The title of the post is: A Big Girl Challenge Just for YOU!
How many of you are offended just by the title?
Dare I list some of the ways that is offensive?
1. Big Girl - implying the overweight quilters with no social life.
2. Big Girl - you are all still just girls, not happy successful women. So here is a little project for you.
3. Big GIRL- No men allowed, this is a girls club and you can't play. Sorry Ricky Tims, Luke Haynes, Mark Lipinski, Raymond Houston, Joe Cunningham, Bill Volkening, Kaffe Fassett, Bill Kerr, Thomas Knauer, Scott Hansen, John Q. Adams, Ryan Walsh, John Flynn and Doug Leko. Whew- and I can think of many more....... And that is just the beginning of the list of male quilters. Raymond Houston has a list of more than 120 who have an online presence. Just so you know, I am on that listing. (imagine the number who quilt quietly and don't blog or maintain that online presence.)
So tell me, how many of my wonderful readers like being called Big or Girl ?
I have walked out of quilt shops when treated as if I didn't belong in the shop. I don't give my hard won dollars to companies that denigrate me or my friends or anyone else for that matter. I am very much of the "live and let live" mentality. I don't believe anyone should be limited or excluded.
I posted a comment on the AQS OnPoint blog - it was deleted from moderation and not posted. Here is what I said:
"Thanks for using your words to tell male quilters that they are NOT welcome at AQS. Sexism works both ways you know."
Please forgive my rant. My next post will show a pretty quilt, but today, I had to get this off my chest.
Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible unless otherwise stated. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger"- I can not reply. Links in posts may be affiliate links for which I am compensated if you click through and purchase.
17 comments:
Well done, Gene. I'm with you.
So agree with you on each and every point!!! I mean come on - what a stupid name for a challenge!
Good for you.....amazing they deleted it.
I won't be renewing my membership with them - a lot of very disturbing things have come out that just don't sit well with me - this is another. We fought hard to get a show in Syracuse NY and now (only 2 yrs) they are throwing us out and Paducah get's TWO. Don't get me going on the Modern Guild's new show rules either. And we have four men in our guild at present -
Good for you! I'm not the least bit surprised that they didn't "approve" and/or publish your comment. It is only one of many blogs that don't publish anything "negative" - translation - anything that has a different point of view or that doesn't agree with them. Don't get me going on the "controversy" and the "censorship" at a recent show. It seems that I have to be very careful these days not to offend anyone - at the same time others couldn't care less whether or not they offend me - ;))
Rant on...maybe someone has noticed. Words do matter.
Good for you Gene!
Sound off all you want....we do agree with you. We have men in our guild and love their viewpoints. We don't call them boys either. AQS blew it big time.
BRAVO!
This is another reason that we love Maddie Kertay and the BAQS (BadAss Quilters Society). Everyone is welcome and their viewpoint is respected.
Today I encouraged a male library employee when he reserved a book for me and expressed an interest in quilting. Has made tops, but didn't know how to quilt them, so gave him some ideas. Males are welcome in our guild and have been for as long as I've been a member now over15 years.
Well said my friend!!
Well I love a good rant and your title got my attention. Sometimes I only think of how phrases offend me. Big Girl...such a demeaning term. BIG..as in large, nope that doesn't do it. Girl....as in not boy...no that doesn't either. BIG GIRL...YES that offends me...as in a transition somewhere between little girl and adult. It sounds to me like AQS needs some younger blood to run the show. I bet they think that all guys that sew, or quilt, or crochet and knit are gay too. We don't need that BS.
xx, Carol
Keep on with your rant Gene. I'm with you all the way.
I agree with every point of your "rant" Gene. good for you!
I am in total agreement with your statement (and comments). In the same vein, I really dislike "Put your big girl panties on and...."
I hadn't heard of this contest, will have to look it up. Are they referencing the quote about pulling up your big girl pants? I'm with you on this one, quilting is an expression of art and more power to all the artists out there!
Post a Comment