Recall and Stop Production of "Trash Talkers" Dolls

To:  JDK Products Inc.

JDK Products Inc. (www.jdkproducts.com) has been producing seven "Trash Talkers" dolls that clearly promote stereotypes of several racial and gender groups. The appalling caricature of each doll's facial expression, clothing and spoken phrases mock and deride the people of the community it represents. For example, the dolls "Lee Chan Li” and “Mr. Patel" promote stereotypes of Asian Americans by depicting them with slanted eyes and broken English. The dolls "Elton" and "Marshall" clearly depict the stereotypes of gays in America. The doll “Babs” portrays a stereotypical Jewish-American Princess with a purse and shopping bag. The doll “Pimp Daddy” mocks African Americans by wearing heavy gold chains. The doll “Bubba” depicts White males as stereotypical redneck hicks with a TV remote control in one hand and a beer can in the other. In addition, JDK Products has taken this racism further by promoting an online game that one can literally “bash” these dolls as they say the offensive phrases found with the dolls. This game can be found at http://www.madblast.com/view.cfm?type=FunFlash&display=1810. Each doll was purposely created on the basis of racial and gender stereotypes which are perpetuated in America through these products.

VP of JDK Products Chris Makan even said, "They are not to offend, but to be dolls that ethnic groups can call their own." Jay Kamhi, owner of JDK Products said, "It just sounded funny to all of us." This is not funny and it is extremely offensive. Stereotypes are not a laughing matter, especially when the groups represented by these dolls have faced much discrimination and violence based upon these demeaning images. The developers of these products are obviously ignorant and did not consult the groups that these products portray.

Although the company states that these dolls are not intended for children until 14 years of age, this is only used as a liability shield for the company. Furthermore, the fact that these dolls are sold to regardless of age is disturbing. For adults who may not be familiar with the true cultures of the depicted dolls, they only serve to perpetuate stereotypes. For adults who are familiar with the culture, it is seen as offensive and blatantly wrong. Dolls based upon gender and racial stereotypes should not be sold in any market.

Capitalizing off the stereotypes of a person's lifestyle is gives JDK Products the reputation of being insensitive and ignorant. JDK Products must immediately stop production of all the "trash talking" dolls, publicly denounce the online game and issue an apology. Recalls should be made to all store retailers as well as online retailers such as, but not limited to www.prankplace.com and www.eprank.com. In addition, measures should also be taken to give full refunds and incentives to the dolls that have already been sold.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Recall and Stop Production of "Trash Talkers" Dolls Petition to JDK Products Inc. was created by Asian Pacific American Coalition at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and written by Peggy Ho.  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no express or implied endorsement of this petition by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. The petition scripts are created by Mike Wheeler at Artifice, Inc.  For Technical Support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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