Re: [-empyre-] geuzennamen

["Renee Turner" <geuzen@xs4all.nl>]

Hi  blakkbyrd,

I really don't have too much to add to this thread anymore beyond what has
been said (in my earlier mails and Ryan's recent post),  except for the
fact that the definition appears in Dutch on the Dutch webpage, in English
in the English page and in French on the French page.  And the history of
our name is described on our FAQ link.  Next to this, the definition label
is sewn into every t-shirt.

best,


Renee



 Today,  the word, geuzennaam is still used in the Dutch
language whenever disparaging terms are re-appropriated as a badge of
pride. (I saw you were writing from Amsterdam, so maybe you already
know this, but it might be useful to others on the list  :-)

If an understanding of the term is necessary to placing the project in
context, shouldnt this be explained at the entrance to the site, in
multiple languages too?


Basically, the collection of geuzennaam (it is an older thread in our
work) grew out of our own desire as women to explore our stereotypes.
(it's connected to our uniforms and the paperdolls)  And the project
started out simple, as a circulating list of words being added to and
translated across different languages amongst women.  It was a
catalyst for discussion.  Some words known by older women had faded
out of use.  To be a bluestocking or crumpet, is not so common any
more.  So, the list is a kind of changing sociological portrait.

And the t-shirts were first done at a Do-it-yourself exhibition.  We
simply had  the list of words on sticky back vinyl, shirts, an
ironing board and a label with the Geuzennaam definition which could
be sewn on.  The women who were there immediately got it, and while
pilfering through cloth and  words, you would hear things like "oh
this is mine"...or " no this one... this one is even better".  They
chose for themselves .  And we were able to explore ideas of
stereotypes, cliches and "hurtful names", in a way which we never
could have, if we said: "Now, lets talk about how women have been
disparaged through words."  But at the same time, that is exactly
what we were discussing while making our shirts and simultaneously
bringing those words into our temporary possession.

 I can see how this might be empowering to certain women when explored in
a controlled environment with trained therapists.  But a website is not a
controlled environment.

Can you share your audience demographics with us?  How many t shirts have
you sold to   women, and how many have you sold to  males?  How many
teenagers and children visit your site?

We actually get teenagers that email us because
they want to add to our list of words, or they want to buy a T-shirt.


Is every purchasor screened to ensure that they correctly understand the
theoretical underpinnings of your project before purchase?

How much traffic does the site get and how much revenue does it generate
from sales and advertising?  Do you break even?

In the absence of such information, the project appears  about as
effective as handing out bottles of scotch to alcoholics would be in
campaigning against alcoholism.

gender-ads is far more effective and doesnt sell anything
http://blakkbyrd.blogspot.com/2006/08/gender-ads.html


Regarding the legal issue you raise, I don't know that much about
Australian law.

If you are unfamiliar with Australian law regarding anti-vilification and
anti-discrimination, perhaps you could explain how the project  fits
within the dutch equivalent legislation, if any exists.

This was worth listening to.
http://blakkbyrd.blogspot.com/2006/10/art-women-and-power.html

thankyou for the discussion

blaKKbyrdSend instant messages to your online friends
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