Beechworth Sweet Co customers have backed the inclusion of a golliwog in a TV advertisement for the lolly shop, arguing banning it was “political correctness gone ridiculously far”.
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Amandhi De Silva, a Sri Lankan woman working in Beechworth, said she was not offended by the doll which is part of the company’s logo.
“I don’t think it has anything to do with colour or race – it’s just a cool symbol,” she said.
Following an anonymous complaint, the Advertising Standards Board ruled a television commercial for the Beechworth Street Co was in breach of its code which requires promotions to not discriminate or vilify on racial grounds.
“I truly believe casual racism like this is so damaging to the community and this commercial should never be aired again,” the complainant stated.
Shop owner Sally McGregor said she would not comment on the ruling because she was still considering whether she would appeal the decision.
Resident Jo Carey said the advertisement had been politicised and she did not believe the owners meant any offence to be taken.
She had taken to Facebook in support of Ms McGregor, and said the debate was the talk of the town.
“The golliwogs are part of that shop – they would have to change all their labels, it’s not good,” Ms Carey said.
“My niece works there, and it’s appalling. It’s one of the main places where tourists go and they love it.”
A fellow Beechworth local Deb Rule echoed this sentiment.
“It shows a tolerance of different cultures, because somebody would say why don’t you ever have a doll that’s a different colour to white,” she said.
When asked what she would say to a person who would take offence to a golliwog, Ms Rule said “can I say ‘get a life?’ – there are so many more important things”.
But one customer, Lawrie Piko, would like the golliwog removed from the logo.
“I think historically it’s a racist symbol and therefore they should consider removing it,” he said.
“It comes down to perception. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t mean to offend people – the fact of the matter is it has some historical significance and they should be considerate of that.”
The term golliwog has been used verbally as a racist insult and has been viewed as offensive since the 1960s.
