Today, I was playing Old Maid with my students and I ended up with the “Old Maid” card. There are several issues with this picture. Number one I hate that the knitting needles are facing the wrong way. Get it together cartoonist! The needle ends face downward…duh! Secondly, this image continues to perpetuate the stereotype that all knitters are elderly and women. Why is it when most people think of knitting they picture their grandmother or some other elderly woman sitting in a rocking chair slowly generating items such as afghans and/or mittens?
So who should we picture when we think of knitters? My answer: Think of anyone. That is right any human. Knitting is a universal activity. As long as you can hold up two sticks and swing that yarn you are a knitter.
As I write these words I know that I am preaching to the choir. We knitters know that the stereotypes are untrue. I mean look at me. I am a 30 year old African American woman who enjoys knitting while drinking cocktails. I have been known to take my knitting anywhere from the beach to the Inca Trail. Knitting is my love and I don’t care who knows (haha).
So how can we change stereotypes? Knit, knit, knit! Knit in public, knit with others, and share your talent. We are a unique community and we need to represent!
Until Next Time,
-Whit-