Natasha dolls: Why these dark-skinned baby toys are causing uproar over racism and violence

The viral toy called "Natasha dolls" has got the world asking deeply uncomfortable questions about race. This dark-skinned baby doll, which originated on Chinese social media platforms, is being abused for entertainment online, with many filming it while thrashing, stretching and stomping on it.

CNN reported, citing Chinese media Xinhua, that it all started with a vlogger who jokingly treated the stress-relief toy as if it were his daughter, naming it "Natasha." After a clip of a vlogger mistakenly dropping the toy and leaving it misshapen went viral, a wave of similar videos surfaced.

Several videos mentioning "Natasha" have since been removed from the account. These clips have ignited a global debate about racism and the limits of online entertainment.

We take a look.

What is the Natasha doll?

It's a baby-shaped squeeze doll. It is made from slow-rising memory foam or soft thermoplastic rubber. The widely recognised version is depicted with a darker skin tone and stylised, exaggerated racial characteristics.

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The Natasha doll first drew attention on Chinese platforms like RedNote and Douyin before spreading worldwide. The trend is fully driven by engagement. Some creators have taken the trend one step further, reportedly pricking and cutting the toy with needles and knives to maximise views online.

Why has it caused uproar?

Besides the doll's appearance, the video's captions, which reinforce racial stereotypes, have drawn widespread condemnation. Members of Hong Kong's Black community have described some clips as "absolutely diabolical." Critics say the trend degrades black bodies by framing abuse as entertainment, Hong Kong Free Press reported.

Experts have cautioned that psychological impact remains the central concern.

Dr Elizabeth Dania, a psychiatric nurse practitioner in New York, said that when black kids repeatedly witness pictures resembling them being beaten and discarded for entertainment, it cultivates a thought that this is how the world views them, the Open reported.

Monique Franz, a writer and founder of Kinsman Avenue Publishing, told HKFP: "No design is created, marketed, and sold in isolation of thought and purpose. The design, manufacturing, and selling of a Black baby doll to abuse at one’s whims is at the root of the existence of movements like Black Lives Matter."

Londiwe Ngubeni – a South African actress and vocalist who lives on Lantau, Hong Kong – told the media outlet that she spotted a kid with Natasha Doll at a supermarket in Mui Wo.

"At first, I thought she simply liked the toy. Then she began stretching, squeezing, poking the eyes and hitting the doll. When I asked why, she said it was a ‘stress reliever.’ How is relieving stress by hurting a brown baby doll acceptable?” said Ngubeni.

The South African actress was extremely furious and disappointed.

A 2022 BBC investigation reported that children in sub-Saharan Africa were allegedly paid to act in scripted videos, mainly degrading in nature, for Chinese social media audiences.

What actions have authorities taken?

China's Consumers Association and the State Administration for Market Regulation have taken cognisance of the matter. They said the videos emphasised "violence and contain suggestive content that could harm minors," according to a CNN report.

They have stepped in to remove the dehumanising or violent videos. Schools in mainland China prohibited the doll; however, it is still reportedly available on Taobao after these interventions.

With inputs from agencies