The Black Doll Has Been Used In China As A Stress Relief Toy. However, Multiple Videos Show The Doll Being Beaten, Cut, Stabbed And Abused In Other Ways
A disturbing social media trend involving a Black baby-shaped stress relief toy sold in China is drawing backlash from critics who say the videos go far beyond shock humor and raise serious concerns about anti-Black racism, violence and the way Black children are represented online.
The toy, known online as “Natasha,” has appeared in videos across Chinese social media platforms, including Rednote, where users have been seen beating, cutting, stabbing and otherwise abusing the doll. While some users initially framed the doll as a stress-relief toy, critics say the fact that the figure resembles a Black baby makes the trend especially troubling.
The controversy gained wider attention after outlets including OkayAfrica and the Washington Informer reported on the backlash. Critics have questioned why a Black baby doll became the object of violent entertainment and what message that sends to Black viewers, especially children.
“The Black female, to go along with Malcolm X, has always been the most disrespected and unprotected person in the world and they have been a punching bag for white folks, obviously the Chinese, and unfortunately sometimes Black men,” Dr. Allan Cofield told the Washington Informer. “This doll carries that tradition and there’s no merchant who should be willing to carry this obscene and racist toy that satisfies the violent and hateful instincts of those who are seeking to buy such objects.”
Critics also said using the doll in such violent videos echoes broader concerns about the alleged abuse and exploitation of Black children around the world. Mental health experts have also warned that the “Natasha” doll trend could affect children in ways similar to the long-standing doll tests, where children were asked to choose between white and Black dolls.
China Moves To Restrict Natasha Doll Videos
According to Chinese media outlet Xinhua, the original “Natasha” video reportedly began with a vlogger who dropped the doll on the ground and jokingly referred to it as his daughter. The video went viral and inspired copycat posts, some of which became increasingly violent.
The Hong Kong Free Press reported that the China Consumers Association and the State Administration for Market Regulation have since stepped in to restrict videos involving the doll. The toy has also reportedly been banned from Chinese schools.
Still, the trend has continued to circulate online, fueling criticism from civil rights advocates, anti-racism activists and mental health professionals who say the videos should not be dismissed as harmless internet behavior.
For critics, the Natasha doll trend is another reminder that viral content does not exist in a vacuum. When violence against a Black child-shaped doll becomes entertainment, the question is no longer just who is watching — but what the internet is teaching people to laugh at.
