By Dr. Cassandra George Sturges

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Doll Making & Cultural Diversity Activities for College Students

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Engaging college students in doll-making activities that explore cultural, racial, and ethnic relations can provide a creative way to foster discussion, understanding, and empathy. Here are some thought-provoking ideas for such activities:

 

1. Cultural Representation Dolls

   - Activity: Have students research a particular culture, race, or ethnic group and create dolls that represent the traditional clothing, hairstyles, and accessories of that culture.

   - Discussion Points: Encourage students to discuss the significance of these elements in the context of identity, tradition, and cultural representation. Ask them how individuals from these cultures might feel about their representations.

 

2. Story Dolls

   - Activity: Students can create dolls that represent characters from folklore or history related to specific cultures. Each doll can be accompanied by a short narrative explaining the character's significance and the cultural context.

   - Discussion Points: Discuss the importance of storytelling in preserving culture. How do different cultures narrate their histories, and what role do dolls play in those narratives?

 

3. Identity and Intersectionality Dolls

   - Activity: Invite students to create dolls that represent various aspects of identity, such as race, gender, class, and sexuality. Encourage them to incorporate features that reflect the intersectionality of these identities.

   - Discussion Points: Consider how different elements of identity shape experiences and perspectives. Discuss the importance of inclusive narratives that honor diverse identities and lived experiences.

 

4. Re -imagining Stereotypes

   - Activity: Students can create dolls that challenge or subvert stereotypes commonly associated with certain races or ethnicities. Each doll should come with an accompanying description that helps reframe these stereotypes.

   -Discussion Points: Discuss the impact of stereotypes on individuals and communities. How can creative expression help dismantle stereotypes, and what responsibility do artists have in representing cultures?

 

 5. Global Collaborations

   -Activity: Pair students with peers from different cultural backgrounds or establish groups where students research dolls from various countries or regions. They can create dolls that represent both their culture and that of their partners.

   -Discussion Points: Explore the ideas of cultural exchange and hybridity. How do cultures influence one another? What can be learned from cross-cultural collaborations?

 

 6. Personal Experience Dolls

   -Activity: Encourage students to create a doll that represents their own cultural or ethnic background, incorporating elements from their heritage that are significant to them.

   - Discussion Points: Hold a sharing session where students discuss the meanings behind their choices and how their backgrounds shape their identities. Discuss the significance of cultural pride.

 

7. Empathy Through Dolls

   -Activity: Have students create dolls that reflect different perspectives, such as those of marginalized communities. They can research the challenges faced by those communities and reflect those stories in their dolls.

   -Discussion Points: Discuss the role of empathy in understanding cultural and social issues. How can one’s understanding of diverse experiences be deepened through creative projects?

 

 8. Doll Histories and Cultural Erasure

   - Activity: Explore the histories of dolls in different cultures, including those that have been commercialized or misrepresented. Students can create dolls based on these histories, highlighting both traditional and modern interpretations.

   - Discussion Points: Discuss issues of appropriation and representation in the doll industry. How have certain cultures been commodified? What are the ramifications of cultural erasure?

 

 9. Diversity in Representation

   -Activity: Students can make a series of dolls representing different body types, abilities, and ethnic backgrounds to showcase diversity and inclusion.

   - Discussion Points: Explore the significance of representation in media, toys, and culture. How do diverse representations impact self-image and societal norms?

 

10. Interactive Exhibit or Performance

   - Activity: After making their dolls, students can create an interactive exhibit or performance that tells the stories behind each doll. This could include elements of theater, visual arts, and spoken word.

   - Discussion Points: Encourage discussions about the impact of visual storytelling and performance in engaging with complex cultural narratives. How does performance art challenge norms or facilitate understanding?

 

 Additional Considerations

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-Reflection and Feedback: Incorporate a reflection component where students can share their thoughts and feelings about the process, what they learned, and how their views may have changed.

- Facilitated Discussions: Ensure that discussions are respectful and inclusive, allowing students to express their perspectives while being mindful of others' experiences.

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- Cultural Sensitivity: Encourage awareness and sensitivity towards cultural appropriation. Discuss the importance of respecting and valuing the cultural heritage of others in their creative expressions.

These activities can be enriching and can foster deeper understanding among students about the complexities of identity, culture, and societal dynamics through the engaging medium of doll-making.