PUSSY HATS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
The Women’s March on Washington was filled with a whole lotta nastiness—nasty port-a-pottys, nasty crowds, and most importantly, nasty women. Yet, as Ashley Judd made light of in her incredible speech, there is nothing nastier than racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, islamophobia, and ignorance (just to name a few really nasty things). Thankfully, these things were nowhere to be found at the march. Instead, I experienced over one million people gathered peacefully and in solidarity to resist the Trump Presidency, and all the nastiness it brings with it.
Something I greatly appreciated about this march was that it provided a safe space. Our differences in appearance did not divide us— in our hearts we share the same goals. Yet, despite the irrelevance of physical appearance, there was one fashion statement being made the spoke louder than many words could: the pussy hat.
Photo © Washington PostAn overwhelming sea of pink drowned out colorful posters and signs as the pussy hats reigned supreme. In a space where fashion choices were the least of concerns, the hat quickly transformed into a symbol for the fight for equality.
I found myself amazed with the phenomena of the pussy hat for many reasons. Firstly, because of it’s abrupt and unexpected popularity. I had only heard of the idea a few days before the march, and I never saw any posting about it within mainstream media. Second, because people were making these by hand. Nobody sold these hats— each one was knitted with care. In a way, it’s subverting an age-old stereotype about females knitting, and turning it into a badass image of resistance. Thirdly, because this simple article of clothing somehow turned one million people into a quintessential image of synergy.
Photo © Women’s MarchWe often see fashion as something superficial, classist, and only for those with privilege. In many cases, this is very true, but moments like this remind us that what we wear is an inherently powerful mode of communication. I saw many different t-shirts with excellent quotes and messages of solidarity, but nothing compared to the streamlining effect of the pussy hat.
I hope that this is not the end of the pussy hat, and more importantly, not the end of the resistance. For the march to be worthwhile, the fight for the rights of Black women, Native women, poor women, immigrant women, disabled women, Muslim women, lesbian, queer, and trans women must endure. The popular vote will not be silenced, and the nasty women are here to stay.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPjA6bQA0uZ/?taken-by=xaileymonet
