All I want to do these days, knitting-wise, is knit socks. I have an almost done Rift tee (not socks) done, but it’s a part that requires some attention so I put it down. I finished a pair for Zooey and one for Matt (pictures coming soon), and then I promptly cast on some new socks for Matt and some for me.
The socks for me are made with Opal self-striping yarn in the Comedy line, colorway Schwank (9837) yarn. I found this on Ebay and was drawn to the super cheerful yellow, orange, and teal colors. The socks for Matt are Regia Arne and Carlos yarn in the colorway Tinn (0462).
I’m not into setting many crafting goals. Too many deadlines or anything that feels like a have-to strips some of the joy for me. I like general ideas, and then I follow through if I want. I can’t let this feel like a job in any way. I’d like to get at least three pairs of socks per person done for my household before the weather turns cold again. That seems doable, as long as I do not get distracted by more interesting projects (which happens a lot). I’m keeping this crafting really light and carefree right now. There are many more areas of life that need more focus right now. I’m going to let knitting be a meditation.
Let’s talk about antiracism for a second. That’s were we should be putting some major focus as a human race. We all have been participating in systemic racism for far too long. We need to unlearn this and put our focus on being allies for people of color and creating actual equality in this country and the world. We don’t have it. The knitting world has been talking about this for a year and a half with significant focus. If your attitude is “let’s just get back to knitting,” then you should really rethink that. You’re on the wrong side of history and your days are numbered. Electing the motherfucking human cheeto was one of the most destructive things Americans (or let’s just say the outdated electoral college) has done in this century. The only benefit is that now we can truly see with highlighted focus how much racism is happening all around us. We have to acknowledge it before we can change it. If you don’t believe white privilege is real, please read Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack. I read this in graduate school in a diversity class, and sadly, at age 26 that might have been the first time I considered what kind of privilege being white allows me every day.
I’m exploring new antiracism materials this summer. A year ago I read White Fragility, and I think that’s a great resource. You can hear the author discuss it a bit on this post. I’m now reading How to Be an Antiracist and So You Want to Talk About Racism. Following that I want to work through the Me and White Supremacy workbook. I’d love to hear about other great resources in the comments if you have them. This reading, donating to organizations that support the anti-racism movement, like Color of Change and Black Visions Collective, talking to other white people about racism to help them see it and unlearn it, and listening to people of color are how I’m doing this work right now.
Racism is everywhere, some blatant and incredibly violent, some systemic or in forms of microaggressions. All of it is harmful. I was feeling hopeful about changes after reading this article that have come about with all of the recent protests, but that momentum must continue.
I too am gravitating toward simpler knits these days. I think the more uncertainty and strife in the world, the more I turn to knitting as a source of serenity and comfort. I agree with your stance on anti-racisim. I think it is imperative to take a stand. Your socks are looking magnificent!
Thank you! Knitting has to be a source of pure comfort sometimes.
I totally agree with you. We HAVE to vote that man out in November.
YESSSSSSS!!!!
Thank you for this timely post. I was just reading some UK blogs that seemed more worried about the statues being pulled down than about the changes needed to stop racism. People get easily distracted by side issues that detract from the main issue of anti-racism. Thanks for the great links – all thoughtful talking points that help me express my stand more clearly. I have hope for the future. Thanks so much!
I saw something on Instagram about the same people that are upset about statues being pulled down not giving a fuck about pipelines going through Native American lands. Oh the irony. Yes, all of that is a distraction from the main point. We need to focus on the racism!
The socks are great (as usual – I just came here to comment on the other blog post of yours – those socks are also great), but THANK YOU SO for the second part of the article. Especially for the essay, I will read this later.
I read White Fragility last year, after a friend of mine (the only nonwhite (thought not black) person in a friend group suggested it. The racism discussion eventually teared the group apart, but I am, in fact, very thankful, because reading the book made me realise that yes, I have benefitted from White Privilige, and I definitely have some racist thought patterns – not by choice, but because I was unconsciously raised with them.
I don’t have any English sources for you though, because I decided, since I’m German, to educate myself about modern-day racism in my own country by reading books by German authors about it (oh wait, there is “Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race”, it is UK centred). I will also read the other books, but I think that European/German racism works differently, so I am going to find out whether this is true and won’t have an opportunity to “hide” behind the difference between American and German society.
As for the rest of the politics … I truly hope that the orange muppet gets thrown out of the White House, but I don’t dare to be optimistic yet. Everyone said he’d never get into office four years ago. :/
Thanks so much for sharing your perspective and what you’re working on. Inherent racism is really hard to own but we all have to acknowledge that before we can move forward.
Thanks for the post and for sharing resources! I’m not able to do much knitting other than a blanket I am working on (it was supposed to be background knitting) . . . not much room in the brain given everything going on! I thought I would add to your resource list for anyone else who might be reading: UIUC is offering a free online class about Race in the History of the US. It’s through Corsera, but it’s free and I’m finding it really useful!
Thank you so much for that recommendation! That’s great!
Lots of great information here! Thank you.