In this article, we have discussed one such phrase that does not mean the same literally: China Doll. Quite literally, China Doll might mean a doll that is, say, manufactured in China. Or a Chinese-themed doll for that matter. But when someone addresses you as one, it might have an entirely different connotation. Of course, a lot can also be comprehended by the tone a person calls you with. To begin with, let us first briefly what does it mean when someone calls you a doll. Often, a doll in an informal usage in conversations means a pretty but dumb or foolish woman. Although it cannot be considered a compliment, yet sometimes it is also used to lovingly address a dear one: “Thank you, doll”. You might also be called a doll when you act kindly since dolls are associated with kindness and delicate nature. As a matter of fact, dolls can come in a wide array of kinds: Barbie Doll, Porcelain Dolls, or China Dolls (which is the main theme of discussion).
China Doll References
A variety of meanings can be extracted out of this single phrase ‘China Doll’. Colloquially, this term was used only to refer to porcelain dolls with a glassy and polished finish. However, it has been experiencing a new assortment of meanings now. Some of which have been listed below.
Stereotypical connotation:
Most usually this couple of words mean objectification and stereotype, even subtly. Since the term ‘China’ is in use, it is only very obvious that the term has to do something with China. Many a time it refers to Asians, and specifically Chinese women who are typically feminine and stereotypically young. “Get out of my way, China Doll”. It is usually addressed in the Western countries (precisely the United States of America) and directed towards Asian women, often derogatorily. This hence comes as a racial slur against the East Asian women who are fitted in a certain physical appearance and are considered helpless and innocent. A lot of cultural contexts can also be attached with this whole ‘hyper sexual’ connotation, as conferred by the popular media too. It strips away the agency of the woman in question in the eyes of the ‘others’ while rendering them as (China) dolls. It is also used for women who would wear some heavy make-up, to have a doll-like porcelain face. Even then, it is not a compliment since wearing make is someone’s personal right. And no one has the authority to form a certain narrative around them. This might prevent someone from exercising their choices and rights and lower their self-esteem and can be outright mean on the part of the person who says so.
Cherished Dolls
According to another lot of people, China Doll has nothing to do with the Chinese ethnicity. This has been justified with the claim that anyone (or anything) that is pretty, kind, and adorably dressed is a china doll (equated with the beautifully dressed porcelain dolls), irrespective of their ethnicity. Quite a bit of historicity is also attached with it howsoever. Years ago, before globalization and liberalization were a thing, the expensive dolls were made of porcelain and/or china pottery. They were made with utmost care and were fragile and delicate. The older generation used the expression for anyone who is a well and often beautifully dressed young girl. They used to have such favorite dolls with whom they would either play along the whole day or longed for one, indeed years before China ‘adopted’ them.
Fragility and Delicacy
A girl who is extremely delicate and soft in nature is also referred to china doll. She is characterized by wholesome beauty and innocence who would be easily hurt or injured. “Do not make Emma cry. Don’t you know she is a china doll?” This reference however does not fit totally right, because it has more to do with ‘doll’ and less with ‘china’. Along with that, it might also be offensive to women of Chinese origin if they are addressed so because they are not toys to play with. Apart from such instances where people are addressed as china dolls, the expression also has different meanings otherwise. For instance, it is a plant (scientific name: Radermachera Sinica) associated with feng shui. Basically, a popular indoor plant, its glossy ferns are abundant and fast-growing. China doll is also the name of a brand selling rice and beans that are packaged and shipped by an Alabama, United States of America, based company: Marshall Biscuit Company Inc. The expression has also been used in some famous poetries and songs. ‘China doll’ of Robert Hunter directed towards a beautiful but sad face. Also, the Chinese nationals who were brought for human trafficking in Malaysia have been nicknamed china dolls. Hence, one might also be addressed as a china doll based on the references mentioned above.
Conclusion
Be extremely careful about how wisely you can use words. Referring to someone as China Doll because you think it means a pretty woman (just like a doll) with flawless skin might even hurt someone’s cultural as well as emotional sentiments. While someone would lovingly accept the expression, for others it might be a ‘mean construct’. Of course, one cannot go around moral policing the world and dictating over what should or should not be spoken by everyone in the world. But the least we can do is be aware of what such terms, which tags along with an entire culture (and race), mean. Once you realize the contexts behind such slurs, shrug them off and educate people who use the same. Gentle education is the way ahead. Finally, there are always better and non-controversial terms that can be used synonymously and safely. What about calling someone a ‘Darling’ or ‘Sweetheart’ if your tone is that of endearment?
