Radio Atlantic
The Art of the Doll
May 8, 2025
Eleanor Mak, the founder of Jilly Bing, aims to empower Asian American children through representation in dolls. She shares her journey and the challenges posed by tariffs that threaten her vision. Martha Gimbel, director of the Budget Lab at Yale, discusses the broader implications of such tariffs on small businesses and consumer choices. The conversation delves into nostalgia, the impact of economic policies on childhood, and the emotional ties we have to the toys that shape our identities.
32:34
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Quick takeaways
- Eleanor Mack's Jilly Bing aims to empower Asian American children by providing dolls that reflect their identity and culture.
- The podcast highlights how rising tariffs threaten small businesses like Jilly Bing, potentially reducing consumer choices and increasing costs.
Deep dives
Diversity in Doll Representation
The podcast highlights the significant lack of diversity in children's dolls, exemplified through Eleanor Mack's experiences growing up with dolls that often did not represent her identity as an Asian American. Initially, she felt a disconnect from the mainstream doll offerings, which predominantly featured white dolls with limited variations. In response to her daughter's needs, Mack launched her own doll company, Jilly Bing, aiming to create dolls that are relatable and reflective of varied backgrounds. This venture not only addresses representation but also seeks to empower children by providing them dolls that look like them, reinforcing their identity and self-worth.
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