Fighting that Doll stereotype

That's pretty sad people end up judging the others because of the stereotypes...
I'm not goth. I have a big interest in the things that are associated with gothic subculture now, but it's just one of my many other interests. I'm planing to make some costumes for my dolls, something the one could see as gothic, but that'll be just a few of many their costumes which are pretty different.
I don't think dolls are creepy. Some are, if they are made in this way - with creepy make up and so on, but on the whole, dolls are what people create of them, and as there are so many different people, the dolls come different, too.

 

:[
Alot of people think this about me too, but I am a sort of Goth so maybe that's why.
People noways just have a massive habbit of relating the strange and unseen to freaky and scary.

It's upsetting, but unless they have more of an open mind then I doubut they'll ever change thier views.

 

I don't fit into the Goth stereotype, but I do fit into the eccentric-twitchy-writer-artist stereotype. In fact, many people that I know call me Salvador - as in Salvador Dali. That I collect "those strange dolls" comes as no surprise to most people. I don't really care about what anyone thinks. Stereotyping has not hurt me yet, though I understand that it can be hurtful and full of judgement.

 

I like Gothic as in Gothic Lolita, LOLZ
but even then, I'm more sweet if anything. I guess most people are really closed minded, I can't tell you how many times duchess has been called "bride of Chucky" and "a freaky barbie". I really don't like people insulting my things, or me for that matter, so insulting their mother works out fine.

 

For the record, dolls haven't ALWAYS had a negative stereotype. Weren't they created so little girls could play "Mommy"? I always thought that was the origin of dolls in general...

But for me, I've always been weird and creepy. Even when I was little (like, kindergarten little), people would say "why are you doing/wearing/saying/thinking/feeling THAT?" because I've always been really random and in my own world. People don't put me in a category (I am Lolita, mostly, but hardly Gothic. It comes from more of a "Michael Jackson" complex than anything.) because I'm always doing something different (and by different, I mean that my personal demeanor is never consistent and always random). One of my bosses at work even told me that my whole existence was a total paradox and she has no idea what to think of me because I (my essence entirely) never make sense.

So when I started collecting all kinds of dolls (not just BJD's but I have about 100 porcelain dolls and God knows how many Barbies) people would be like, "There she goes again. Another weird impulsive interest to add to the plethora of crazy junk that defines her." Nobody's ever said, "Since when did she go Goth?", at least, not about my doll collecting.

I have seen the stereotype though. They tend to think that people who are goth, or even people that prefer solitude and have a less than average regard for other humans (nicely put) would collect dolls because it gives them a sense that they are having human interaction without the reality of another "living" soul making them uncomfortable.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that, me, for example, would rather spend time talking with my dolls and hanging out with them because I know that they'll always be there. I know that because I created them. I can't trust someone else's free will, so I prefer to find friendship in things that won't back stab me. This doesn't make me goth, it just makes me...you know...antisocial.

I hate the stereotype, but at the same time, I can understand it. I've always thought of stereotypes as this: it wouldn't be a stereotype if it was never true in the first place. Just because stereotypes aren't always true, doesn't mean they never apply. They came from somewhere for some reason, and it's usually because a certain group of people act a certain way. It doesn't mean that everyone in that group does, but more often than not most of them do. Otherwise, why would the stereotype exist? Let's face it, most people aren't individuals, in which case, most of the time, stereotypes apply.

I've never been offended by a stereotype that I knew wasn't true for me, and if it was, I'd admit it. If someone were to assume I'm goth because I brought Megan to school with me, they would see that I'm not and the stereotype would be removed.

I can see how it would get annoying, though. If someone thought you were weird because you had your doll with you, just play along. They're the ones being silly by not being openminded about your interests.

 

I was and (to an extent) am a very stereotypical BJD owner. I started collecting when I was 16 and very much a gothic lolita. I did, to some extent, want to be like my dolls. I had no social life and engaged in a lot of other hobbies that weren't "normal".

I'm less of a doll enthusiast now, and I'm afraid I've lost the youthful look needed for lolita fashion, but I still wear corsets and lace at times, I have odder hair than ever, I'm reclusive, and basically...still a stereotype.

And I don't care!

My hobbies are my hobbies, and I'm not afraid of people stereotyping me. If they're that ignorant and presumptuous and judgmental, I don't care about their opinions anyway. This I think should hold true whether you're a teenage gothic lolita or a yuppie mom or an alcoholic biker. If you wanna play with dolls, do it up and don't worry about what people think! :p

 

I have a simmalar thing about the furry fandom (which has a VERY bad stero type)
when actlay I'm just a teenage girl who likes cartoon animals and 'cosplay'

So I guess BJD are the same, YOU, as a person know you are not like that, so you shouldn't let it bother you, people are narrow minded, let them be, you are what you are!

 

I think people are generally a little judgmental about things they aren't personally really into. People that I have been talking about BJD to give me this sort of look like "what a freak". Stereotypes are horrible but what can you do? I admit from those reactions I have sorta shied away from talking about my hobbies, but I came to a realization. You like what you like!!! Just let people put you into whatever little self-righteous catergories they are going to put you in.

 

I love all the different rolls and lifestyles owners have bestowed on BJDs, and not turned off by any of them, particularly Goth. I love Goth because I used to be one in the punk era, not the sort of heavy music listening goth, but we used to wear period clothes, enjoy evenings reading Romantic poety and lit. while downing copious amounts of Benedictine. We were a lucky bunch that could live this type of life 24 hours a day. And the police hated us.

My dolls live this sort of lifestyle, and I have extended their interests to mysticism, and if people assume they live some sort of stereotypical lifestyle, I don't really care. To me, Goth has little to do with modern day variations, but is a mindset/ideal that is heavily rooted in its origins.

 

I used to think I liked dressing like the Goth stereotype, but actually, nowadays, my look tends more towards a blend of the classic sort of fashionable sort of clothing, with occasional tossing in of a pseudo sorta sleek rocker style. xD Think black, all over, with eyeliner, and a cool jacket. Not Goth, no, but it's kind of funny, because whenever I wear "normal" clothing, people think I'm a bit of a nerd, and whenever I ditch the glasses, my mother goes like "I don't think your aunts would acknowledge you if they saw you outside!"

I haven't got my doll yet, but I do think I'll be quite able to fight off the doll stereotype. I fully intend to turn up at anime conventions in very normal clothing, with my doll. Perhaps a similar color theme. I'm a little past the frills and lolita stuff, though I would do it just for kicks, really. (Actually, not to be OT, but I find my subculture preferences now deviate towards the j-rock side, not towards the lolita anymore - maybe it's my age!)

Anyhow, judging based on any sort of stereotype is potentially very shallow. So what if someone's got a doll? We don't know the reason they got it in the first place. Maybe they love the photography, or the beautiful aesthetics, or, maybe, like me, they want something that they can luffle, and be proud of (I've been wanting a puppy for ages, but circumstances aren't too favourable).

To sum up...I'mma proud nerd, by and by. I like to read, and immerse myself in encyclopedias. My doll's going to read them with me and be the nerdiest doll in the world!

 

I don't think I or any of my friends who collect dolls fall into the gothic stereotype. We're all a little odd, yes. But definitely not gothic or childlike. I do believe that sometimes the stereotype might apply though not on such extreme levels as the ones often portrayed. It all depends on the doll collector and their preferences for the most part.

 

If I was a goth or lolita and into bjd I wouldnt care what people would think. I am not however neither goth or lolita even though I tend to dress more towards the "cute" side. But thats how I am and what I like- pretty things. My dolls are usually dressed in pretty clothes (as in white and pink and a little victorian if you know what I mean). I have loved anime ever since I discovered it, but as for my dolls I dont want them in anime cosplay outfits. I am also into fantasy a lot, and people would probably call me a "geek" but if I am one, well then, I am proud of it XD.
But dolls has for a long time been a thing only for kids, until recent years when the collector dolls came out and then the mature bjd. And in some cultures it has been a source of magical powers. I am thinking about the old japanese dolls which were believed to have a soul, the hoodoo dolls which were used to signify a person at points. But in western cultures it has, until recently, been associated with kids play. Some parts of that might still remain in the west I think.

 

Luckily I'm old enough to realize that I'm me. And I like dolls...if anyone has a problem with that.......it's their problem...not mine! They'll miss out on the enjoyment I have making things and changing my dolls. And also they'll miss out on the wonderful, individual, creative people I've met since I started this hobby! I agree with others here who have said that doll people, at least most of the ones I've met, have a creative spirit. I do too! Whatever rings your bell!

 

I agree with whoever mentioned that stereotypes don't come from nothing, although to be honest I see the stereotypes coming out mostly at conventions, not doll meets, though admittedly most of the doll meets I've been to have been of a rare variety. Maybe because I'm a doll owner though, but surely there aren't only bad stereotypes that come from doll collecting? I know I always think of a rich lady with a mansion full of creepy dolls somewhere in France or Germany or England, and I certainly don't consider it a bad association. ^^

Myself? I don't think I identify with any of the stereotypes associated with this fandom, though admittedly I'm a big fashion/clothing fan, and I guess even a bit of a "prep" stylistically, so I very rarely happen upon friends with similar interests in that area. (I think a lot of the indeed stereotypical members of the fandom actually do pass me as "that prep/whatever" and don't clue in. But, I like it better that way). Mike also never wears anything but fashionable clothing, so I think people have a hard time drawing the goth stereotype on me (as a matter of fact, the only negative thing I've ever heard came from a cosplayer who very badly tried to disguise her envy, so I just smiled, and went happily along with the knowledge that she was putting on a front). But what can I say, as much as I love my dolls, they'll never measure up to real human friends with me.

 

I definitely don't fit into the doll stereotype. In fact, I feel more comfortable hiding them in my closet space then showing them to people. I'll bring the subject up occasionally.
My dolls are not an obsession. They are just a hobby.

I am a high school student who loves shopping, makeup, acting, singing, and dancing. When it's quiet time, I'll cuddle a doll.

 

I'm sure in one way or another we all fit into 'stereotypes' for something. My feeling is that I like something for my own reasons, it makes me happy for my own reasons. Whether someone feels the same or different is irrelevant.

For me my dolls are a hobby item and while may be used as an emotional crutch via photography etc if need be, they are not real people and I understand this. Just as I understand why people might stop and stare if I were to walk down the street carrying a BJD in my arms. Being a full grown woman and all. Still, I'll ignore rude people because they aren't worth my time, energy or emotions and be patient and considerate to others who do the same.

 

I'm used to stereotypes, example: I have had blue hair for at least a year, and from that people find me creepy/goth/emo/stoner... but they always seem to get their stereotypes mixed up when talking to me.
As long as you act like yourself people will come to realize you aren't the 'usual' creepy doll owner, or so I've found.
So I have no problem with the stereotype, as long as it doesn't go so far as to get in the way of my life.
Graffetti all over ones locker because of wearing a corset & petticoat goes too far.

 

i love the movie doll master
although its really sad. lol
i own a doll
and im weird.. but ive always been really weird.. even before i had a doll.
their are some perfectly sane people with dolls. im not one of them though XD

 

The average person has no real creative aspirations, so they often feel threatened by people who do. It's nothing particular to dolls, that's for sure. The gothic part comes from the fact that these dolls got popular in early 2000, when goth was a big fashion movement both in North America and Japan. So naturally, the dolls adopted the trendy style since their owners enjoyed it and companies knew they could make money dressing their dolls that way.

It may not be so evident now since goth as a trend is pretty much on its last legs, the hardcore have become casual or been turned on to another trend. Scene is the "underground" trend now, and I'm sure it will wipe out all those goth stereotypes if you give it enough time.

I don't care if people don't have open minds, I prefer them to stereotype since it's much easier to predict their actions I used to dress somewhat gothic, so people called me that, fair enough. My clothing right now is just in limbo. I want to be able to design my own things because nothing sold by stores that I can afford is good enough, and I don't have enough money to mix and match from luxury brands.

 

I'm surely not an oddball, as a matter of fact I'm about as conventional as one can get. Maybe it's my age (74) or maybe it's other factors at work, who knows. (I'm not sure I even know exactly what "goth" is, to tell the truth.) But if people want to stereotype me because of my dolls, let them. It might give an interesting quirk to the way I am perceived!!!