Dictionary.com defines activism as “The use of direct, often confrontational action, such as a demonstration or strike, in opposition to or support of a cause.” This is the definition I have often been presented with the minute I mention either craftivism or activism. At the mention of these terms, some people rear up and want nothing more to do with the discussion. When such a negative definition is so commonly applied, it isn’t hard to see why feathers are ruffled by even a whisper of activism.
But my own definition of activism lies closer to this, “Activism, in a general sense, can be described as intentional action to bring about social or political change” from Wikipedia. It continues with “The word ‘activism’ is often used synonymously with protest or dissent, but activism can stem from any number of political orientations and take a wide range of forms, from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, simply shopping ethically, rallies and street marches, direct action, or even guerilla tactics. In the more confrontational cases, an activist may be called a freedom fighter by some, and a terrorist by others, depending on which side of the political fence is making the observation.”
Activism (or craftivism) is less about a call to arms and more about a call to act for change. Although there are negative ways one can bring about change, the majority of activists I know are working for the common good, attempting to bring about illumination instead of darkness. By negating a construct and stripping it of its positive intent, the more commonly used definition only breeds fear and unwillingness when in fact every time you make a conscious choice, you are being an activist. In choosing to buy one brand of yarn instead of another due to the way it was produced or by choosing to ride your bike instead of drive, you are being an activist.
The past two weeks I have been living in rural England on a small-scale farm. I can’t think of a time when I have been more inspired or been taught more lessons or been shown so much hope in such a short span. I have been connecting and meeting individuals who continue to farm despite all the obstacles in their paths. After all the governmental and financial restraints have been agreed to, there seems to be little reason to continue an agrarian lifestyle.
As we send all of our textile needs to further shores where people are paid less to work more, resources that the small-scale producers have relied on since the Industrial Revolution have vanished, leaving them trying to fill in the gaps. And as it becomes more and more difficult for small-scale farmers to survive, traditions and methods are lost in the name of technology and progress.
But there is a sense of activism in the air here as people strive to continue to produce wool and fleece as they once did when all the factories where up and running and could take in small quantities of fibre to be prepared. Out of love and determination, activism is alive in its most positive sense- as individuals try and band together to keep traditional methods afloat despite myriad setbacks. In watching their strength and learning from their dedication, I am reminded again and again of why I am not ashamed to call myself an activist.
If you happen to be in Chicago this Thursday, you might want to check out Crafty Culture: Feminism, Activism, and the DIY Ethic, a panel discussion about the possibilities of craftivism. Awesome.
Good article, betsy. I think challenging the dominant definitions is so important. As I get older, I become more adept at presenting another (more positive) side of certain words and concepts to people who have not looked beyond media-touted versions of those concepts that the system is afraid of. Individuals have the power to release themselves from fear, and in doing so, they become more free to make choices that stem out of what feels right in their hearts. (but we forget sometimes that every choice has impact. It’s so easy to consume from simply an aesthetic perspective.)
Agrarian life is unglamourous, and I think that fact can keep people from living close to the land. When you have animals to care for, there are limitations in your life that were not there previously, (if you don’t come from a farming background.) I know this continues to be an issue for me. The side of me that is satisfied by pop culture in it’s many guises is NOT satisfied on the farm. But neither do I want to live in town. It’s tricky. Maybe this is why folks have tried to set up communal farms, but that is not an option in my life.
Since our society is the way it is, even among us “indies,” choosing to limit ourselves by producing and consuming conscienciously means that we set ourselves outside of the flow, and that can be lonely. When everyone is dressed in finery, and I’m opting for as-fine-as-I-can-make-myself, I stand out as “rustic” “rough-hewn” and “country.” While that is respected in some circles, most people won’t go for it themselves. And most farmers I know still shop at Wal-mart.
However, small farmers do place themselves outside of the stream of pop culture to varying degrees, and in doing so, perhaps they are keeping alive more than just a skillset. Perhaps they are perpetuating a frame of mind and a stillness that will be needed by all of us when we are “dancing on the ruins.”
There was a Canadian wool producer (Fibre Clan) that I wanted to link to here; I have purchased their hand-dyed and machine-spun-on-their-farm wool from Rambouillet that they raise themselves, and it is really lovely. But their website looks closed down. I emailed Alana to see what’s up, and if they are still operating, I will post the link. I found them when I was searching for coned yarn that was not spun by the big companies, so that I could feel okay about machine knittin sweaters for market. We need these smaller producers so desparately, and we need to support them even though it’s more expensive sometimes. They are important links in the “chain of accountability” that I love to talk about. You know, where a finished garment has been tended to with care from the sheep’s back to the spinning of the wool to the careful knitting to the wearing with pride. This thoughtfulness of process in clothing imbues our lives with well-being as much as it does at the table. (ie the Slow Food Movement.) But these producers are so few and far between. I have dreamed of setting up a directory for clothing and textiles produced in the spirit of the slow food movement, and maybe it already exists, but it’s damn elusive.
Wow. following this train of thought just now has me more determined than ever to consume with care!
Hey, it’s ladyjane from the glitter boards. The bit about textile workers and small farms nearly made me tear-up at my cube. Good stuff, and food for thought. :) Blessed Be.
I have been having conversations about activism more and more lately, and we seem to be coming to the same conclusions. Activism does not have to be negative reactions to what we see going on, they can be positive changes we make in our lives, no matter how small they seem. We can start locally by living our lives as examples of what we would like the world around us to be like, and by supporting those who are doing the same.
Also, thanks for the link to the panel discussion. Although i am preparing pieces for the DIY Trunk show, i think i will take my knitting with me, and attend that panel.
Thanks for the plug, Betsy. I wish you could be here. You deserve to be on this panel more than I do. But I’ll be sure to drop your name and link as many times as I can.