Racial Tolerance Can Often Be Found in Faces of Dolls

“Dolls Like Me” (Dec. 2) was a joy to read. True, the trend of cultural diversity in dolls has been a long time coming, but at least it’s here now.

When our first child was born in 1948, dolls came in one color only--white. But patterns for sewing black sister and brother dolls were available. I bought one and sat down at my sewing machine, believing our son should have a black boy doll. We are white but felt it was important for him to learn about differences from the start.

I continued to make black dolls for our other children, nieces, nephews and friends. They always had braids or looped hair made of black yarn and other African American characteristics.

As for toy companies that say parents, rather than children, are concerned that culturally diverse dolls are available, I say what’s wrong with that? Parents of various ethnic backgrounds know representation in this sphere will help children feel good about their own culture. And we have an obligation to our offspring to provide opportunities to learn about racial differences in the hope that racial tolerance and understanding will develop early.

DALIA KEYSER

Tarzana