I’m trying to decide whether the project was a success… 'very trying' as a headmaster once said of me.
First of all, I need to make clear that I'm not speaking for the other knitters or for the planning group, or for the project in any way. We didn’t build in an ‘evaluation’ element. I can only write about the way I see things, and how the project affected me. And because for me Knitting a Nation was only one element of my campaign for independence, neither can I separate out the thoughts, the feelings and the emotions associated with Knitting a Nation from those associated with my involvement in the wider Yes Campaign.
So here’s what I came up with. (not actually what I said to Jo and François. As usual my contribution was rather garbled, so I hope they manage to edit it well!)
Was Knitting a Nation a success?
Let’s be bold and tick the box. Practically, we did what we set out to do - produced a knitted map of Scotland knitted by a disparate group of women, with varying knitting skills. The map was exhibited at our art exhibition in June and is now touring where it’s been widely appreciated.
Giving women who wouldn’t normally get ‘involved’ in politics a way to get involved, was sound - we did draw in women who described themselves exactly in these terms. I’d like to think that being involved in the project did make these women more willing to think about the issues – but I’ve no evidence other than from a few local knitters.
Using the arts as a medium to provide a safe space where people could listen and talk , worked well, where people met in groups. But the very ‘successful’ geographical spread of Knitting a Nation worked meant that most knitters were working alone, and so worked against this chance to create opportunities for people to meet. So we had few opportunities for the cross-fertilisation of ideas, which might have broken down barriers.
And actually, in my view, that was the prime aim of the project, positive campaigning to break down barriers between YES and NO voters. The map was the means, not the end.
Well, a few of us from different sides did work together, we were respectful of other’s views and we didn’t come to any blows… can we count that as success? I hardly think so, given the background of the wider campaign.
The barriers, as I see it, are higher than ever now. I certainly didn’t, and still don’t, recognise the ‘lunatic mob’ who allegedly were YES voters. I resented the lack of respect and honesty in the mainstream media, the demonising of ‘Yes’ voters. and especially of our First Minister. I felt misunderstood and misrepresented. The barriers still exist. In fact some venues ask if they can have the map without the information boards, as they don’t want to be associated with a ‘political project’. ( I agree, but do wonder what they’re scared of.)
However, for me personally, the project was a great success. My involvement in it and the wider YES campaign will rank as a highlight of my life. I’m better educated about politics, more aware of issues, My naivety has evaporated, my political acumen sharpened. I can smell bullshit now... is my memory playing tricks, or is there a song about that? Jimmy Cliff, wasn't it?
I know now that a fair ‘battle of ideas’ was never on the cards. A ‘nice’, ‘conciliatory’ approach will never be allowed to stand in the way of powerful interests of Westminster politicians, the corporate elite, and the mainstream media.
I might not be so polite next time round. And yet, and yet...
More to come.
First of all, I need to make clear that I'm not speaking for the other knitters or for the planning group, or for the project in any way. We didn’t build in an ‘evaluation’ element. I can only write about the way I see things, and how the project affected me. And because for me Knitting a Nation was only one element of my campaign for independence, neither can I separate out the thoughts, the feelings and the emotions associated with Knitting a Nation from those associated with my involvement in the wider Yes Campaign.
So here’s what I came up with. (not actually what I said to Jo and François. As usual my contribution was rather garbled, so I hope they manage to edit it well!)
Was Knitting a Nation a success?
Let’s be bold and tick the box. Practically, we did what we set out to do - produced a knitted map of Scotland knitted by a disparate group of women, with varying knitting skills. The map was exhibited at our art exhibition in June and is now touring where it’s been widely appreciated.
Giving women who wouldn’t normally get ‘involved’ in politics a way to get involved, was sound - we did draw in women who described themselves exactly in these terms. I’d like to think that being involved in the project did make these women more willing to think about the issues – but I’ve no evidence other than from a few local knitters.
Using the arts as a medium to provide a safe space where people could listen and talk , worked well, where people met in groups. But the very ‘successful’ geographical spread of Knitting a Nation worked meant that most knitters were working alone, and so worked against this chance to create opportunities for people to meet. So we had few opportunities for the cross-fertilisation of ideas, which might have broken down barriers.
And actually, in my view, that was the prime aim of the project, positive campaigning to break down barriers between YES and NO voters. The map was the means, not the end.
Well, a few of us from different sides did work together, we were respectful of other’s views and we didn’t come to any blows… can we count that as success? I hardly think so, given the background of the wider campaign.
The barriers, as I see it, are higher than ever now. I certainly didn’t, and still don’t, recognise the ‘lunatic mob’ who allegedly were YES voters. I resented the lack of respect and honesty in the mainstream media, the demonising of ‘Yes’ voters. and especially of our First Minister. I felt misunderstood and misrepresented. The barriers still exist. In fact some venues ask if they can have the map without the information boards, as they don’t want to be associated with a ‘political project’. ( I agree, but do wonder what they’re scared of.)
However, for me personally, the project was a great success. My involvement in it and the wider YES campaign will rank as a highlight of my life. I’m better educated about politics, more aware of issues, My naivety has evaporated, my political acumen sharpened. I can smell bullshit now... is my memory playing tricks, or is there a song about that? Jimmy Cliff, wasn't it?
I know now that a fair ‘battle of ideas’ was never on the cards. A ‘nice’, ‘conciliatory’ approach will never be allowed to stand in the way of powerful interests of Westminster politicians, the corporate elite, and the mainstream media.
I might not be so polite next time round. And yet, and yet...
More to come.