Why That Doll?



Little subway rider and her baby doll



This little darling was seen holding her black baby doll on the 1 train during the morning commute.  While she was completely indifferent to the judgment being passed around her choice of toys, many heads turned. Everyone including myself was thinking "Why that doll?"

Needless to say some things just can't be ignored because studies have shown that for children of all races, black dolls are one of the very least desired toys on the market. Some may have heard about a documentary called “A Girl Like Me” wherein black children are asked to define beauty using two dolls - a test originated by Dr. Kenneth Clark in the 1950s' after the desegregation of schools. The results were shockingly consistent. However this little girl in the picture defies this and all subsequent case studies. But why?

 

 It has been said to me that "Racism" is a learned behavior and to learn it one must first be taught. Perhaps our little commuter skipped that class - kudos.

What do you think NY?

A Long Way From sesame St!

This dude ain't gonna tell you how
to get to

Sesame St!!  

As long as they don't ask for tips

the entire histle is LEGAL

They stand on corners watching tourists from behind the faces of fuzzy costumes. They wave at your children, and lure them in for a photo. As doting parents whip out cameras, Elmo gently thrusts a "Tips" pouch at the camera lens to kindly let you know the photo ain't free. These hustlers have made themselves a "Paid" part of the NYC Times Square experience. Showing us another fine example of how to earn tax-free dollars. And isn't it worth $5 to see your kiddies smile?? 

But actually these guys can rack up hundreds a day from Donations. "Sometimes I change in ATM’s." says this Elmo found on Broadway & 41st.  Dozens costume clad men are legally pilfering through the pockets of NYC tourists in Times Square. And technically they are not soliciting if they are not verbally asking for money - they are simply public performers.

To purchase your own Elmo, Sponge Bob, Mickey, or Spider man costumes go to sights like: http://www.partysaver.com/  and http://www.thefunones.com/  look for the "Friendly Red Monster" costume.  And for around 41.99 you too can have your very own tax free hustle.