Posted by kohuether on 2005-02-10 11:29:23
Post Subject:
I don't knit, I crochet. Though, I think I am going to purchase some knitting needles today. But, I am going to answer these questions anyway.
I am going to answer the question about "my definition of being a feminist."
I am not a feminist. What I am, is a woman who takes pride in being a woman. I celebrate each season of the year as if it is another season of my life. I believe that it is a beautiful thing staying in touch with a rich history and tradition of culinary, nurturing, and herbal knowledge. I am an herbalist. I crochet. I cook. I own my own business, Persuasive Words creative copywriting. I do all these things and try to find balance between them. If the popular, accepted definition of feminism is "embracing life and the rich tradition of women who nurture and take pride in doing so" then I suppose I can start calling myself a feminist because that is what I believe.
I think people try too hard to define feminism when really, I think all we need to do is be true to ourselves.
Posted by fishfeet on 2005-02-01 12:28:43
Post Subject: Feminist knitters
Great topic for discussion. I myself am a relatively new knitter, but have crocheted for years. I think it is interesting that you bring up the relationship between knitting (and crafting in general) and feminism. Many of the "younger generation" knitting books address this phenomenom and refer to reclaiming knitting from being considered an anti feminist activity. I think it is also important to reclaim the word feminist, because I know many women (and men) who feel it has a negative conotation. Personally I define feminism as equality between the sexes, both economically and socially. To answer the rest of your questions:
What role does knitting play in a women's life?
- I think that knitting plays the role that any other hobby plays in peoples lives. It is something that interests them, gives them joy, it is a outlet of creativity and allows them to connect with others who enjoy the same activity.
Do most girls today take up knitting with the SnB mentality?
-I don't necessarily believe that girls take up knitting with the idea that it is a feminist thing to do, however I can't speak for most girls so I don't know what their motives are. For myself, as a relatively new knitter and a feminist, I did not take up knitting in order to reclaim the knitting as a feminist activity, I just like to do it.
Why does knitting have such a cult following?
- I definately think that the number of knitters has increased recently. There are many new yarn stores popping up, new books and magazines about the subject, etc. I don't know the exact reason, but I think that our societies wants and needs are cyclical. For example, after years of pre-packaged, preservative laden foods, people are starting to shift back to fresh, organic ingredients, and making their own food from scratch. I think the same is true with hobbies and crafts, people are knitting in order to find a way to cope with the rush rush lifestyle that everyone has grown accustomed to. I don't really know if this answers the question, but it is the only way I know how to explain it.
Why did I start knitting?
I actually learned to knit during a year I spent in a program called Americorps. For 10 months I was working with a group of other people on different volunteer projects. We traveled around the country and our accommodations were sparse. We didn't usually have a tv, and we didn't have access to a vehicle all of the time. In order to pass what little down time we did have many of the people in the program learned to knit and crochet. At the time it was a relatively inexpensive and portable hobby. During that time, I spent more time crocheting, mainly because it was easier for me (my mom had taught me years ago) but I just recently started knitting because of the versatility of the items you can create.
Do I identify as a feminist?
-yes
What does knitting do for me?
-I just really enjoy working with yarn and fibers, as well as the rhythmic motions of knitting and crocheting. It is relaxing as well as a way to do or make something. As a business student, I have very little opportunity throughout my day to actually make something with my hands, knitting gives me an outlet to do this.
Thanks for the discussion, and good luck on your thesis. I hope you get some valuable information that will assist in writing it.
Posted by soapandwater on 2004-12-26 12:12:35
Post Subject:
I guess "feminism" as a word still works because women still make up half (a little over half, I think) of the population. At the very least, you know, there should be equality in that. That's why, I THINK, "feminism" still does its job.
Whether or not feminists choose to take on other things (like racism, classism, etc) is up to them, but by confronting all the various forms of oppression, you are able to free women more and more.
I mean, if there's a lower class person of color being told by the government that if she gets married to some abusive asshole, she'll get more money, well-- maybe that's when more than one thing needs to be evaluated to further accomplish the goals of feminism.
The feminist movement had for a long time neglected to include gays, trans, etc, and for that, I think the movement suffered.
I do think there are certain things that define feminism, despite what some people might argue. I think you can definitely say a lot of feminism is about choice, but a lot of people have manipulated that into, "Oh, I CHOOSE to believe that getting a facelift and being skinny is my way of expressing feminism. I CHOOSE to barter sex for power with my husband."
If THAT'S feminism nowadays, then maybe a new word needs to be created because I'm not buying that (and a lot of women do, probably some reading this thread and getting highly irritated.)
I think it's a good question. And I was relieved when I saw it because I was like, "OH NO. Mindshare can't POSSIBLY be asking for definitions of feminism." And you weren't.
Posted by Bearsie on 2005-12-01 13:44:20
Post Subject:
what i love about getcrafty is that it *is* a feminist place. one that is about community and differing opinions and learning from them instead of having some sort of knee-jerk reaction. i like that it's more holistic than other boards and easier to wade through because of it.
there are always people that are going to come in from the "outside" to try and upset the applecart, but that's the nature of the internet- it's not a lockdown society. all we can do here is try and support each other as best we can and be as respectful as we can while watching each other take root, learn and grow for the better.
I couldn't disagree more. This site is all about the "knee-jerk" reaction. What would you call yelling "troll" at the first sign of a challenge??(see Menknit thread) Even Delqc pointed out to me herself that she has been doing that a lot, while at the same time not feeling safe here. That doesn't make sense. The people making this place unsafe are complaining that they themselves don't feel safe here.
Get Crafty is known as the "militant" wing of the craft world. You can't come here and "discuss" unless you ultimately have the same opinion as those who belong to the "old crowd". It is a very exclusive site - not inclusive. If that is what Jean envisioned it to be from the beginning, then she achieved her goal.
Personally, I don't need anyone to define "feminism" for me. I am a strong woman who is secure in her beliefs. That is feminism to me.
