I believe I am starting to be quite the controversial blogger. I love that you all feel passionately about the things I write about, whether you agree with me or not.
Of course I am talking about the Pussy Hat Project. I have to tell you that when my SIL, who has her Ph.D in education and worked for years with University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, asked me to help her make this hat I was a little floored by the name. It is not a word I use, have ever used or agree with using. I feel it is extremely derogatory and insensitive. Yet after reading the meaning behind what the two creators of the project intended, I joined in at full speed.
I agree we should not lower ourselves. I agree we should reach high, but that has not worked really well so far. The creators of this project, Krista Suh and Jayna Zwelman wanted to make a strong visual statement on the day of the march. Well pink hats with corners that can represent ears will make that statement, even if you think they look a bit silly. This is a pattern seen frequently on Ravelry, and it is not offensive in its other forms. Yet the name of this hat makes it quite controversial. It is a play on the words pussy cat, and of course a reference to the word our President Elect has chosen to refer to women and where he likes to grab them. I like this quote from the project webpage, "We choose this loaded word for our project because we want to reclaim the term as a means of empowerment." It helped me understand where they were coming from. And frankly a less controversial name would not have garnered the attention that this name has, whether you agree with the name or not.
I thank you for you interesting comments. I thank you for those of you who made hats, passed on the pattern or simply chose to abstain from the whole thing. I am not the only one making this project. You can find many articles about this project online, here are just a few from Huffington Post, Yes! Magazine, The Detroit Free Press, and Bustle, and the links to Ravelry and Facebook.
Here is the hat I made for my SIL. She was very pleased with it. I have now finished number two and am casting on number three tonight.
Here is Mr. 23 modeling the hat above.
Onto other thoughts. My house is a lot quieter these days. Mr.19 went back to school on Sunday, and Mr.23 and his darling girlfriend returned to Ohio yesterday. I have to admit I have cried a few tears. I really feel whole when they are all around, when they are gone I feel like I am missing a part of my body. I always think I will get used to it but I don't. Little Buddy is missing them all, too. He told me yesterday that his biggest brother and girlfriend were missing him, but that is okay they will come back to F is for Florida again. Yes, Little One, they sure will.
35 comments:
You know where I stand.. right beside you. I agree with everything and loved your SIL in the hat. But I *LOVED* your son in it!! How cool is he to support his mom and his aunt this way! What a guy! I'm sorry they've all gone back home and you're missing them. I truly understand. I'm halfway done with my pink hat.. not sure who I can get to model mine.. lol. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Looks like Little Buddy has good big brothers and girlfriends too!
I agree with you that the name of the hat garnered a lot of response .....hopefully it sends a message to the Cheeto-elect that we are not to be minimized by his misogyny.
I'm proud of you for supporting this march! It is hard when family leaves as I well know!! Hugs!
I'm sorry, still find it offensive although I certainly support what they're doing. You don't improve things by dropping to his level. Hoping he gets bored and resigns.
Oh my goodness, that is the cutest picture ever!!!!
Good for you for taking a stand! Honestly, I am continually astounded that there are people who will not question the Evil Cheeto no matter what he does. Grab women by the p***sy? No problem! Saying he'd release his tax returns and not doing it even though it's been standard for EVERY candidate of both parties to do so AND WITHOUT WHINING ABOUT IT But no, if Trump doesn't want to, his supporters are just fine with that--no rules for him. Mock a disabled reporter? Oh, he didn't REALLY do that--we just all saw him do it, but because they want to believe in that evil, evil man, they think everyone is as brainwashed. Conflicts of interest, despotism, his contradictions and lies on Twitter--nothing stops his supporters. Good for you for taking a stand. If Trump doesn't make one want to protest, what on earth ever would?
I still miss my son after him being married 10 years and away from home. Daughter lives at home for now. I enjoyed our empty nest syndrome for awhile but it didn't last long enough. It's good to miss your children though, or there might be something sad if you didn't? Yes, the hat looks interesting and the concept....well...yes and no. I know where it all started from. People shouldn't be so blunt in words! That's all I've got to say, not against you but other people. Good night!
I'm totally with you on this hat project. I have one finished and am heading out tomorrow for more pink yarn. Hopefully I can get a few more made. Love all those big smiles on that gorgeous family of yours.
yes ... just YES! if using a controversial name can bring attention to the interest that millions of us have regarding the trampling and disregard for minorities, then bring on the controversy- i do so wish i could be among those who will march (cheers for your sil) but reasons beyond my control keep me mired down at home- i will, however, be proudly wearing my controversial pink hat during that day and praying that the voices can make themselves heard- we must remember that the new 'golden boy' was not the people's choice (perhaps we need to really start reconsidering that whole electoral college thing too?) and try to make this whole clown circus accountable for their words and deeds-
i miss my 'big kids' too- holidays are wonderful, but that empty aftermath can be overwhelming-
all regards to you and yours- and to your sil ... march proudly-
barb in texas
NPR did a story on them tonight. Made me proud to have made one even if mine is awfully wonky.
I get the missing kid thing. It breaks my heart every time they leave. Why do they have to grow up?
Ahhh Meredith. I understand entirely just how hard it is when your boys leave. I hope things will get back to normal for you soon. Hugs to you now though.
Blessings always,
Betsy
How lovely that Buddy knows that everyone will come back to see him again! That is adorable. Enjoy the knitting!
LOVE that sweet photo! Captures so much love and fun! I know exactly how an empty house feels. ;) blessings ~ tanna
I don't think you ever get over your children leaving and making lives for themselves but you are a great Mum for empowering them and making it easy for them to leave. A great job.
I think it may have been slightly lost on me as it is a common word here for a cat as well as its more vulgar use. It is hard when our children grow and leave isn't it, thank goodness we can look forward to seeing them again, I'm so glad you have Little Buddy around too xx
What fabulous pictures! I love Little Buddy saying they will be "back to F is for Florida" -- too cute!! Even though I am not for the hat project, your hats do look good!
F is for Florida and F is for Family! Lots of joy in that final picture. You are truly the architect of it all. Enjoy it.
If I had to make three hats, no one would get them til Christmas 2017! You're the Fastest Knitter In The USA. I'm envious. And I've so much more time than you, too. Sigh.
I feel so torn about this hat project. And like many others, it's all because of the name. But to those of you who have been able to see past the name and participate I say well done. To be honest, it just seems like a really good time to be living in Canada.
I love Little Buddy and his F is for Florida comment! :-)
Because of your blog on the hat I got involved. You did well my friend. Im thrilled to be a small part of it.
Every day I get a bit anxious about what's ahead. I pray.
As for the boys /men flying off to the other parts of their lives, I wish you the biggest hug. I cried for 3 days after both mine left this New YEars. How wonderful that our hearts are so entertwined.
We are back to texting and calling and it is feeling normal again in our house.
I had a serious few sad days though and it worried me.
So many friends have had this same experience and for many the adults have moved back, closer and things are a bit more like what we wish for.
Hugs to lil B. Out of the mouths of babes.
Well done on the hats, and well done Mr 23 for modelling one for you. I know how much you will miss him. Glad you have your Little Buddy to keep you on your toes while the others are away! Wishing you a good weekend. CJ xx
Oh how I loved seeing that hat on a man!!! How powerful it would be if hundreds of men showed up alongside the women to the rally donning that cute hat!
See the thing I think is best about all of this is everyone agrees that we need to take ACTION, even if not exactly the same way - ACTION is the whole point of the thing in the first place!
So, Go Meredith! You truly do rank as someone who is a hero to me, because you say what you think and stick to your guns. That is the best a person can do.
What's in a name??All power to you and everyone else who chooses to back this campaign. I might even make a few of those adorable hats myself. They look even more adorable on your models. Hugs to the little 'un. xxx
So glad I could be a part of this project!!!!!
I still can't Believe he is going to be president of this great country .
Go girl! It is good to know where we stand on issues and to get involved when we can. It is also good to have the freedom to do so. Hugs. xx
We can feel the effects of your "President elect" right over here in Australia! I don't remember ever a time when one man has caused an uproar like this before stepping in as President. His journey will be interesting to watch. Your son looks groovy in the hat by the way. lol Have a beautiful day. xx
It has been such a joy to have so many of our family living together the last few years...not without irritation and even anger from time to time, but even that promotes us to push to grow together in God's love we thankfully all believe in. That being said, over half of the household believes they are moving out sooner or later and I can not even talk about it without my voice cracking, so I can imagine how you feel as your young men become more and more independent. I'm glad you have all those loving smiling folks in this post in your life! xxxxx
It's so sad when your kids leave to go back after a long stay at home the longer they stay the harder it is, my son is going back on Monday and I'm not looking forward to it at all. Mr 23 looks lovely in the hat, have a great weekend Meredith. :) xx
The hats are great and the march is such a good thing. Even in the press over in blighty (hats mentioned!!) https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jan/14/womens-march-on-washington-protest-size-donald-trump xo
I haven't heard of this project! Hmm, I don't even know what to think :/
You have a beautiful family!
Love your sons photos! Your SIL went to UW-M? So did I! And my DH graduated from Penn State. Hope you sometime get to the Creamery there! Our newspaper recently carried a story about the disappearance of pink yarn at the local yarn shops! Hope DT pays attention to the Women's March. I am NOT looking forward to Inauguration Day nor to the next 4 years. Bleh!
This house is very quite again too. I found it really hard when they all left after Christmas, the hardest I've found it yet. I'm not sure if it's because of all the upset and stress we had over Christmas, and I wasn't very well either, that never helps. I'm just glad that we've got Skype these days, I don't know what I'd be like without it.
I think that this is a wonderful project, presented in a very marketable and relevant way. And sadly, in this world, you need a little controversy to be noticed, good intentions are not enough.
Amalia
xo
Meredith, you are the least controversial person I know. Some people just can't handle truth and honesty and are blinded by their own insecurities. I do believe words are important and meaningful. But sometimes, we put too much emphasis on certain things and that causes conflict when differing opinions collide. I think the Pussy Hat Project is a hoot! Women taking handmade and using it as a statement. The project has been all over Instagram for awhile and I love seeing all the different people involved. Great pictures of your SIL and your son! And, of course, Little B always brings a smile to my face. Hugs and blessings, Tammy
I have to say I find the name offensive also. To quote Michelle Obama "when they go low we go high".
Love these precious pictures you are kindly sharing with us!
Love your heart Meredith! It's big and beautiful and probably the color of that pretty pink ;-)
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