An AP Story Says the new librarian action figure is prompting librarians around the world to raise their voices in protest.
On Web sites and discussion groups, in phone calls and e-mails, librarians from as far as Australia have made it clear how annoyed they are with the doll.
Archie McPhee owner Mark Pahlow said that his company admires librarians, and critics of the action figure are missing the point.
He said librarians are heroes for everything from encouraging literacy to raising concerns about a federal anti-terrorism law that lets authorities see what books people are checking out from libraries.
lacking a sense of humor?
I’ve gotten some flack for having posted on my blog a few of my objections to the librarian action figure. Apparently, we “need to develop a far better sense of humor” about it.
It’s not that it’s a librarian…
I think I most object to the “shushing action.” There are other ways to show the great respect the creators profess to have for our field. She could be holding a book on freedom, or demonstrating in some way that knowledge is power. If they are going to pick out a certain profession to celebrate with a doll, they should depict it in a celebratory way, not going for the stereotypical humor.
Re:It’s not that it’s a librarian…
This doll is put out by a company trying to make a profit, and marketed by Archie McPhee, a company built on selling kitsch. A librarian holding a book or a librarian shushing–which doll would appeal to the public at large (not librarians)? All the hoo-hah about this is going to make this doll a best-seller for AP. I’ve been hearing about this story for 2 months. Librarians have created a huge amount of free publicity for the doll. We should get a cut!
Re:It’s not that it’s a librarian…
My issue was mainly when Nancy was quoted as saying “anyone that doesn’t like it just needs a better sense of humor” as if we are some sort of ubiquitous profession or as if it’s not in some small way annoying even if I “get it” overall. Obviously someone who hasn’t applied for too many jobs that require a masters and pay $9/hour.
-jessamyn
suggestions for Action Figure 2.0
While I am not as offended by the action figure as some, and hey! I LOVE Archie McPhee — I do think it would have been more accurate if the thing had come with a dozen or so interchangeable hats, or maybe had one of those big fat Swiss army knives built into its back.
Just a thought.
It’s not a big deal
Alas, the stereotype makes better copy (or in this case, plastic) than the reality. Since nearly everyone is subjected to some kind of stereotype (there are stereotypes for every profession, culture, everything that makes us in any way unique), I don’t believe anyone takes the “shushing librarian” seriously, or believe it represents real librarians in any significant way.
The Archie McPhee link has been e-mailed to me from half a dozen well-meaning friends–when I get it, I just smile, say ‘Thanks’, and carry on. It’s more silly than anything. It’s certainly not worth getting upset over.
Re:lacking a sense of humor?
I don’t think your use of the plural is appropriate. It would be much safer and more considerate to others to say that *you* “need to develop a far better sense of humor” about it.
Re:It’s not a big deal
I’m tempted to get one, if only to have my other action figures beat her up.
I can see why people object to it, but its coming out, there’s not much someone could do about it but except protesting by not buying it, or perhaps creating and marketing a cooler, non stereotyped librarian action figure.
Re:lacking a sense of humor?
Okay, let me add more to the quote:
“many of you need to develop a far better sense of humor”
While you’re at it, make sure you get your panties out of a wad.