Beautiful Mixed Race Dolls & the History of Mixed Race People in the UK

Beautiful mixed race dolls are hard to come by. And, yet mixed race dolls matter. 

^{According to the 2021 census, the ‘mixed’ population is the fastest growing ethnic group in Britain. The substantial increase in the size of this group is particularly notable considering that, in the not-so-distant history, the UK used to pathologise mixed race people and certain governmental policies were birthed with the aim of eliminating mixed-race unions. This is indeed a country whose government used to discourage and separate mixed-race families.}

^{Relationships between  white women and black men were particularly frowned upon and were “most frequently scrutinised and condemned in the public sphere, the arts, literature and…by the British government.”} 

I’m old enough to remember a time when the term half-caste was used to describe mixed race people. Nowadays, its widely accepted that this is an offensive term. However, the fact that the term was ever commonplace speaks volumes. The term half-caste is derived from the Latin word “castus” which means pure. The implication is clear; the term half-caste was intended to denote the sentiment of being only half pure. 

According to the Sociologist, Peter Aspinall, the term “half-caste” was coined by British colonial administrators in the 19th century. The term was most commonly used to describe children of mixed black and white parentage. In the 20th century, the term became a label for people who had parents of different races, with one of these races being white.  

^{By the 1920s there were settled mixed race populations in a number of British seaports, including Liverpool and Cardiff. This was partly as a result of the visiting African and Asian seamen. There were also significant communities in other cities including London and Manchester.}

Despite these established populations, from the 1920s to the 1960s “half-caste” was used in Britain as a derogatory racial category and was loaded with moral condemnation. During this period, the stimatisation of mixed race people in Britain was at its highest. This state of affairs was encouraged by major institutions and public figures and is reflected to by the plethora of negative official accounts found in the media and governmental documents.

It’s important not to airbrush over this history. We miss something if we just skip to the part where the number of mixed race people in the UK is increasing. The history of mixed race people in the UK is yet another reason why we need to be intentional with the next generation and really be intentional about teaching them to be open-minded and fostering an appreciation of diversity. 

According to a 2008 report which aimed to provide insights about parenting mixed race children, there are a number of ways that parents can foster a sense of belonging and identity, navigate cultural difference and pass on aspects of their own heritage to their children.  

The report also highlighted the fact that many parents felt that “the most difficult issue for parents in bringing up mixed children can be others’ response to their mixedness.” So then, our part is to ensure that neither we nor our children perpetuate the sentiments of the past thus are contributing to challenges regarding discrimination and racial self-identification. 

 It’s also essential that mixed race children see themselves positively represented in the world they live. This extends to the television, books, educational materials, and of course their toys. It’s also essential that children who aren’t mixed race grow up with positive perceptions of mixed race people. Below are three beautiful mixed race dolls that celebrate diversity.

Clearly, the problem of racism runs deep and there is no simplistic remedy. However, exposing children to a diverse toy collection that represents the world we live in is certainly a step in the right direction. Toys aren’t the only answer, but diverse toys that present difference in a positive light and mixed race dolls that show children that beauty is not restricted to a particular skin tone or hair texture, can be powerful tools of social change. These resources can spark enlightening discourse, educate young minds, eradicate ignorance and teach the next generation that all people, regardless of their race and appearance, are valuable and worthy of being included.

Morgan Mixed Race Doll with Curly Hair

Morgan is a mixed race doll with curly hair that can be washed, conditioned and styled. This beautiful doll has plastic limbs and a soft body. Morgan is 46cm tall and comes wearing silver shoes and a pink dress.

Chaya Mixed Race Doll

Chaya is a mixed race fabric doll with hair that can be styled in many ways. She is 37cm tall and comes dressed in a removable black dress.

Ayana Mixed Race Doll with Curly Hair

Ayana is a 12 inch (30cm) vanilla scented mixed race doll. She has curly hair which can be combed, braided, washed and conditioned. 

Ayana comes with a colourful tutu dress, a hair accessory, underwear, and shoes. (Exact outfit may vary)