there is a stereotype, but the people who ascribe to it are as few and far between as BJD owners. Friends and family who have never been on the convention circuit don't think my doll collection is strange, but then again, I collected American Girl Dolls when I was a child. The majority of people I've met who go "Oh lawl you collect dolls because you're a basement-dwelling yaoi fangirl who is too fat to touch her own toes" are anime convention attendees. Talk about calling the kettle black, am I right?

There may be a moment of "It's worth how much?" for the average American, but really, unless people have already encountered doll people, they're not going to think we're that weird. Unless, of course, we are. Maybe I don't get a lot of flak from my friends and family because I don't make a huge deal out of doll collecting. It's a hobby.

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

No. To use my earlier example, Oh lawl you collect dolls because you're a basement-dwelling yaoi fangirl who is too fat to touch her own toes...
- I do not live in a basement.
- I dislike yaoi. Actually, I'm a yuri fangirl, but I'm not a psychopath running around whacking people with a paddle. And yes, most of my dolls are girls.
- I'm not fat.

So I don't fit a few of the major stereotypes. Am I a nerd? Yeah, and I play WoW, too. Am I a little socially awkward? Yep, but I'm able to work in a public service position and interact with strangers on a daily basis. I may freak out a little bit when confronted, but I can carry on a conversation just fine. Do I spend all of my money on dolls? No, I don't. There are other things I like to do. Sometimes, dolly plans get moved to the back burner because of a trip or a convention or a date. *shrug*

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

Well... sadly, most stereotypes do have root in fact. It may be that the most obnoxious doll owners were the ones the rest of the population remembered - not the well-adjusted hobbyists, but the ones who talk to their dolls in front of strangers. People are more likely to remember the bad examples than the good. So, just as in any other hobby or fandom, it was a few bad apples that gave the rest of us a bad name.

 

As far as other kinds of dolls, I don't fit their stereotype very well. But ABJDs? Yeah. Anime/manga is wonderful to me, Lolita is interesting to me, and I'm a general dreamer.

It's interesting though, that I'm actually afraid of dolls. Even some types of ABJDs. Just not the ones I like the most.