Maisha, Mala, Malina and Mhina are of the Malaville dolls in South Africa ....
A fan says,
“I think that one doll [Maisha doll] is a bit too dark. That’s like the Sudanese doll. I think its safe to say that’s the least best-selling… Keep the other three and create accessories etc.
Keep doing what you do sistah.” Another fan disagrees saying:
…I don’t believe that a doll can be too dark…Black in all shades, is indeed beautiful and that’s what Mala Bryan is trying to communicate to the world. Alek Wek, a Sudanese model, is (according to her own words) “as black as the night” and she can be seen on the biggest runways in the world. I don’t think its safe to say that’s the least best selling doll…#celebratehumanity
Mala Brayan responds:
“Sending lots of love to the beautiful dark skinned people out there, especially to those that share the same complexion as our #MaishaDoll just know that you black is beautiful, this comment really touched me today and I just needed to share it on here as well. Hopefully it will help us spread some extra love around… So this comment was made about my #MaishaDoll. I was thinking about just ignoring it but I’m sharing just so that people realize that our super dark people must still be facing a huge problem. This is just sad. Although I got a compliment at the end, the person had the nerve to talk about her being the least selling when she actually my second best selling. Ugh!”
And the response did not get better.
I can only imagine what people like Leslie and Alec go through. I met Alek twice while doing shows with her and she is just one of the sweetest human beings you will find. How can someone have so much hate towards another because of just how they look to them?! I cried when my darkest doll was attacked because of her skin tone so I can really only imagine what actual human beingd of similar skin tones go through. I know I can get very emotional when it comes to my dolls but that’s because I learn so much through them and all of this is just another lesson they’re teaching.Many times I’ve asked myself, why would I chose to get into the business of making dolls? And every once in a while that question gets answered.
As women we a not always treated as equally as men. As black people, we are made to feel less important the whites. So imagine what it’s like being a black woman! Even worse, imagine what it’s like being a strong black woman, because it seems like when you come across too strong and confident the trolls come out to TRY to bring you down.
This needs to come to an end, and if my role to put an end to it is through my dolls then I will do my very best and that is a promise.
I will end this there because my heart is now getting a bit heavy. My sisters I love you and to my black sisters I am sending you some extra love because you need it, we need it. Have a peaceful Sunday and thanks for taking time to read my mini rant.
Credits – instagram.com/malavilledolls
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