Page 14 - eMuse Vol.9 No.11

Letters Our

to the Golliwog

Editor Empire

It’s hardly an invasion, but our
Judging by your feedback, it’s clear that Golliwogs
have never really lost their place in the hearts home-grown Golliwog Empire
has grown by two. They’re a long
and minds of a silent majority. Only a small way from mounting a take-over bid
number see them as racist symbols. It seems
their intended innocence reigns supreme. but their numbers are steadily increasing.
One joking rebuke was that I was sexist for not including any images No doubt the politically correct are watching this constant
of girl golliwogs. Well there were reasons. Mostly it was because, at escalation of Golliwogg statistics with growing concern. The
the time, in spite of several comprehensive searches, I couldn’t find one rest of us are smiling as we calmly resist the justified urge to
I liked. I reckoned if I didn’t like ‘em others could feel the same. say out loud, “I told you so.”

As is often the case, after event I found flotillas of them all over I’ve always said Noreen Bennedick is a crafty person. Here
the place. The other point is that most golliwogs are male. As far is positive proof. This skilfully hand knitted pair of Golliwogs
as I can tell many people only see them that way. To each his/her is an example of what her talented, agile fingers can create.
own. Their names, by coincidence, happen to be Wally and Mary.
Thank you for all the feedback. It’s always a healthy sign wheth- Noreen’s husband, Reg, tells us “they’re a sub-species
er I’m on the right track or otherwise. called Wallygogs.” Not being ones to challenge a true story,
I do a have a few valued Aborigine and Maori friends who I have we have accepted that on face value.
given Golliwogs to. They loved them and saw no racism in my intent As many readers will have seen on Facebook, Mary and
because there wasn’t any. These good friends are rightly proud of I recently celebrated our fifty-sixth anniversary. To mark the
the fact they are black. They know I admire and respect them for occasion, Noreen presented us with this handsome pair of
that. It is but one of the many qualities they possess. Golliwogs. We were overwhelmed. They will take pride of
Golliwogs for black children offer a fine chance to identify with place as symbols of friendship and mutual respect.
their own race. Golliwogs for white children (or kids of any other
colour) is a good start point for favourable attitudes of another race Thank you Noreen and Reg.
which starts through their love of a favoured toy.
Surely racism is not only some enforced ideology that dictates W.A. Bush Poets
we’re all the same. We’re not. But is there anything wrong in-
acknowledgement and acceptance of our differences in a spirit of & Yarnspinners
respect and friendship? Association
Continuing on the gender theme. There were many letters about
Mary Ann Bugg, the significant other in bushranger Captain Thun- SILVER QUILL
derbolt’s life. Mary Anne was a remarkable lady in so many ways.
She was before her time. In my mind I could see her campaigning
for women’s rights, Aborigine rights, and/or female suffrage and so WRITTEN COMPETITION
on. Or was she simply a lady who didn’t let restrictions of any kind
stand her way. Perhaps it was the latter. Conducted in conjunction with WA State Championships
Friday 30th October – Sunday 1st November 2020
“Doc” Bland told her story in verse as seen on page 11. Thanks Tooday . W .A .
Doc, the feminists in your family must be pleased with your telling
of her story. Entries Close Friday 2nd Oct 2020
Back in 2013 I started a series called “Ladies of the Road” It 1 . Open Serious }
started out with the story of a lady bullocky and continued through 2. Open Humorous } The Overall Champion Poet will be
to lady drovers and the few known lady bushrangers, which included judged across these 2 categories
Mary Anne. A few months ago we featured Tony Hammell’s story of 3. Novice Only for poets who have never won a Bush Poetry
Red Jack. The women of our pioneering past clearly have some inter- Written Competition
esting stories to tell. Every time I revisit their stories I can’t help being 4. Junior 5 – 12 years old
amazed again as much as I was when heard them for the first time. 5. Junior 13 -17 years old
6. Local The best poem by a resident of the Avon Valley
2013 was a long time ago. More information has surfaced on
some of the remarkable women since then and eMuse had a much Entry Fees: Adults $10 per poem; $5 per critique. Juniors Free.
smaller circulation. So watch for the updated repeats of “Ladies of treasurer@wabushpoets.asn.au
the Road”.
“WA Bush Poets and Yarnspinners Ass’n
A special thank you to Ian Johnson for the contribution of an Ameri- c/o Rodger Kohn,
can’s opinion of us. He’s right. We have a lot to be grateful for. 16 Stoddart Way,
Wally Bateman, WA, 6150,

14 eMuse November 2020