Key Takeaways:
- The concept of "craftivism" refers to the use of crafts, such as knitting and embroidery, as a form of activism to promote social and political change.
- Craftivism has been used to address various issues, including environmental degradation, racism, wealth inequality, and fast fashion.
- The power of craftivism lies in its ability to build communities and create social-relational commitments among participants.
- Craftivism can be a powerful tool for movement building, as it allows individuals to come together and work towards a common goal.
- The act of creating something with one’s own hands can be a form of resistance and a way to promote joy and sustainability.
Introduction to Craftivism
In early October, a group of women in Portland, Oregon, gathered outside the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, armed with their knitting needles and lawn chairs. They called themselves "Knitters Against Fascism" and aimed to show that life was continuing as normal in Portland, despite the presence of national guard troops deployed by Donald Trump. The women’s peaceful protest was a testament to the power of craftivism, a concept that has been used for centuries to promote social and political change.
The Power of Community
The success of the Knitters Against Fascism protest lay in its ability to build a community around a shared passion for knitting. The women’s decision to bring their knitting needles and lawn chairs to the protest created a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, which helped to counter the negative narrative surrounding the city. As knitwear designer Michele Lee Bernstein noted, "A group of knitters calmly knitting was a perfect visual to counter the lie" that Portland was "burning to the ground." The community that formed around the protest was not limited to the women who attended, but also included others who were inspired by their example and decided to participate in their own way.
A History of Craftivism
The concept of craftivism is not new, and it has been used throughout history to promote social and political change. From the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, who embroidered white handkerchiefs to protest against the disappearances of their children during Argentina’s military dictatorship, to the Aids Memorial Quilt, which wove together quilt blocks memorializing people lost to Aids, craftivism has been a powerful tool for movement building. As political scientist Hahrie Han noted, "One of the big challenges in movement building is to build solidarity across different groups of people." Craftivism provides a unique opportunity for individuals to come together and work towards a common goal, while also building social-relational commitments that can help to sustain the movement over time.
The Impact of Craftivism
The impact of craftivism can be seen in the various ways that it has been used to promote social and political change. For example, the pussyhat, which was knitted by many protesters to denounce Trump at the beginning of his first administration, was an identity and allegiance signaling tool that helped to create a sense of community and solidarity among participants. Similarly, the embroidered works of Shannon Downey, which were sold to raise funds for the Chicago-based non-profit Project Fire, helped to raise awareness about gun violence and promote action on the issue. As Downey noted, "Small acts can make big change," and craftivism provides a unique opportunity for individuals to make a positive impact on the world.
Craftivism as a Form of Resistance
For some fiber artists, craft is inherently political, and the act of creating something with one’s own hands can be a form of resistance against fast fashion and consumerism. As Downey noted, "Creating in a time of destruction and chaos, that is resistance in and of itself." The act of making one’s own clothing or accessories can be a powerful rebuke of the fast fashion industry, which is often characterized by exploitation and waste. By creating something with their own hands, individuals can take control of their own consumption and promote sustainability, while also creating a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Centering Joy
One of the key successes of craftivism is its ability to center joy and create a sense of community and solidarity among participants. As Downey noted, "There’s a lot of anger and rage in the work that I do, that’s the catalyst." However, the act of creating something with one’s own hands can be a powerful way to promote joy and sustainability, and to create a sense of hope and optimism in the face of adversity. By centering joy and community, craftivism provides a unique opportunity for individuals to come together and work towards a common goal, while also promoting positive change in the world.