Significance of "Generic" Dolls, Books, and Toys

Mrs. McCullough's rationale is fundamentally racist, despite her being of good intention. Therefore, the dolls and books and toys chosen for Mirabelle represent a larger issue. These toys symbolize a child's developing identity in a society where only some children can develop a sense of belonging through the toys they grow up relating to. The "generic" looking doll symbolizes the white-washed society and the "generic" standard of living in America. The message relayed through this symbol is that, unless they have blond hair and blue eyes, a child is destined to grow up feeling inferior to the "default."