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2 herspective: Sue Bradford 3 letters / fronting up 4 broadcast Gulf war o Copper 7 o Cervical cancer screening o Condom safety o Women need new agenda o The People’s Centre features 12 Nicaraguan sisters Gillian Marie 14 International working women’s Day Megan Fidler 17 Brutality towards beneficiaries Megan Fidler 20 I see the myth, the myth sees me Pat Rosier 25 Policy versus need - A short story by Shirley Pokoati 26 Mitzi Nairn - An interview by Gwenda Paul Monteith 30 Sabbage blows 31 Anarchy and feminism The black stocking sisters

35 Arts visual: Women on the move o Heterosexual visibility in the visual arts o theatre: Feminist directing o Touch of the sun o film: Ghost o Camille Claudel o Romero o march music madness: Monie Love o Tanita Tikarim o Soho o Randy Crawford o Margaret Urlich o Michelle Shocked o books: Goddess o Bestfeeding o Listings o

47 What’s new 48 Classified

Policy is made by the Womanfile collective : Helen Courtney, Megan Fidler, Cathy Hall, Lisa Howard-Smith, Juliet Jacques, Claire-Louise McCurdy, Pat Rosier, Lisa Sabbage, Athina Tsoulis. Main areas of responsibility are: ADVERTISING: Lisa Howard-Smith EDITORIAL: Megan Fidler, Pat Rosier FINANCES: Cathy Hall PRODUCTION: Helen Courtney SUBSCRIPTIONS: Edith Gorringe. THANKS TO : The Print Centre, Glenda Laurence, Jacqui Fill, Saffron Jay, Ann Purdy, Sanya Baker and Michelle Quinn.

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MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 1 herspective

ike many other people I meet, at the moment I am beneficiaries organisation or other women’s or political reeling from the double shocks of the catastrophic group, to democratise and strengthen such organisations outbreak of the Gulf War (WW3?) and the devastating by our participation, and also through finding allies, those L economic and political situation locally. with whom we share common cause, and breaking down Many of us who grew up in the anti-Vietnam War era some of the prejudices of the past. predicted the current crisis of world depression and war, I also hope in the longer run that low paid workers, but that foreknowledge doesn’t make dealing with them women, unemployed and beneficiaries will be able to any easier. Nightmares of nuclear devastation and the end participate in a widescale political party which can truly of the species bred from two generations of atomic represent us, not just on the streets but also in parliament. culture go hand in hand with a sense of helplessness in The second strategy is to organise together for the face of the boys playing their foolish game, perhaps survival. Jobs, food, housing, health and education for us one last time. and our children are all under threat. Do we sit back and I don’t believe in giving up, however, and I hope many starve, let our children and old people die, see our women will join in a renewal of a massive peace neighbours and friends go under? It’s up to us to movement with at least the localised and achievable goal collectively say NO! of getting New Zealand out of its military involvement in I believe it is up to us, in our own areas and our own the Gulf. On the home front, the massive sellout of ways, to build and develop organisations which meet our Labour’s Rogemomics has segued into the pure evil of most basic needs. A group of us in central Auckland has Richardson and Shipley at the helm. In one hit, these two started to try and seed this process, with the formation in women and their colleagues are cutting social welfare November last year of The People’s Centre (see spending by a third, while simultaneously removing Broadcast item). union protection from many low paid workers - on top of Finally, I reckon that for too long women have felt that canning the pay equity legislation. economics is not a women’s issue, It’s too hard, it’s a What this means for women, unemployed people and men’s ploy - or whatever. But we have to face it now. low paid workers is dire. When benefit levels are at Economics affects our whole lives, from cuts to childcare $108.17 per week for the 18-24 year olds , as will be the funding through to the amount of money we get to live on case from the end of March, the pressure on people to each week. Depressions are not good for women. take jobs at very low pay and in de-unionised conditions Traditionally we get slammed back into the kitchen and becomes intense. The latest business confidence survey the nursery, obsessed with the details of making do. Will finds that 48% of businesses expect to reduce staff we let that happen this time round? I hope not. I hope numbers in the next three months (February - April women will take their rightful place in the front line of 1991). BERL estimates official unemployment rates organisations for political and economic change, and not could reach 300,000 people by the middle of this year. be afraid to step out of line to do so. There are now more registered unemployed in the Most of our gains of the last 20 years look pretty Auckland area than in the South Island, and this is where illusory against what is happening to us now, especially if people come to look for work. We are up against it. we have children. Let’s get together, and use our energy, For workers, unemployed people and beneficiaries creativity and common sense to work for an Aotearoa alike, I believe things are going to be worse than we ever where all our children have a chance, and all our imagined. I think we need two strategies. resources are shared fairly among our people. One is to fight back politically, to try to roll back repressive legislation, and ultimately bring to power Sue Bradford co-ordinator of the Auckland Unemployed people who will represent our interests. This starts with Workers Rights Union, phone 399 682 or write to P O taking an active role in our union, unemployed and Box 3813, Auckland 1.

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2 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1 ette r s

“bad language”. Articles like that of silence, and to have our voices heard, I Jenny Rankine are of great help, plan to edit a collection of writings. especially to those of my age group to Please send your written work - prose or understand a very difficult subject. poetry - to me by May 31 1991, telling Presenting the facts in this way can help your story and the consequences of the us to avoid the pitfalls of using the abuse on your life, how you leamt to so AIDS - AVOIDING BAD wrong terms, thank you. “No” and what worked for you in your LANGUAGE Freda E Larsen healing. I was very interested in the article on Palmerston North For further information contact AIDS, avoiding bad language by Jenny Gillian Marie, Centre for Continuing Rankine, but from a rather different PUBLICATION ON SEXUAL Education, University of Waikato, point of view. ABUSE Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, marked When I was nursing nearly 50 years I am wanting to edit a collection of Personal, ago, I worked as a student nurse in an writings for publication on Sexual or phone (071) 562 899 ext 8195. isolation hospital in South Lancashire. Abuse of Girls/Women by their brothers. Gillian Marie As part of our “fever” training we had to Little has been written on this theme, Senior Continuing Education Officer nurse tuberculosis patients. There were and thus resources are scarce for women University of Waikato two places where TB patients could go, who have had this experience. To help Ed Note: Readers, Drop us a line one on the moors between Lancashire break down this isolation, to break the sometime, we’d love your responses. □ and Yorkshire, for those who could perhaps have some measure of recovery, and in town attached to the “fever” hospital where they went to die. This fronting up was one small ward of separate cubicles, open to the elements, which was supposed to help. On this ward we had about one death a week, so heaven only EDITORIAL DEADLINES knows how many there were all over Lancashire, let alone the whole country. For the April issue 5 March, May 29 March. Yet I never once heard of an epi­ POETRY demic! It was never even talked about! We will be having a poetry page in May. Deadline for Could it be because sexual relations did submissions is 27 March not come into it? Or because it was OFFICE HOURS largely a disease of poverty, bad 9.30am - 3.30pm or you can leave a message on the housing, malnutrition, atrocious working answer phone. conditions (when the people were in THANKS work) a disease mainly of the poor and oppressed? Please keep us in mind when you want to share In the novels of the time those in the some of that hard-earned money. Thanks to all the upper and middle classes who got it had women who already make regular donations and their condition romanticised, called add a bit to their subscription renewals or just send “going into a decline etc”, and were us something out of the blue. It all adds up. rushed to a sanitorium in Switzerland! VOLUNTEERS (Incidentally none of those with whom I nursed got TB, in contrast to If you have some spare time during the day and New Zealand/Aotearoa, see Sonia would like to help Cathy or Lisa with tasks around Davies’ autobiography “Bread and the office, please call them on 608 535. Roses”.) Friends of Broadsheet Auckland, are looking for I agree that many AIDS sufferers are more members. If you can help with the jumble sale also the victims of poverty but because it which is coming up call Juliet 444 45299. can be sexually transmitted plays on the fears of the homophobic and moralistic with “banner headlines” resulting in

MARCH 1 991 BROADSHEET 3 t

the refusal to allow imports in and out There have been a picket at the FIGHTING AGAINST of Iraq and Kuwait as a military airbase when the New Zealand Hercules THE WAR blockade, which is an act of war. The left, discussion with the base Joyce Brown writes about the UN resolution says that food and commander and a rally in Aotea square forming and actions of the Auckland medicines should be allowed in “in on 15 January. As we are one day ahead Gulf Crisis Committee. humanitarian circumstances” but in a of other countries it was the eve of war’s war-tom country we ask who is there to start. In spite of drizzle a crowd of 2,000 Following a meeting called by the monitor the situation. We feel it is turned out and marched to the US Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in obscene to starve a country into consulate where a US flag was burned. Auckland in August 1990 the Auckland submission because it is the poor who War began on 16 January (our time) and Gulf Crisis Committee (AGCC) was suffer, the rich are always able to obtain the consulate was picketed at noon and formed. The group has agreed on five food and medicines. 4.30 for several days. points as the basis on which they will Also, we feel that the Arab people The committee of AGCC will operate: should be left to solve their own continue with public education and 1. We condemn all use of military problems and that a two-state solution to demonstrations. It meets fortnightly at force in the Gulf Region and call for the the Israeli/Palestinian question should the Methodist Central Mission. For withdrawal of all forces there. be a part of that solution. further information phone 393 809. 2. In view of the human suffering In October the US Consul-General humanitarian aid should be given to all received politely a personally-delivered Mitzi Naim writes about the Gulf war countries in the Gulf area. letter stating these views from AGCC. in the January Programme on 3. The citzens of Kuwait have the In the same month, at an election Racism Newsletter: right to self-determiiation in free meeting MP John Banks respnded to a As I worked on this newsletter, knowing elections after the solution of the crisis. request to help stop the war with that it was time to write something that 4. We oppose all sanctions and laughter and the comment, “Oh has it would sum up 1990 and inspire us for embargoes on Iraq and Kuwait. started? I hadn’t heard.” 1991, the Gulf crisis turned into war. For 5. We oppose New Zealand military Modem war, because of its destruct­ a few days I was caught in a wave of involvement in the Gulf and offer iveness of human life, displacing of confusion, as I experienced all the support to all those who refuse to people and its effect on the environment incongruity and sense of disproportion become part of any such military action. is not an option for solving problems. which has been the response of most of In explanation of number 4, we regard Other ways have to be found. the people I’ve talked with. On our

4 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1 Photos: Gil Hanly AC 1991 19 MARCH jam? How can I be worrying about about worrying be I can How jam? hearing and noticing. I noticed how how noticed I noticing. and hearing ridiculous? Is there any point in rallying, rallying, in point any there Is ridiculous? becameijleaders, military personnel, personnel, military screens TV becameijleaders, the male overwhelmingly resources but lack basic communication communication basic lack but resources much at the mercy of other people, people, other of mercy the at much many Like vigil? keeping or work marching anti-racism Is Day? Waitangi plum making I am Why summer? be still it can How suntanned? and so healthy be I can How ghoulishness. hideous nones eprs rpres and reporters experts, announcers, and seeing was I what asking by began I Bush preferred not to look out of the the of out population. look own his at half window to not preferred Bush President and supply, weapon the out try between somewhere seemed War skills. “leaders” of nations, who increasingly increasingly who nations, of “leaders” so helpless, and distanced felt I others, a with mixed commentaries media sports the away; of echoes with far promotional, so sounding so yet screens, analysis, and ask myself some questions. some myself ask and analysis, a giant video game and a good excuse to excuse good a and game video giant a seemed to have massive technological technological massive have to seemed jaws of hellof jaws A sense of duty senseof A Resolute rats Desert Loyal Youngknights Dare-devils Confident Cautious Take out ave H e W Flytheinto by d te a tiv o m boys Our Heroes launch e W Suppress We machine war A Airforce and Army,Navy Eliminate Pressbriefings guidelines Reporting en nglishm E and dogs ad M u boys Our Lion-hearts Professional Kill in Dig decapitate or Neutralise Pre-emptively Firststrikes u n e... re a en m Our Then I began to attempt some some attempt to began I Then Cannon fodder Cannon Cornered Cowardly concrete bunkers concrete in Cower boys ir e h T are boys ir e h T Fear of Saddam Fear Ruthless dogs Mad obedient Blindly Baghdad of Bastards provocation Without Desperate tigers Paper Brainwashed ... re a irs e h T Sneak attacks foxholes their in Cower y launch ey h T have y e h T Kill y e h T e i ed by d te a tiv o m re a Destroy Destroy Censorship Propaganda NIWR RTS, AUR 1991 JANUARY PROTEST, ANTI-WAR L R warso far. Source Allthe expressions abovehave been attritionof Assured .. ey... h T e... W Suffer a high rate Sufferhigh a Statesmanlike himself with peace At Fail to return from missions Are zapped Are frommissions Failreturnto es... plan Our Resolute Precision bomb Precision damage Collateral statesmanship great of act An usedby theBritish Press incovering the is... Gallant boys og Bush eorge G re a PoWs Our cause... missiles Our VaderDarth zapping armarda An Like LukeLike Sky walker Blundering/cowardly .. re a ships Our u issiles m Our is n tio lia ta re sal non- Israeli ft e ight J P oyce alestinian B rown H

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situations and organisations with respect with organisations and situations analyse to over and over used I’ve ones A innocent? the Protecting about freedom? war A war? religious A reasons. in military engaged be the will who young personnel how noticed and oppression generally. andoppression power out sort me help They racism. to to began I Then terrorism? against war noticed I years. many the for however warfare past continuous inter­ or mittent experienced have who nations, caught people for up and out ways few modes values, patriarchal of reassertion pl te re ad re usin, the questions, true and tried the apply halfhearted despite - discussions the economies; depressed unemployment, and poverty urban of that a with jolt I realised unemployment. trap the in theof one is peacetime in forces defence the joining how recalled I look. combat I and conflict; and power technology, heavy a noticed I commentators. attempts to provide an overlay of nobler nobler of overlay an provide to attempts of lot a underlying money and oil and Gulf the to experience new a not is war in faith as such decision-making, and How else might the resources be be resources the might else How used? being the resources are How out?acted are being values Whose is deciding? Who is benefitting? Who Who is meeting the long-term costs? long-term the is meeting Who is ignored? is being Who who and heard? is being Who important is Who out?acted are being values What unimportant? sd □ used? RASET 5 BROADSHEET BROADSHEET 6 Broadcast Informing / and the employer. the and es frtehrse, harasser harassed, the for ters) This book is a sensible and prac­ and a is sensible book This udlns i sprt chap­ separate (in clear and guidelines harassment stop to done be can what on formation Please forward____copies of of in­ problem detailed harassment, the sexual of an offers overview that handbook tical © Q STOPHARASSMENT 5 2 C c - CL r- © — BY AUDREY COLBERT AUDREY BY CL * DEALING WITH DEALING HARASSMENT V* -C Ō CO Csl in O O go < m O Z X. < CC Q LLI -E © CD © E >s CL X SEXUAL GP Publications, Wellington Published& distributed by $12.95 incl. GST $12.95 incl. CO O) C 3 0 New

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must use the product on an experimental an on the product use must rdc aerqie t cnut clinical conduct to required are product trials. This means that the company company the that means This trials. require extensive surgery. extensive require wanting to introduce a new medical medical new a introduce to wanting pregnant, in which case there is an an is there case which in pregnant, uterus, causing injuries which may may which injuries causing uterus, place, it is still possible to become become to possible still is it place, In other cases the IUD can perforate the perforate can IUD the cases other In years or more. Even with an IUD in in IUD an with Even 20 more. for or years connection this of aware been increased risk of serious complications. complications. serious of risk increased fertility. increased risk of PID. Doctors have have Doctors PID. of an risk to IUDs of increased use the linking studies can sometimes occur without any any without damage still occur can but symptoms, obvious sometimes can is greater in younger women. Infection Infection women. younger in greater is The risk of getting PID, and the the and PID, getting it, from resulting infertility of of likelihood risk The damage the reproductive system, system, infertility. and pain chronic causing and pregnancy ectopic reproductive of risk the increasing the damage netos rae cr ise hc may which tissue scar create infections These cavity. the abdominal to the or tubes ovaries reproductive the up pass until 1987, and in some parts of New of available.still parts be may Zealand some in and 1987, until name the 1981. in introduced was Mini-Gravigard under 1974 in Zealand disease (PID). PID occurs when bacteria bacteria when occurs PID (PID). disease Gravigard. A smaller version called called version smaller A Gravigard. increased risk of pelvic inflammatory inflammatory pelvic of risk increased Both were available in New Zealand Zealand New in available were Both was which IUD D G an by States United the is in developed 7 Copper Searle & Co. It became available inNewavailable It became Co. &Searle risks and damage resulting from the from resultingdamage risksand In most countries drug companies companies drug countries most In Megan Fidler discusses the health Fidlerdiscusses the Megan There have been several medical medical several been have There The use of IUDs is associated with an with associated is IUDs of The use briefly at how to place a claim.ahowplace toat briefly use of Copper 7. She looks She 7.Copper use of INJURY CLAIMS INJURY OPR7 IUD - 7 COPPER

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Broadcast

NATIONAL CERVICAL SCREENING PROGRAMME The cervical screening expert group, set up by Helen Clark when she was Health Minister, has been dumped by Associate Health Minister Katherine O’Regan. Pat Rosier reports.

The group was set up in October 1989 to develop the policy for a national cervical screening programme as recommended by Judge Silvia Cartwright in her report on the Cervical Cancer Inquiry. The judge saw the expert group as a Hanly Gil Photo: continuing group to oversee the move that gives the HD more control screening can fail, and has in the past in implementation of the national cervical and disempowers consumer groups. New Zealand. It is also no use detecting screening programme, and this was part When I talked with Sandra Coney, an abnormal smear if no one does of the terms of reference under which it who had been a member of the expert anything about it, and the woman was set up. Its eleven members included group, she expressed the fear that the doesn’t know. Being on the register representatives from the Maori women’s HD will never grasp the need to get makes sure the woman will be told if she screening pilot schemes, the Maori women’s support for the programme to has an abnormal smear result. Women’s Welfare League, Pacifica, work. The national register activates The most crucial thing to be done Fertility Action, The Health Alternatives fears of yet another “big brother” device now is to inform women of the benefits for Women, The Royal College of to keep an eye on us, so these suspicions of the register to them personally and to Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the must be allayed. “It is not a trivial all women, and to reassure them that Royal College of General Practitioners, problem,” says Sandra. “If women don’t privacy and confidentiality are assured. cytologists, nurses, the Cancer Society understand what it is about and don’t If this process of information-sharing and the Public Health Association. It enrol, it won’t work.” does not take place, the National was,in fact, a truly representative group, Many doctors are also ignorant about Cervical Screening Programme will and by all accounts the members worked how the register will work. There are encounter resistance and suspicion from extremely well together. The have already examples from pilot areas of women. completed the policy, which Katherine doctors both saying, “You don’t need to “I also believe a process of informing O’regan has “adopted”. go on the register because I look after doctors about the programme is equally There is a National Cervical you” and putting women on without necessary. They will be the people Screening Unit within the Health telling them. explaining the programme to many Department (HD), which has been Sandra explained how the register women. In the pilot Area Health Boards working in the same direction as the would work and why it is important for some GPs have been actively expert group. However, also within the all women to enrol in a recent report to discouraging women from enrolling HD are senior people - “devolution the Auckland Women’s Health Council: because they believe they are providing idealogues” - who want everything to be “New Zealand is lacking in a good service to women and, in some devolved to Area Health Boards. This experience in implementing screening cases, they are annoyed the smear-taking would mean a loss of the national programmes and strong management benefit was axed. The programme register (more on this below) and result systems are necessary to make it work. certainly does offer women benefits over in a fragmented programme. Loss of the This is what the register can do. It will and above what a GP can provide (it acts national register would mean losing the be able to tell us, for instance, how many as a safety net), and the register can only means to have an effective screening 65-year-old women have had a smear. If work well for all women if the majority programme. In New Zealand we do not only 50% have done so, then extra effort of women enrol.” have a population-based health register, and extra resources can be channeled In successful programmes overseas it as some countries do, from which to into that group of women. It would be has taken five years from the inception invite women to a smear test, so it is tragic if all the money got spent doing of the programme for there to be a particularly important to reach all nothing more than taking smears from reduction in death rates: it has top be women and enrol them. young women already having them done in the right way from the The value of the expert group that has done. That is what could happen without beginning. been disbanded is that it was an an effective register. The expert group developed a policy alternative (from those senior HD “The register also has benefits for an that would work. It seems like rank officials) source of advice to the individual woman - she will be recalled incompetence or ignorance (or maybe minister. Disbanding the expert group a the correct intervals, and if she has an fear of losing control?) that the group and setting up a new one - without, it abnormal smear the register will make was not left intact to see it into full appears, consumer representation - is a sure she is treated. This is an area where operation. □

MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 7 Broadcast

CONDOM SAFETY / \ This information has been taken from a press release from the New Zealand Family Planning Association.

An explicit pamphlet about condoms is being widely but many are unaware that condoms are quite fragile. distributed by the New Zealand Family Planning Correct technique is important if they are to be used safely. Association in a bid to improve condom technique. The “Things like preventing an air bubble at the top of the pamphlet, which covers everything from safety to pleasure, condom by pinching it out, the danger of many lubricants, aims to move New Zealanders on from merely accepting damage to the rubber from keeping it somewhere warm like condoms to using them safely and comfortably. Family a hip pocket - these issues need to be spelt out. Talking Planning says, “What we’re trying to do is get condoms out about condoms is difficult for many people and the of the closet in more real terms. It seems a lot of people are pamphlet offers some words for dealing with that”. now using condoms but they are not necessarily using them In producing the pamphlet, Family Planning consulted with the awareness needed to make them a safe and other groups such as STD clinics and the Aids Foundation enjoyable method of protection. What the pamphlet does is to pool information and ensure it was relevant to all put condoms into the context of having sex. We are dealing condom users. with realities, not abstractions, and that includes safety, Dr Roke comments “Some people may think the language, pleasure and access”. pamphlet is unnecessarily explicit, but helping people to Family Planning is aware that thousands of New feel comfortable and to be safe is Family Planning’s job. If Zealanders now depend on condoms for protection from we avoid or get around personal subjects by being abstract, sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, Dr Roke says. other people suffer through unnecessary STDs and People have been given a lot of encouragement to use them unwanted pregnancies. Both carry a very high price.” □

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8 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1 Broadcast

WAITANGI DAY WOMEN NEED NEW Joan Macdonald talked to AGENDA Hana Wilcox who is of Ngati Kahungungu from Porangahau These are the highlights from a and whose tupuna had speech by former Australian cabinet strong ties with Ngapuhi. minister Susan Ryan at the National Womens Conference in Canberra “When the ceremony started we where last year. Many of the issues and holding our banner - ‘Honour the Treaty’ ideas she discusses are relevant to New Zealand and worldwide. and facing the crowd. When the Navy arrived, the protesters were asked to move on and the police formed a line in This is a time to consider the past and front of the banners. Some of the Pakeha the future, to analyse and assess our past onlookers were asking questions and and to plan our future. The task for this conference, I suggest, is the definition of supporting us. Most of the naval ratings were very a purpose, a purpose for the application of the feminist energy represented here. young and also Maori. It is a way of There are many purposes reflected in the humiliating us and it is very humiliating. conference program but a central For example, when the Navy was moving purpose remains to be defined. The lack off one of these young Maori ratings was of a central organising principle for this ordered to stand facing our banner. He range of activities can lead to looked really embarrassed. Our presence was felt even though fragmentation rather than pluralism. From the perspective of the feminists there were only about 50 of us and it is a at the beginning of the seventies, the reminder to our people that there is state appeared to be empty. Of course it nothing to celebrate.” wasn’t. There had been many waves of feminist activity before what was then called the “New Feminism” grew out of It is a matter of fact, and not a matter feminists choose to engage in. Without Left politics and the personal liberation of opinion, that if women had not been that purpose there will be fragmentation. movements that flourished in the sixties. strategically placed, those policies Fragmentation and a retreat to the Seventies feminism was a healthy and would never have come to pass. It is ghetto seem to me to be the two main necessary reaction to the ridiculous worth making the point in the dangers to feminism in the nineties. straightjacket of fifties conservatism. development of women’s policy, and in Fragmentation has already occurred. The issues were galvanising. the gruelling task of implementing it, Fragmentation occurs when groups start Discrimination in the workforce was there was by no means general support looking inwards instead of outwards and blatant at all levels. Abortion and from the women’s movement. Sections become so absorbed in their own chosen reproductive rights were only of the movement recognised what was or necessary activities that they fail to hazardously and erratically available. happening and worked with those of us take account of what other parts of the Divorce was expensive and scandalous. in strategic positions. Other sections of movement are doing or why they are There was little social support for the the movement were hostile on doing it. There ought to be issues that nurturing of children. The mothers ideological grounds and kept away. can galvanise the whole movement. amongst us were, theoretically at least, What I do suggest is that the means Let me come finally to the question of deprived of any opportunity beyond our by which change is achieved ought to be the environment, sustainable develop­ child-rearing duties. Government policy understood by all of us, even when it is ment, and greening of the economy. This simply took no account of half the not approved, or not the preferred cluster of issues dominated the political population, nor was it informed, made or option. In an open democratic society agenda.- But where is the feminist implemented, at any serious level by the parliamentary process is available to contribution to this debate? Women are women. be used by those who are prepared to participating certainly, women are The agenda of 1972 was achieved. It organise and work to a particular end. making up the numbers up the green is worth considering how this happened. Feminists have used this process groups, are providing the vast majority These things didn’t just happen because successfully. We should recognise this, of the workers, the askers of questions at there was impetus and energy. They learn from it, and do it again. forums. But are women leading any parts happened because there was strategy. Well here we are in 1990. There are of the movement? Are the various green They happened because, in Australia the new agendas. I hope that this conference agendas being informed by feminist women’s movement was able to will mark a point where feminism enters concerns? I suggest they are not. I incorporate itself effectively into the another active, effective phase, that is, a suggest that in this great debate women mainstream political process. This bears phase where change will be change for are being sidelined, very much as they comment because it did not happen like the better for all women. But we need a were in the great political upheavals this anywhere else in the English- clear purpose around which to organise surrounding the Vietnam war in the speaking world. all of the campaigns and activities that sixties.

MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 9 Broadcast

Where do women go when they are sidelined and when they recognise their concerns are not concerns of the male leaders of the nineties? Well, they go into ghettos. I offer a warning against the development of ghettos. The ghettos that women have available to them these days are more comfortable, more attractive, more internally stimulating than ghettos of the past. They can be in universities, within the women’s studies GAY/LESBIAN AUCKLAND BUSINESS ASSOCIATION sector, they can be women’s caucuses in bureaucracies, women’s organisations IBuilding a better for women with special needs. Those activities have their legitimate Auckland. G purposes, but if they absorb all of the attention and energy of the women who WATCH FOR THE 1991 BUSINESS AND SERVICE participate in them instead of providing a basis of support for broader action and GUIDE DIRECTORY AVAILABLE SOON participation, then they are ghettos. And OR PHONE 779-031 close and cosy as they may be, they are not going to change the global situation Gay Auckland Business Association Inc for women. □ P.O. Box 3092 • Auckland

THE PEOPLES CENTRE Megan Fidler writes:

The Peoples Centre, based on the 1st Floor, 14-18 Customs Street East is a Unemployed Workers Rights Centre project offering a range of services in In 1990, a medical centre trust was set return for a minimum $5 a month up, and a full-time, paid doctor membership fee. employed. The Peoples Centre was set up in Employment Resource Centre 1983 as a practical response to needs offers courses to help unemployed demonstrated by people without work people who want to set up their own and on benefits. Originally, it’s main businesses and co-operatives. Courses role was as an advocate for and offering instruction in accounting, political voice of the unemployed. business management, budgeting and Before long, it became obvious to taxation are available. people involved that there were other A spokesperson for The Peoples needs not being met by either local or Centre said “If the government sticks central government. Several organisa­ to the ideological programme of tions, under the umbrella of The Richardson and Shipley, the benefits Peoples Centre, were set up: will continue to be cut. The cuts in Green Dollar Trade and Exchange April are only the beginning.” For the a computerised barter system, where future, The Peoples Centre are looking people trade goods or services instead at working on issues of food, legal of money. There are 170 households advice and housing. involved, offering services such as Anyone who is on a benefit, building, childcare and plumbing, and unemployed and not on a benefit, at goods including food and crafts. home with children, on a JOS or Medical Centre ACCESS scheme, or in the workforce began when a doctor volunteered half at the moment, but would like to a day a week for beneficiaries. It support, and/or use their services is became apparent that there was a great welcome to join. demand for medical services and care. Ph 399 682 or 399 482. □

1 0 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1

Solidarity With Nicaraguan Sisters

Women who work at the Casa de las mijeres, OCHO DE MARZO,MANAGUA

I arrived in Managua, the capital of Gillian Marie from New households in Nicaragua are headed by Nicaragua, just after the February 1990 women, and most women have 4 or 5 elections. The Sandinistas had won 41% Zealand spent some time children. The struggle for daily survival of the votes, and the UNO (a coalition travelling and working in has worsened as already low salaries buy ofl4 parties), 55% of the votes. At the less and less. Most of the population International Women’s Day Rally Nicaragua last year. She now lives on a minimal diet of beans and organised by the national women’s writes about the country rice. Vegetables and meat have all but organisation AMNLAE, the then and its people. disappeared from the table. There have president Daniel Ortega announced the been massive layoffs, especially of Sandanista’s position of governing from Sandanista supporters, and unemploy­ below as the opposition. In the next few ment is estimated to be 40%. Women are weeks tensions increased as thousands of involved in the informal sector - selling CONTRA soldiers returned to Nicaragua and is closely tied to the hierarchical on the streets and in the markets - in an fully armed declaring that they had won Catholic church, that looks to private attempt to make a few cordobas to the election for UNO and thus should be business and the market economy to support their families. appropriately awarded. solve Nicaraguan economic problems, The present government, made up Civil war threatened daily as the and has devalued the currency 34 times predominantly of businessmen, has CONTRAs broke their side of the (to October 1990), the situation for most alienated a great deal of the population accords. People in the countryside were Nicaraguans has worsened. It is the as it scrambles for personal wealth with harassed, vehicles were stopped and women who bear the brunt of this as no concern for the people. The passengers robbed of food, money and they are the poorest people in government is attempting to implement identification papers. Sandanista Nicaragua. Thirty three percent of all policies of privatisation, and announced, activists were murdered in some the last week in September, cuts of 30% outlying areas where government in public spending for health and protection is minimal. Travel in the Progress for education. Already the universal system country became both difficult and Nicaraguan women has of free health care and free education, unsafe. established by the Sandino government Progress for Nicaraguan women has historically been has been undermined. Despite the historically been associated with associated with political protests of health workers, predom­ political movements of the left. Now, inantly women, which have included with a bourgeois government that movements of demonstrations at the National stresses traditional values that emphasise the left. Assembly, cuts in health spending have the role of the male head in the family already resulted in almost double the

12 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1 rates of infant mortality, and caused a working class students to study in general deterioration in health services. Nicaragua will be undermined. Two people died from contaminated The struggle for daily The presence of the ex-CONTRAs are serum in a Managua hospital in an additional stress. The bulk are poor December. Both health clinics and survival has worsened as campesinos, and their demands of 50 hospitals lack medicines and equipment already low salaries buy manzanas of land for each one and because of the low wages paid to demobilised, have not been met by the medical staff and workers, cuts in less and less. government. As a consequence, in areas transport subsidies and monthly food with a strong UNO presence, some packages, staff are demoralised. Patients groups of ex-CONTRAs are taking over, are attending the emergency departments parents and teachers. For example, the by force, the land held legally by co­ of hospitals rather than health centres school, 17 de Julio, was renamed “John operatives. I heard a delegation of that have even fewer medicines. A Paul I” and a priest replaced the campesinos from a co-operative in woman who works at a Brethren clinic principal. This led to demonstrations by Waslala speak about how CONTRAs had said that their usual monthly patient load students, teachers and parents. Textbooks just taken over their land and because is now what they see in a week as this in the primary school have been changed they live on an isolated part of the clinic provides a free service. People for new texts, and those used by the country which is UNO controlled, the who used to go to health clinics or the former Sandinista education ministry CONTRAs can do just about what they hospitals for care can no longer afford have been changed and will all want. the bus fares and so by the time patients eventually be replaced. Some have The feeling among many people I met are seen by doctors they are in an acute already been burned. School fees for was one of “digging our toes in for the state of ill health. A woman working in students have been reintroduced, and long haul”. And for some who had Malukuku in the north of Matagalpa in school subsidies removed. Sandinista supported UNO - one of disillusionment Nicaragua, spoke of the general teachers and state workers in the as more and more people were made malnutrition of the campesinos (farm Education Ministry have either been unemployed and prices of food and other workers) who in her area are suffering fired, or transferred to positions which necessities continued to rise. Petty crime the effects of a severe drought. This has take them away from their families - was on the increase as more young caused their first crop to fail. Now the which has the same effect as being fired. people had no jobs and no means of Bank of Nicuragua considers these The heads of the primary and secondary making a living. Drugs were again being farmers poor risks and won’t loan money sectors in the Education Ministry are pushed in the secondary schools, for them to plant their second crop. closely aligned with the hierarchical something that hadn’t happened since Because mothers themselves have an catholic church and want to re-introduce Somoza times. In early October the insufficient diet to continue breast­ an education system based on the pre­ FSLN had a huge rally in Managua feeding, they are giving infants a maize- liberal education of the turn of the which was as large as the one in February water gruel which cannot sustain life. century. They have been more able to do prior to the 1990 election. This was a The national innoculation programmes this in the school system than in the culmination of a nationwide mobilisation initiated by the Sandanistas which universities. However, the universities to protest against inflation, unem­ dramatically lowered infant mortality - are struggling to defend the autonomy of ployment, the high cost of living and sufficiently for the government to be the university against government other actions of the government. highly affirmed by the United Nations - measures. In September the government Solidarity work is of even greater have also been cancelled. Such announced plans to cut the university importance now than ever before. But it preventable diseases as measles have budget by 20% beginning that month. is crucial that this assistance go to again reappeared in epidemic proportions This cut would cause serious economic support self sufficiency projects. in Nicaragua among new infants and problems leading to loss of teaching Although the government has changed, those previously not innoculated, staff, workers, and a cut in student the Nicaraguan people still need your including children of returning ex­ scholarships. Although it didn’t happen - support, and they ask you not to forget contras from Honduras. Infant mortality the government backed down in the face them now the CONTRA war is over. has doubled in five months. In an article of massive demonstrations and initiated While I was back in Nicaragua I in “Nuevo Diario” (6 September), the a 2% budget cut - they have plans that completed the work I had done on the director of CENIDH (Human rights will change the free education system Battering of Women workshops, and organisation in Nicuragua), Dr Vilma established by the previous government. made a closer contact with one of the Nunez reported that 203 infants had died Under the Sandinistas, all education was women’s houses - Ocho de Marzo. I am of measles in the few preceding days in free, students did not pay bus fares, and organising a fund to support the “Casa de the communities surrounding Siuna. The 9000 scholarships were established for las Mujeres, Ocho de Marzo”. Their paid war is now one of poverty and disease, children of campesino and poor working administrator lost her salary with the as many of the illnesses causing death class families to attend university. These government change. If you wish to arc preventable. scholarships included accommodation, support their work with a donation, Education too has been under attack food and a living stipend, and had cost of please send a cheque to: by the UNO government and many living allowance built in. The UNO “Casa de las Mujeres” c/- Gillian changes have already occurred in the government plans to charge semester Marie, Centre for Continuing primary and secondary schools. Some fees and get rid of scholarships and Education, University of Waikato, have led to strong protests by students, transport subsidies. The provisions for Private Bag 3105 HAMILTON. □

BROADSHEET 13 MARCH 1 9 9 1 International W o rking Women’s A Look at the Clothing Industry

In 1908 female clothing workers in New York’s Lower East Side marched through the streets protesting about their long hours and poor working conditions. The banners they carried bore slogans demanding an eight hour day, an end to child labour and the right to vote. In 1910 at a congress of socialist women in Copenhagen, Clara Zetking of the German Social Democrat Party, urged the adoption of the proposal by American delegates to proclaim 8 March as International Working Women’s Day, in commemoration of the strike by New York clothing workers. Megan Fidler investigates the position of women in the clothing industry in New Zealand today. New Zealand the apparel $82 per week more than women crucial factor in their undervaluing and industry is the only manufacturing workers’ wages. low payment in the paid workforce. All industry that is a major employer The apparel industry represents a of this relates to women in the apparel of women. According to a classically female dominated industry industry. Department of Trade and Industry characterised by very low rates of pay. It As well, the low pay rates result from publication, in 1987, 86.5% of all is no coincidence 86.5% of staff are the work being seen as “unskilled”, in employees within the apparel industry women. According to “Women’s Work that it uses skills traditionally associated were women, in comparison to 17.7% in and Women’s Pay” a Public Service with women such as sewing and making manufacturing generally. In recent years, Association discussion paper, there are clothes. As one union official this proportion has increased slightly as three analyses which can explain the commented “Employers think women more men than women leave the apparel earning gap.The first is the human are naturally good sewers, they don’t industry. capital approach which emphasises the think it’s a skilled job - we do”. The clothing industry is a very low importance of levels of education, The people at the bottom of a rather wage payer. Female average weekly training and experience in explaining deep barrel within the clothing industry, earnings (as recorded by the Quarterly the earning gap. Second is the dual are outworkers. These are people who Employment Survey) are below the labour/segmented labour market work outside of the place of averages for manufacturing generally. In approached which describes the manufacture, and usually in their own 1987 the average weekly female income separation of women and men in paid homes. Outworkers have no union in the industry was $282 per week, or work, with men predominating in the protection or provision of award 87.6% of the average female weekly primary labour market where coverage. The only protection they have wage in manufacturing. There has also employment is secure, well paid and is the Minimum Pay Act, which only been a tendency for apparel wages to fall incorporates a career structure, and covers people over 20 years of age. The relative to wage rates elsewhere in women predominating in the secondary minimum pay has recently, in September manufacturing. Between 1974 and 1987 labour market where employment is 1990, been increased to $245 per week, female wages in the clothing industry insecure, poorly paid and lacks a career or $6.12 per hour for forty hours, with fell from 91.1% of the female structure. Third is the domestic labour the same rate applicable for work over manufacturing average to 87.6%. approach which regards the major role forty hours. While in theory the Labour Within the industry there exists women have in unpaid work as the Department has responsibility for this, significant differences between male and the reality is there is little possibility of female wages. The average male weekly The apparel industry having this enforced. I rang the Labour income was in 1987, $404 compared represents a classically female Department factory inspectors division with $282 per week for female workers. to enquire about the channels for action Women within the clothing industry dominated industry open to an outworker being paid under were earning on average 69% of the characterised by very low the award rates. I learnt that about two average weekly male wage in the apparel rates of pay. years ago the government had removed industry. Men’s wages were on average from the Labour Department all award 14 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1 powers. They suggested I ring the Not being able to claim the Labour Inspectorate which I did, to find unemployment benefit as a “married “Employers think that they also had no jurisdiction over woman” means some women are forced award rates of pay. The official line is to accept a four day week. This happens women are naturally that outworkers are self-employed and in provincial areas where the chances of good sewers, they don’t think so must negotiate their own contracts. alternative employment are virtually it’s a skilled job - we do”. Many people don’t have the skills, non-existent. Older women, women with (Union official) experience and confidence to negotiate small children, and immigrant women their own wages. True negotiation can are often not in a position to refuse only occur between equals. According to outwork no matter how badly paid it is. To obtain a clearer picture of the life an ex-union official within the The fragmentation of the work, eg, and work of outworkers I spoke to Lee Combined Apparel Workers Union, “in sewing a particular part of a garment and Marie (not their real names). Lee my experience most clothing workers repeatedly, and the speed and came to New Zealand from Vietnam would not be informed regarding its (the productivity expected of machinists are fifteen years ago. When she left school minimum pay act) existence.” added stresses. she worked for “Society Fashions”, now Outworkers are used extensively “Minutes” is an industry term. A “Queens”, as a presser. She enjoyed the within the clothing industry. Trends worker has so many minutes to produce work because she was learning about the indicate they will be utilised even a stated amount. The amount of time machinery. Lee says, “the people were further as market forces drive down the needed for a particular part of the nice, the boss was nice and we didn’t cost of clothing. Employers have been production is recorded, eg, how long it have any problem with him.” Lee left known to close down their factories and takes to sew on a collar, from which a when she got married and went to live in re-employ staff as outworkers. A union minimum rate of production is the South Island. Now the mother of official told me of a case of one determined. This is how bonuses are two, Lee has been back working within employer considering closing his worked out. If a worker doesn’t achieve the clothing industry for two years, one factory, which he duly did, to avoid the the stated amount, there is trouble, and if year in a factory and the other working costs of ACC, heating, rent, or even too many achieve it, the “minutes” are out. The factory was very small. It having to provide tea and coffee. reduced in order to keep the bonus down. employed twenty women machinists, a

“The subject of labour in the colony would be Domestic service attracts few, and it is difficult to keep incomplete without some reference to the position of good female servants, as they marry as soon as their women’s work. On the farms the wives and daughters of worth becomes known. In towns the tendency of the settlers find occupation in duties which present an young women is to obtain work wither in shops or unceasing round of service. These duties are in many factories, and they prefer the slightly higher wages and cases now being lightened by the institution of dairy regular hours of commerce and manufacture to the factories which relieve the women of the task of butter­ obligations of domestic service. It is a preference which making; still the housework, cooking, and washing for a does not tend to fit them for the care of a home when they family, if properly carried out prevent any idleness or marry and have to provide for the comfort of husband and ennui from visiting the household. The life on the whole is children; but the semi-independence, shorter hours, and a happy one blest by the buoyant health of those who live better pay explain its attractiveness for the young; while in the clear fresh air, and, except in the cases of the more the necessity for workers, if industries are to be carried solitary and isolated farms, there is plenty of visiting and on, renders their choice of calling useful to the bulk of the flitting about - no population being so constantly on the community.” wing as that of New Zealand, as is testified by the crowded trains and steamers which serve a people sparse and scattered as it at present is. 1982 - Reprinted from 1990 Year Book

BROADSHEET 1 5 MARCH 1 9 9 1 Outwork

“tea lady” and a woman who cleaned the Depending on the particular garment she premises once a week. Lee says “the Older women, is working on and how many factory was very dirty”. A huge amount women with small children, distractions by her children she has to of dust is created by the machines and deal with, she earns on average $8 per cloth. A union official told me the story and immigrant women are hour. Marie started doing outwork to of an industrial nurse asking a clothing often not in a position to refuse make some extra money while staying at worker about the dust problem. The home with the kids. She says it is nurse was taken to the rest room where outwork no matter how badly paid it is. difficult to fit childcare and working the worker stripped to show how the together. When this job is finished she dust got lodged inside her bra and even doesn’t intend to take on any more out in her navel! the garment up as she sews. She is not work. Dyes used in some materials are paid any more for this although the work Outworkers are not paid any known to have carcinogenic properties. is more skilled. A job Lee finished allowance for using their own homes, do In tri-lobal type materials, there are recently was sewing the sides, crotch and not receive paid lunch and tea breaks, fibreglass particles. To be working with pockets of jeans. For this work she was and are not covered by Accident these materials is dangerous for anyone, originally paid $1.50 per pair of jeans. If Compensation. They are regarded but particularly so for children and she worked a long day from 8am until industrially as being self-employed and babies. As more mothers do outwork at midnight, still taking care of the children pay taxes as such but are effectively left home we could have numbers of during this time, she would do 50 jeans a without the protection and back-up of children starting school already suffering day. This makes $75. The pay rate any organised group or union. from workplace diseases. dropped to 80 cents per jeans. If she In New Zealand in 1991, women At the factory, Lee earned $250 per were to work the same day, Lee would have the right to vote, child labour is week after tax. Lee left factory working make $40. Not surprisingly, she quit. officially illegal, and an eight hour to be with her young children and Now Lee is doing outwork for NZ Craft working day is standard. But many because the pay dropped. She didn’t making souvenirs. She is paid well, women working within the clothing belong to the union and says “I never earning between $10 and $15 per hour. I industry do not have healthy working complained - I just gave up when it got asked her if she would go back to the conditions, are not paid well and are lousy”. For the last year Lee has been clothing industry either in a factory or often not paid overtime rates for working at home. When she began out outworking. She said “Well it depends, working over an eight hour day. working she was overlocking, or doing No I wouldn’t - 1 don’t like it”. Although the situation of working “safety stitch”. Now she is doing more Marie has been out working for a women has improved since 1908, there piecework, which means she is joining leather company for six months. is still a long way to go. □

1 99 0 WORKING WOMEN PICKETING FOR PAY EQUITY Photo: Gil Hanly 16 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1 Brutality Towards Beneficiaries

"I don’t want to be one of the street people like they have in Am erica ..."

he 200,000 unemployed will For many New Zealanders the developing a warm fuzzy glow in suffer the biggest loss of future looks bleak as they living rooms all over the country income from the benefit cuts. projecting into people’s homes The hardest hit will be people consider how to survive on the images of Pakeha and Maori playing aged 20 to 24 who are single, impending slashed benefits. From and working together. The 1990 and either sickness beneficiaries, 1st April this year widows, the advertisement of two lads, one T Maori and one Pakeha, at the unemployed or in training. Their existing benefits of $143.57 a week - sick, people in training schemes, beginning of the year children, and which in April were to go up to $150 the unemployed and solo parents at the end young adolescents, was - will instead drop to $108.17, a fall will have lower benefits as the perhaps the most blatant example of media manipulation. Just because of $35 a week or 24.7%. Even if a Government cuts $1.3 billion a person in this situation manages to these two boys sit on a beach by a find a part-time job, particularly year from its social welfare fire, cook kai moana together and difficult these days as restaurants, budget. Megan Fidler looks at the look at a waka with awe and respect, shops and offices all begin to feel the effect this will have on individuals does not mean that the Maori lad has squeeze, they are only entitled to the same chance of getting a well- earn up to $50 gross a week before and on the working and social paid job, or for that matter, a job at their benefit starts to be cut. Not all, as the Pakeha boy. These cuts surprisingly many young people on will work to ensure that Maori the unemployment benefit are earning self-esteem. When you’re on the dole continue to not have the same chances money “under-the-table” when they can. and you’re not doing anything, you think as Pakeha. According to the Department I asked Susan, a twenty year old a lot. Your thoughts tend to turn really of Statistics household survey for the unemployed Pakeha woman how she self-destructive and attack your quarter ending September 1990, 21.9% would survive after the cuts. She says, confidence ... I don’t want to be one of of Maori were seeking work, as “I’ll have to get more part-time work. the street people like they have in compared to 5.9% of Europeans. I At the moment I have under-the-table America, someone who wanders around spoke to some Maori women on an work in a cafe. In the daytime I get and gets their food from soup kitchens Introduction to Carpentry ACCESS $5.50 an hour, and at night $6.50 an ... People will be watching their backs course. hour. But that’s OK - I just need it so all the time. It’s going to be bad because Trish’s benefit will be dropping from badly. There’s no way I can survive on already people are stomping over other $162.26 to $135.22 as from April, had $114 per week ($6 accommodation people to get what they want and to this to say: “My outgoings, rent and allowance); not whilst I’m paying $70 achieve their livelihood. It’s going to get food alone are over $100. The house I rent, and then there’s food and bills, worse. The drive to make sure that live in is substandard. There are three of transport - buses are really expensive - you’re okay at any expense is going to us and we pay $65 a week each. We and clothes”. When I asked her what she get stronger because it’s going to get have done a lot of work on the house saw the social repercussions of the cuts more desperate.” but it still wouldn’t come up to Housing being, she told me “They can’t moan The irony of the cuts coming at the Corp standards. But we are in a about crime. I think the crime rate will end of “ 1990 - Our Year Huia Tuia” powerless position because if we go up. People will be really pissed off, does not escape me. The Labour complain, our landlord, who owns four especially young people. There will be government, in collaboration with companies, will evict us”. more of a feeling of hopelessness. mainstream media have spent vast The women on the course talked People on the dole have already got low amounts of money in the past year about how only people “in the know”

MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 17 Benefits

get to use the welfare system properly. They also discussed the vision of overcrowding of homes and flats, as people desperate to cut living costs start sharing bedrooms with others. An increase in suicide, particularly young people taking their own lives, and crime has been a common concern of the people to whom I have talked. As Trish says “National are going to need their extra police officers because there’s going to be rising crime. That’s what the outcome of cutting costs on benefits is going to do. The unemployment benefit is the breadline. With the cuts it’s going to be impossible.” From 1 December 1990, the unem­ ployment benefit was not available to people under 18 years unless they have dependent children. Benefits now available for 16 and 17 year olds are a Job Search Allowance of $86.14 and the Independent Youth Benefit of $114.86. To qualify for the Job Search Allowance you must be unemployed, and have been Gil Hanly Photo; in either (or a combination of) full time employment, receiving a training So people leaving school with few Sometimes I think it would be good if benefit, receiving a student allowance, or qualifications will effectively be barred some sort of contract could be set up for receiving a MACCESS (Maori from gaining skills and experience to payment for looking after children”. ACCESS) allowance for 26 continuous prepare them for the workforce. Clare is also on the Domestic weeks. This means people who have just Most people on the Domestic Purposes Benefit. Her child has a dis­ left school and home are not eligible for Purposes benefit are women. The basic ability. Of her situation she says, “I’m OK because I’m white, middle class and know how to work the system. But I know people who don’t have a car and have to pay for taxis to get their children The injustice of the proposed benefit cuts has to the doctor. Those people will be having a hard time ... the reality for a lot been affirmed by the action of the of parents of handicapped kids is that they are solo parents. The relationships Human Rights Commission. often break up under the strain”. Lynne was until recently on a sickness benefit. She has moved onto an invalids benefit. Although the invalids benefit is not being cut Lynne is concerned about other benefit cuts and is any benefit for 26 weeks. What young benefit plus family assistance for a aware of the difficulties people will be people are supposed to do to get started person alone with one child is $255.14, facing. Lynne receives $167.26 a week. is anybody’s guess. The Independent and with two children $292.87. These This is the basic benefit plus a $5 Youth Benefit is paid to 16 and 17 year amounts will be dropping to $227.93 accommodation allowance. Originally it olds who are unemployed and married. and $266.83 respectively. I spoke to was $177.26 per week. Last year Lynne It can only be paid to single people who Debbie who has three dependent needed dental treatment which cost are unemployed if they are not able to children. She said, “when these cuts $1300. At that time it was possible to live at home and are not receiving came my Dad came around with a big receive the equivalent of six weeks financial support from parents or any bunch of flowers because he knew I was benefit in advance, to be paid back at other person. Louise Monaghan, going to be upset, and I just said to him either $5 or $10 per week. Deducted administrator for Community “I don’t know how I’m going to cope - from the benefit. This no longer Volunteers, a training programme for what am I going to do?” About the happens. Now beneficiaries can only get women, says this means “we won’t be benefit she says “I see it as an absolute a maximum of $200 in advance. Medical able to take the young women who come right. Childcare should be a state costs, housing -bonds, rents in advance, here to go on courses. If they go on the responsibility. They should honour our car troubles, and a multitude of other courses, they will not receive a benefit”. decision to stay home with the family. pricey problems will result in people

18 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1 Benefits being more immobilised and powerless. requires countries to recognise “the right voluntary unionism and the removal of Lynne suffers from a condition called of everyone to an adequate standard of award wages will further increase the rheumatoid arthritis which is a disease living, including adequate food, clothing lack of power and choice of people who of the immune system. For people on and housing, and to the continuous are unemployed, on other benefits or sickness and invalids benefits, the cuts improvement of living conditions”. The looking for work. People will be forced and greater difficulty in receiving New Zealand government ratified this to work for whatever the employer money, will, according to Lynne result international covenant and therefore had wants to pay them. As Susan says, “in in “severe hardship, definite depression. made a commitment to it. desperate times people will take what Coping with life whilst in a constant I spoke to Peter Hoskings at the they can get.” Frith Dawnschild, the state of pain is difficult enough ... I look Human Rights Commission. He Awards Enquiries Officer for the Public into my future and it terrifies me.” explained that through their statement, Service Association says that the new The benefit cuts will affect the they intended to make the government industrial legislation, if passed by the poorest members of society, both aware of the possible consequences of select committee “will work absolutely and relatively, most. Brian the cuts. Information from represent­ conveniently to drive down wages and Easton, an economist, has calculated atives of benefit and unemployed conditions of employment. People can’t that the poorest 10% of households will be on average $29 a week worse off. Middle-income households will be $6 to $8 a week worse off on average. The richest 20% of households will be only $4 a week worse off. “If the rich work harder, they are paid more. The injustice of the proposed benefit cuts has been affirmed by the action of To make the poor work harder, The Human Rights Commission. Just a few days after the cuts, the commission they are paid less”. issued a public statement giving a warning that the cuts in welfare benefits could breach the rights of people in our society. It was reported in the Herald on Monday 24 December 1990, that the Chief Human Rights Commissioner, workers groups had indicated to them afford to be without some form of Margaret Mulgan said the cuts of up to that the benefit cuts could effectively employment because they will be stood 25% “could bring many beneficiaries breach New Zealand’s commitment to down for quite some time under the new and their children close to the brink of this covenant. The Human Rights benefit legislation.” From the 1st economic disaster”. Ms Mulgan said she Commission are making a submission in February, the government are imple­ based her statement on Article 11 of the opposition to the cuts. menting a policy of no dole for six United Nations Covenant on Economic, The government’s industrial policies, months for those who do not take jobs or Social and Cultural Rights, which including the reintroduction of who quit their jobs voluntarily. They make no mention of the responsibility of employers to offer a decent wage and T h e P e o p le ’s C e n tre - Auckland good working conditions. The scenario that comes immediately to mind is of the Invites you to join us. woman being sexually harassed at work We offer: - an intolerable situation - who leaves ♦ Free full-time medical services her job only to be told she is not eligible for the dole because she quit her job ♦ Free haircuts “voluntarily”. If a person declines two ♦ Free membership to the green dollar exchange jobs, no matter what they are, they must ♦ Help with benefit hassles also survive a stand-down period of six ♦ Advice & courses on business months. ...and more. As I have been talking to people and researching, a challenge repeatedly We welcome unemployed people, beneficiaries, and put to Members of Parliament via workers to join our People’s Centre pledge system - this article, was that they should go on a benefit for six months and see $5.00 what it’s like. I wonder if anyone in parliament has the courage to take Phone up or come in up that challenge. I will finish with Ph. (09) 399 482/399 682 Trish’s words of wisdom, “If the rich 1st Floor 14-18 Custom St East, Auckland City work harder, they are paid more. To (PO Box 3813 Auckland 1) make the poor work harder, they are paid less.” □

MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 1 9 X I see the myth the myth sees me

In her book The Beauty Myth Naomi Wolf explores the ways in which all women are kept unfree, including those few for whom feminism has produced some liberation. Pat Rosier looks at her ideas and at the reception they have had in mainstream media in the UK.

Wolf writes: reinforced by its endless potential to Real women have to be limited and The affluent, educated women ... who produce profits through the sale of contained by the “creation of a vital lie“ can enjoy freedoms unavailable to any everything from diets to plastic surgery. not only to assuage unconscious women ever before, do not feel as free Wolf calls this ideal the Iron Maiden: personal anxieties but also out of as they want to. ... economic necessity. Wolf quotes The more legal and material The original Iron Maiden was a economist John Kenneth Galbraith: “... hindrances women have broken medieval German instrument of behaviour that is essential for economic through, the more strictly and heavily torture, a body-shaped casket painted reasons is transformed into a social and cruelly images of female beauty with the limbs and features of a lovely virtue.” Once a state of grace for women have come to weigh upon them. ) smiling young woman. The unlucky stopped being that of virtuous victim was slowly enclosed inside her; domesticity a new social value had to be “Potentially powerful women” Wolf the lid fell shut to immobilize the created - the “attainment of virtuous argues, are controlled by the beauty victim, who died either of starvation beauty." myth, not because they are weak or or, less cruelly, of the metal spikes Alongside the myth of the Iron neurotic but because they are meant to embedded in her interior. The modem Maiden goes the “caricature of the Ugly be. The current standard of beauty is hallucination in which women are Feminist,” unoriginal but effective in deliberately unattainable and created in trapped or trap themselves is similarly ridiculing feminists and leaving the way the interests of power and profits: it rigid, cruel and euphemistically clear for the beauty myth to “checkmate keeps women dissatisfied with painted. Contemporary culture directs power at every level in individual themselves and makes megabucks. It attention to imagery of the Iron women’s lives.” So that even those few works by sending forth a barrage of Maiden, while censoring real women’s women who have benefited from the images of the current ideal, and is faces and bodies. changes brought about by feminism have

20 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1 FROM COVER OF BEAUTY BOUND BY RlTA FREEDMAN.

difficulty maintaining a positive view of Qualification” leeches money and magazines like Vogue began to focus on themselves. They may have made leisure and confidence” from corporate the body as much as the clothes. Leaders management status but they are still women, who are a threat because they of women’s liberation were judged on vulnerable to feeling inadequate as have “stopped thinking poor”. their appearance: women because they do not conform to Wolf’s exploration of the beauty ...by drawing attention to the physical the beauty myth - which does not even myth in “culture” includes exploring the characteristics of women leaders, allow natural aging to be acceptable for ways women have been portrayed, by whether they could be dismissed as too women. both women and men, in literature and pretty or too ugly the effect was to Throughout the book Wolf discusses film. prevent women’s identification with in detail the myriad ways in which the Male culture seems best able to the issues. If the leader is too ‘pretty’ myth manifests itself and controls imagine two women together when she’s a threat, a rival; if too ‘ugly’, one women. Women, she says, are a threat they are defined as being one winner risks tarring oneself with the same because they are not a minority but and one loser in the beauty myth. brush by identifying with the around 52% of the population and Women’s writing, on the other hand, movement. It was not recognised that demonstrably better workers. So beauty turns the myth on its head, female no group of women, whether - for women - becomes a “qualifica­ culture’s greatest writers share the housewives, prostitutes, cosmonauts or tion” for all kinds of work. Women’s search for radiance, a beauty that has feminists, can survive in the no-win magazines do their bit to convince meaning. scrutiny of the beauty myth. p51 women they can achieve the myth through taking their advice and buying Women’s Liberation never had a chance. Women’s magazines are themselves their advertisers’ products. The whole Women’s magazines are the flag-bearers subject to the myth. system has worked when “women’s for the (in the US) $32 billion thinness minds are persuaded to trim their desires industry and the $20 billion youth ...the magazine must pay for its and self-esteem neatly into the industry. In the fifties Betty Friedan was often serious, pro-women content with discriminatory requirements of the writing ‘“ there is no other way for a beauty backlash trappings; it must do workplace, while putting the blame for woman to be a heroine’ than to ‘keep on so to reassure its advertisers, who are the system’s failures on themselves.“ having babies’; today, a heroine must threatened by the possible effects on This argument is backed up with many ‘keep on being beautiful’.” Fashion was women’s minds of too much excell­ examples. This “Professional Beauty not enslaving women sufficiently so ence in women’s journalism. The

MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 21 BROADSHEET 2 2 o e oe h fedm o e ru of proud be to freedom the lose we do

products does not tell the truth. truth. Thus the scissors.” with trimmed models often tell of are bodies the not of “Photographs does products Naomi Wolf Photo: Colin Troup wrinkles. Editorial copy about beauty beauty about copy Editorial have do wrinkles. who is, that care, “don’t who editorial freedom and the demands of of demands the and freedom editorial clear: very advertisers with relationship a publication with images of women women of images with publication a in be to want old don’t work) of don’t (which creams that anti-wrinkle is of Sellers women. magazines in images censors. They blur the line between themarket-place.” between line the blur They courteous censors. West’s the are “advertisers the make does she However, culture. the within but maybe, Well, nationale”. f sldrt mvmn, n Inter­ an movement, solidarity a of promise “the women offer they means claims their very pervasiveness pervasiveness very their claims limits of white Am erican/western erican/western Am white of limits (Cosmopolitan says about magazines. For instance, she instance, For magazines. about says I take issue with some of what Wolf Wolf what of some with issue take I B eauty Among the censorship of women’s women’s of censorship the Among between the beauty myth and and myth those of their readersare split. as beauty way same the exactly in feminism the between magazines’ personalities are split split are personalities magazines’ appears in 17 countries) 17 countries) in appears anann te euy yh Wolf myth. beauty the maintaining Sex and sexuality are major tools in in tools major are sexuality and Sex of expensive products andprocedures. products expensive of ean t w fl fo rc sml by simply grace from fall we it, retain absolution from sin and guilt via the use the via guilt andsin from absolution bat” ftdy e ant xet to expect cannot we today of “beauty” given wasonce that self-scrutiny of kind aging, and so we constantly seek seek constantly we so and aging, to the soul. Even if we attain the the attain we if Even soul. the to the to bodies their subject to expected “based are beauty of rites The religion. should seek to attain it. Women are are Women it. attain women to that seek and should holy, as is thing that a such beauty is there that Vatican: the of Rock theas aspalpable a creed on h sm fror n apa t fih as faith to appeal and fervour same the identity, power andhistory.” identity,power ourselves as we are. “To airbrush age off off age are.airbrush “Toaswe ourselves a woman’s face is to erase the woman’s the erase to is face woman’s a The beauty myth is promoted with with promoted is myth beauty The enjoyingit. rvne fo acpig hi aging, their accepting from prevented admiring it and - heaven forbid! forbid! heaven - and it admiring photographs as cheap imitations of of imitations cheap as photographs photographsratherthanseeing fashion andguilty. Abovewomen all, bemust manipulated to, lied are Wewomen. oe r tand o e themselves see to trained Women are as cheap imitations of fashion fashion of imitations cheap as economics and myth the links ’’The Beauty Myth clearly Myth Beauty ’’The painful. A multi-billion-dollar industry industry multi-billion-dollar A painful. o ep oe tyn t b ti. .. a "... thin. be to trying women keep to “Hunger” quite hard to read. It is so so is It read. to hard quite “Hunger” own way.own pornography, its in tous dangerous as is it just because beauty to pornography similar analysis to that of violent sexual violent of that to analysis similar orgasms, more love, more “... - fears ol. Wl ugss ht e pl a apply we the that in and suggests Wolf bed world.” in want, ... women care. what with more reckon to to have truly would food, society more commitment more children, money, more worth and demand the changes society society changes the demand and worth theyor bodies their in themselves love to allowed be not must women estranged, will come to believe they have social social have they believe to come will remain must sexes The women. real love love to allowed be not must Women themselves, nor must men be allowed to allowed be men must nor themselves, ees o bat ongah” images pornography”, “beauty to refers of women that are: that women of I found the section of the book called book the of section the found I hr, srenpess ih l his all with presses surgeon a There, lumpsof silicone with hisbare hands. weightwoman’saon chesttobreak up breast. the of skin slit the stretches towards themselves.... Here, a surgeon Here,atowards themselves...... clearly making women violent violent women making clearly ...

AC 1991 9 9 1 MARCH

Beauty

"Real women’s faces and bodies are

Georgia O’Keefe at 83

1985 survey says that 90% of most often caused by dieting. I was focuses on cosmetic surgery. What some respondents think they weigh too much. delighted that she recognised that women can be induced to have done to On any day 25% of women are on diets, ... anorexia, bulimia, even compulsive their bodies is horrendous. Women are with 50% finishing, starting or breaking eating, symbolically understood, are used to there being something about one.” not actually diseases. They begin as being female that hurts, says Wolf, and Dieting and thinness began to be sane and mentally healthy responses to now that the “strands of sex and pain” female preoccupations when Western an insane social reality: that most have begun to separate, “Today, what women received the vote around 1920; women can feel good about them­ hurts is beauty.” between 1918 and 1925, ‘the rapidity selves only in a state of permanent The details she gives about what the with which the new linear form semi-starvation.... Eating disorders cosmetic surgery industry does are replaced the more curvaceous one is are often interpreted as symptomatic awful. startling’. In the regressive 1950s, of a need for control. But surely it is a The cosmetic surgery industry is women’s natural fullness could be sign of mental health to try to control expanding by manipulating ideas of briefly enjoyed once more because something that is trying to control you, health and sickness. There is a clear their minds were occupied in domestic especially if you are a lone young historical precedent for what the seclusion. But when women came en woman and it is a massive industry surgeons are doing. ‘Healthy’ and masse into male spheres that pleasure fuelled by the needs of an entire, ‘diseased’ as Susan Sontag points out had to be overriden by an urgent social determined world order. in Illness as Metaphor, are often expedient which would make women’s subjective judgements that society bodies into the prisons that their homes The myth works also to discourage makes for its own purposes. Women no longer were. younger women from identifying with have long been defined as sick as a feminists, for no other reason than that means of subjecting them to social Wolf sees “the great weight shift” as one they are older women. Where men have control. What the modem Surgical Age of the major moves of the century. traditions to hand down, women have is doing to women is an overt re­ “Dieting is the most potent political fashion, says Wolf. What a previous enactment of what nineteenth century sedative in women’s history; a quietly generation have done is not heritage, medicine did to make well women sick mad population is a tractable one.” She but old hat. Wolf’s description of her and active women passive. The reiterates the important points that diets own experience of anorexia is chilling. surgical industry has taken over for its don’t work, that fat is not in itself Wolf’s writing about violence in own profit motives the ancient medical unhealthy and that eating disorders arc connection with the beauty myth attitude ... that defines normal, healthy

MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 23 Beauty

female physiology, drives and desires woman who had had liposuction to To get beyond the beauty myth Wolf as pathological: “In the traditions of remove fat from her thighs. The pain of suggests we learn to re-see ourselves. (I Western thought’, write Deidre English beauty is trivialised because it is said would have liked her to acknowledge the and Barbara Ehrenreich in Complaints women freely choose it. No, says Wolf, numbers of women, many of them and Disorders: The Sexual Politics of “Women are sensitive to the signals that lesbian, who have largely freed Sickness, ‘man represents wholeness, institutions send about what they have to themselves from the myth.) “The strength and health. Woman is a do with their ‘beauty’ to survive, and the enemies,” she says, “are the male “misbegotten man”, weak and institutions are giving them a very clear publishers and producers who incomplete’. Historian Jules Michelet message that they endorse any level of marginalise women’s books and TV and refers to women as ‘the walking violence. Women will have a real choice film, the advertisers who force pro­ wounded’. about cosmetic surgery only when they women editors of glossies to toe the can not have it and retain their beauty myth line, the male newspaper Advertising makes claims that products livelihood, identities and places in the editors who put the fact that 150,000 and surgery can “cure” aging, and offers community. women are dying of anorexia every year “treatments”, talks of “relapses”, offers A major strength of this book is the on the style page.” (Spare Rib ) “prescriptions”, speaks of fat as a clear linking of the beauty myth with If we “turn away from the images and “condition” that “disfigures”. “If women economics - the economic needs of look directly at one another” we will can walk but believe their limbs look women and the market/profit needs of change how we react to them. Keep in wrong, they feel that their bodies cannot capitalism. Wolf is to be commended for mind that the myth is not really about do what they are meant to do; they feel remaining so free of Marxist jargon, how we must look but how we must as genuinely deformed and disabled as while using a clear Marxist/materialist behave, and in fact what the myth the unwilling Victorian hypochondriac analysis. Another strength is that Wolf promises - being valued, confidence, felt ill.” writes from the inside. She is one of the being heard, respected, to live without As cosmetic surgery is based on an women who “fits” - educated at Yale, fear - we can in fact only get from each imaginary market, as there is nothing white, middle class. The beauty myth other. wrong with female bodies and faces, the could have worked for her (as much as it surgeons “depend for their income on can work for any woman). “Just as the beauty myth did not warping female self-perception and Writing in Spare Rib of her experi­ really care what women looked like so multiplying female self-hatred.” The ences in Britain after a visit for the long as they felt ugly, to get beyond it bruising of a woman who had been launch of the book, she talks of women we must see that it does not matter what beaten on the legs by her partner was working in the media saying one thing in women look like so long as they feel indistinguishable from the bruising of a public and another in private: beautiful.” □ These stories are true: the features editor of a quality paper flatly denies on the BBC that job discrimination based on appearance exists; a make-up COMPETITIVE COSTS artist , a secretary and a very famous PROFESSIONAL ADVISE talk-show hostess crowd around after CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE filming to tell me with outrage about jobs they gained or lost - one at the BBC - on the basis of their appearance. On the radio, a beauty editor for a major women’s glossy energetically ARE YOU denies my indictment of the censoring effect of beauty advertisers on editorial CONSIDERING copy in women’s magazines. When the BUILDING A HOUSE? mike is out she says with a friendly warmth, “of course you’re right, and of course I can’t say that on the air. I walk Then consider an a fine line. I push the limits as much as experienced all women I can, but the advertisers breathe down building team. my neck.’ A writer for slimming magazines does battle with me on the Plan drawing available and air; later she phones (“Now that I’m not for any jobs - being paid to yell at you’, she says) to FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT narrate in a quiet voice the story of how Contact Anne Taylor her family terrorises her about her get-together travel weight and can she interview me 127 KARANGAHAPE ROAD, P.O. BOX 1739 Phone (09) 817 7108 seriously for another magazine? She’ll AUCKLAND 1, NEW ZEALAND have to use a different name. TELEPHONE: 795-008

24 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1 Policy Vs Need A short story by Shirley Pokooti

( ( U l e understand your situation, there's She told the boy to get off the chair. He did and \Ê\Ê nothing we can do. It's department ca m e to stand at his m other's side. Two pairs of W W policy". eyes regarded him. One pair with restless He looked up, and away again, averting his disinterest and the other with resolute intent. He eyes. She sat opposite, the desk separating them. got up and told her he was going to speak to a He was relieved that the desk provided a barrier colleag ue. between him and them. Left alone with her children she reflected on The infant suckling at her breast, curled into the how different the department's view and her soft contour of her mother's body. He didn't feel at concept was about helping and providing for the ease seeing this spontaneous nurturing. The other basic needs of people. She had thought that the child proceeded to rotate, round and round, on department would work on the same principle as the office swivel chair. There was nothing he could looking after young children. That immediate do but wait until she had finished feeding the needs are met promptly, without unnecessary infant. She discreetly rearranged her clothing, fuss. She couldn't understand why it was different unruffled and composed. She moved the child on here. her lap to ensure a comfortable sleeping position He cam e back into the room with a relieved and now he had her attention. look on his face. He pushed tw o slips of paper He had explained to her what the criteria were across the table. He told her that they had for receiving emergency help. But she had decided to relax their policy because of her repeatedly asked the same question when he special circumstances and give her half of what answered her with department policy. She sat she needed. there, waiting for him to speak. He leaned forward, She concluded that this would be as much as over the desk, to indicate that he was not entirely she would get that day. She was used to living a removed from understanding her situation. day at a time. She signed the pieces of paper. Again he stated what the procedure was, she Arranged the shawl around her daughter, told her was required to wait the allotted time. The son to zip up his jacket. squeaking of the rotating swivel chair emphasised She thanked him for his time and help as he for him his growing irritation at the stalemate of the held the door open for them situation. "No problem". □

MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 25 Mitzi Nairn is the director of the Conference of Churches Programme on Racism. Gwenda Monteith Paul talked to Mitzi about herself and her work.

Mitzi Nairn: Christian Feminist and Anti-racism Worker

Iou once told me that you weren’t really When did that change of analysis take place and where do \programmed in the ways a lot of women are you think it came from? I programmed. You said that when men send out It came from a number of directions. One was the student “get into line” signals or try to put me down, / Christian movement which was part of the World Student am not programmed to receive their messages, Christian Federation which has been running since the | so mostly I don’t even know what’s going on - I 1890’s. It was beginning to get a self critique process because don’t even have to use any energy to ignore it. This reflects the member movements, particularly the third world the fact that you are a third generation feminist which must countries began to say, “Hey we are not mission fields, we have provided you with an awareness that wasn’t common are part of this federation and we are sick of the whole way it among your peers. Was this ever a disadvantage? is being described, we are now going to give consumer feed­ The conscious knowledge I had was a secret knowledge - back on missions”. That was one of the things. The other consciously secret. I think that any child that is not brought thing that was happening in the Empire in the 50’s and 60’s up with mainstream thinking holds secret knowledge - I was decolonisation and its spin-offs in the churches. mean they know when they are So these discussions moved around compromising and when they aren’t. the international student circles and This gives you an awareness of “In the late 60’s there was the the ecumenical movement generally, adapting to survive and it makes you Vietnam war, flower power, the civil but I think the student movements more analytic because you have a were ahead because they had more detachment from what is going on, rights movement and the black egalitarian processes at work, you have a critique process going on. power movement... therefore the third world members I’ve had that all my life and I don’t had more of a voice, they didn’t have know what it’s like not to be like that. the same structure to silence them. I wouldn’t say my feminist awareness Because they were more participatory has always been perfect and complete but I’ve always had their critique came through. some knowledge about the position of women and it was a Then we had the writings of Paulo Friere and Fanon about social question that affected us. decolonisation and the effects of colonisation. They actually So when did your awareness of racism begin? intersected with theological questions about missions and The Hunn Report came out in 1960 which was my last year who people are and all that sort of thing. So it was all there in at school, so it was really discussed in the early 60’s when I the 60’s. was at university. That was one strand. The student Christian In the late 60’s there was the Vietnam war, flower power, movement which I was part of at University was an arena the civil rights movement and the black power movement. where those things were taken up and discussed so I got good All these things generated ideas internationally, and so did exposure and some kind of analysis but there was no racism the black peoples’ consciousness movement in the late 60’s analysis available until the 70’s - we just didn’t have the in South Africa. All these strands were being fed through the vocabulary for it. We wasted a lot of time in the 60s trying to student Christian network”. make an old analysis work. You know the kind of thing, “we What happened to make you think that there was all try harder and be more sincere and it will all come good, something for you to do here? the Maori people will catch up”. We just had to help them It would have been the early 70’s. We were discussing it at catch up. conferences at that time and then there was the influence of

26 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1 Photo: Hanly Gil Photo: the Race Relations Council. There was also the research done women had on everything else, like current events or in Nelson by the Nelson Action Committee. They published whatever. So one of the things that was very clear was that if their work in 1974. That was the first time as far as I know, you went on, say, an anti-apartheid march all the speakers at that this new analysis was tried out. It was called “Maori the rally would be white men. So women like me who could Participation in Pakeha Justice” and it was based on research compete in that arena, who didn’t have difficulty doing done in the Nelson courts. That was the point at which I things like standing up to men in public, were actually seen became aware that there had been a shift, that there was a by a lot of women as “doing one of the good things for the new way of analysing what was happening. It accounted for movement”. One of the ways you served the movement was what was happening whereas the way we had been analysing by taking women’s visibility into other movements. A lot of things up until then it had all been seen as a “problem” but my feminism was worked out in practice in the anti-racism nobody had got any handles on it. We hadn’t seen racism as and development scene. oppression and that’s why we couldn’t understand why it How have you personally coped with the oppression of the stayed in place so strongly. As the analysis came into place a church structures? whole lot of things made sense. At the I was very much helped by a very same time the next round of the interesting theologian called Letty women’s liberation movement was Russell. One of the things she said making itself felt worldwide. So All these things generated when she was questioned about the things were all happening and they patriarchal church was, “I am not here weren’t really separate. ideas internationally.. to defend the indefensible. The Wasn’t there at about this time a churches have done and still do division in the New Zealand women’s indefensible things, and I’m not liberation movement between Maori interested in defending that”. Well, women and Pakeha women? that’s how feel. I mean I look at the That was later as I see it. There were not a lot of Maori Crusades, look at the Inquisition and just the whole women in the women’s liberation movement, in fact there structural, institutional practice. were not a lot of women. I think the critique began to surface A lot of Christian theology is based, not on the Bible, but during the United Women’s Conventions, there was a lot of on Aristotle’s patriarchal theory of society which is that men tension there. In about 1975 I remember Sally Symes and I outrank women, slaves and barbarians. A particular class of going to the United Women’s Convention in Christchurch to men are bom to rule and the rest are nowhere. That’s really do a workshop on racism so things were crossing over by built strongly into a lot of so-called Christian theology. There then. Debates were occurring then partly because of the is no particular reason why churches can’t leave some of participation of Maori women. Also some of the ways Maori those things behind and change, although some people have women were seen to be being manipulated by Pakeha women vested interests in keeping it in place. I don’t have any caused a tension. problem with the idea that for some women it’s not worth the What was your main focus in the 70’s? Did you feel you energy. It’s an enormous drain to pour energy into for very had to make a choice between involvement in the women’s little reward. I don’t blame any woman who says “this is just liberation movement and doing anti-racism work? not on” and leaves. I just happen to be one who is able to No, I didn’t feel that. One of the things that was very clear in stick it out and I think that’s partly because there are so many the early women’s liberation movement was how little impact women locked up in the church and a lot of resources.

MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 27 Mitzi Nairn

I also have to say that in the context of the church I have longer many things have gone into my name when they also had some very good experiences and met some people were actually processes that were worked out by a group of who have impressed me deeply. There are ideas that don’t us. belong to the church but I have met them there, ideas that I At first we tried to replicate the processes that had think are very good to live by. I’m just not ready to give it happened to us and it took us several years to begin to move away. The conflicts of the church haven’t for me yet reached away and invent our own thing. We had quite a conflictual problematic proportions. Also, ever since my student days I model in those early days, partly because our own have operated in the ecumenical arena rather than in the conscientisation had been marked by turmoil and therefore it denominational arena. I became very was quite hard for us to distinguish aware of the range of Christian belief between whether the turmoil was a and expression. For instance, hier­ “A lot of my feminism was worked by product of the process itself. It archy is really only a phenomenon of out in practice in the anti-racism and took us quite a while to ask a few denominations. On their off ourselves some of these questions. days they’re all grotty, on their good development scene”. Feminist theory helped me very days they can all come up with much - feminist theory of learning something. and how people change and so on. I Let’s go back to your anti-racism came to the conclusion that when training. How did you come to begin running workshops? people are under stress they don’t learn very well. They That came out of the Auckland Committee On Racism and miss out whole bits, they don’t process it properly. There’s a Discrimination. We started as an action group. We did lot that gets in the way. So we began to question the style, research and publicity and arguing in what ever way we the process. could. One of the things we found very early on was that What about 1981, the Springbok tour and all the fallout people would invite us to do what were in fact education from that. How did that affect your work? sessions. However, the whole thing would be blown away by Yes, that hotted things up a bit. Mainly there was more the fact that they were totally obsessed with something demand. It didn’t affect us all that much otherwise because dreadful that some of us had just done. They wouldn’t we had already made some commitments about domestic actually be at all open to learning because they’d say “You’re racism. Most of us had had some involvement in anti­ the group that illegally published a cabinet memorandum”, or apartheid and we had already reshaped and redefined our something of that sort. They’d want to talk about that the priorities. It was very clear in ‘81 that there was no whole time and not at all about the real issues so that was neutrality but we did make some decisions about what why we decided we needed an education body that was aspects we wanted to bring out during that time of conflict. separate from the action group. That was when we formed After ‘81 there was greater demand but because our New Perspectives on Race, which I think was 1975. processes were adaptable and well developed we really There were about equal numbers of men and women at didn’t have to change. We didn’t go in with a set pattern. that stage, but on the whole a lot of the processes were Even though we might use the same bag of tricks we still developed more by the women than the men. There were did it in different ways, in a different style, bringing out very strong women in New Perspectives, but because I lasted different points depending on the kind of group we

Issue 18 Spring 1990 Anne Wilson Schaef • Meal, murder and metaphor • Of eggs and men: The E 0 Strife Embryology Bill "ui • Charlotte Bunch: politics with ‘c Trouble passion “Codependence Addictive 0)E Subs for one year (3 issues): Britain k N Ireland ...... £7.50 Organisation” 0 Strife Supporting-Sub...... £20 Unwaged Suh ...£6 T3 Institutions: Inland...... £20 O £30 (1) Trouble Europe/lrish Republic 8pm Saturday 23rd March surface mail worldwide . £9.50 Airmail: Middle East_____ .. £12 Girls High Auditorium (C hch) 0 Strife Africa, N8iS Am erica___ . £13 Far East k Australia____ .. £14 Tickets $14.00 Trouble "... a formidable feminist magazine - nor for rite 0 Strife faint-hearted." The Guardian Available at Kate Sheppard Bookshop Trouble and Strife, c/o Women’s Centre, 145 Manchester St, Christchurch 34 Exchange Street, Norwich, UK. NR2 1AX Phone (03) 790 784

28 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1 Mitzi Nairn

discovered we’d got. Our process was very flexible. or 30 year period and I understand that these things have a How have you been able to take care of yourself over the point where the scale changes. These things are difficult to years? I mean, this is all pretty heavy stuff that you’re understand or predict but I know they happen. dealing with. The thing that is quite difficult is that at that point where it I think I was lucky to catch on very early that this is a life reaches take off, you lose control. If you want to hold the commitment. Some people come into it with the idea that if quality and stick your nose in and make sure everyone’s we rush around and we’re terribly hard working and sincere doing it right, it won’t happen. Either it will go past you or for six months we would fix it. I learned during the Vietnam you will block it. I think that’s one of the tensions in the anti­ war that this was not so. I learned that racism movement at the moment. One there are non-logics at work, this is an of the things that I have leamt is that important thing to take on board. I also if you maintain too much control and think that the longer you are around the “I think I was lucky to catch on responsibility you block other people more you leam to see patterns. I was very early that this is a life from taking responsibility. If you can’t very much helped in about 1972 when let go you foul your own process. the South African Student Christian commitment”. Margaret Nolan used to say, “At a Movement closed down. At that time certain point you’ve got to trust your someone said that we are now entering process and trust the group you are a period that will take some 20 years to show results. Now working with and if you don’t trust them what are you doing here we are in 1990 beginning to see some results, perhaps. I working with them?” Sometimes when people are sent to mean, I don’t think the freeing of Nelson Mandela is work in groups they should be left to get on with it. particularly significant but I do think some changes, some of The way I survive is by having a long term picture and the international sanctions, are beginning to hot up. therefore I don’t think that any one thing I do or don’t do is Here in Aotearoa it wasn’t until ‘81 that we got the going to be the make or break of anything. numbers. We must have got a different level of public Even though I’m a serious minded and responsible person awareness at that time. I mean before ‘81 if you went to a and I do my best I don’t think it really hangs on me. If it does Springbok demonstration it was always the same 30 or 40 or then we really haven’t got a revolution. Learning to hang a 70 people. Then suddenly you’re measuring your marchers in little looser while still taking responsibility, I think that’s part thousands instead of tens. So there is a shift, your process of survival and I’m allowed to make mistakes. changes, we saw that happen in ‘81 and we saw it happen in Do you see all these issues of race, sexism, the environment the peace movement. The first peace march I went on was and peace as being inextricably linked? Easter 1961 and there were 32 of us. Fifteen years later I was Yes I do. I think all these things are bound together by walking up Queen Street with 13,999 other women. So I theories of oppression and exploitation. This is where the thought, well, something’s shifted. When you’re running a spiritual dimension comes in, in the relationships between campaign you reach a point where the numbers and humans and the environment, humans and god and humans proportions will change and I think we’re coming to that and other people. Who are we and how do we fit, how do we point around some of the issues about the treaty and racism. co-exist? This is where my spiritual dimension lies. □ I’ve been part of processes where that’s happened over a 20

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m a r c h 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 29 sabbage blows

War is big. print the stories behind the images, they treatment of Ron McIntyre, a political Big bombs, big boys and big bucks. have already been made old news by scientist from Canterbury University. How Since the Gulf War began on January 17, television. In today’s high-tech world of did Lindsay really know that many viewers money has been made by the most satellite links and patriot anti-missile would disagree with Mr McIntyre’s unexpected of endeavours. Board games missiles, news has a shelf-life of about six analysis that the war could be traced back based on the war have been airfreighted hours. to the conflict between Israel and the from the United States, retailing here for But the strengths of television are also Palestinians? Perhaps Lindsay’s ear-piece is between $70 and $100. The object of the its weaknesses. actually a telepathic thought receiver. games - “A Line In The Sand” and “Gulf When reality is reduced to the size of a After only 12 hours of fighting, news Strike” - is to remove Saddam Hussein TV screen, people’s perception of reality is reports lauded the decimation of Iraq’s from Kuwait with the minimum of also reduced. The line between fact and airforce and elimination of its Scud casualties. War as a board game - fiction becomes blurred - George Bush missiles. Only after Iraq’s missile launches capitalism at its worst and just the thing to becomes Rambo and Saddam Hussein proved them wrong did the media begin to promote peaceful conflict resolution. What becomes the Evil Enemy. Everyone knows question these claims. The Pentagon a shame the American administration didn’t Rambo cannot die, hence the willingness shrugged off these belated questions with time the war a month earlier, the games of some TV viewers to do battle. the tried and true “You misunderstood what would have been just the thing for Concepts like time, pain, death and the we were saying”. Christmas stockings. value of life go out the window when war This begs the question of who makes the War is also big news. And thanks to is mediated through television. For news. Richard Long and Judy Bailey television, war is bigger, better and brighter example, on the third day of the Gulf war I might present it but who constructs it? than ever. heard someone comment: “Gee, isn’t it The bulk of our news is derived from War has a symbiotic relationship with over yet, why don’t they just go in and British and United States networks which television in that war sells TV and TV sells blow him up?” I suspect this person shared rely on military and government sources war. For instance, after January 17, Sky the belief, with many others, that the Gulf for much of their “information”. The film Entertainment reported a 33% increase in war should have lasted no longer that an footage we see is also far from “objective”. enquiries about their subscriber news episode of MacGyver. Come to think of Camera teams in the Gulf are allowed to service, while recruiting centres for the it, why didn’t the allied forces send in film only where, what and when the New Zealand armed services reported a Mac? He could have wrapped the whole military and political powers that be say 100% increase in people wanting to join the thing up in an hour with a torch and a they can. forces. These were generally people who pocket-knife. Given this and the fact that both the said they had seen images of the Gulf War A further weakness of TV news is that British and United States governments have on television. it is aimed at viewers with shrinking a vested interest in gaining support for the You see war makes perfect television - concentration spans - a 13 second “byte” war, how much credence should we give exotic locations, minimal plot, good guys of information is the norm, and even then the news? So called “surgical” air strikes fighting bad guys for treasure and a just much of the information is not absorbed. on “target-rich environments” in Baghdad moral cause, and, most important of all, lots Watching TV is essentially passive - it and other areas of Iraq are supposed to of violence and plenty of action with jet- doesn’t require interaction. Thus news have spared civilians. How do we reconcile fighters, soldiers and bombs. The reports have become shorter and shorter, these claims with the pictures we have seen entertainment potential of war and its cast relying less on detail and analysis than on of dead and wounded Iraqi civilians. of thousands is immense, a fact which did the drama and impact of the image. If Propaganda is not the exclusive domain not go unnoticed by the good fellas in the news is dead within six hours, what of the “enemy” in war, or, for that matter, Pentagon when they timed the first reporter is going to spend time exploring in peace. bombing of Baghdad to coincide with the issues? To hell with issues - when the onus George Bush’s state of the nation American evening news at 7pm. is on breaking a story, who wants to waste speech: “Our cause is moral, our cause is What television has over its media time asking questions? just, our cause is right. God bless these competitors in the race to sell war is its When the news of the Pounding of United States of America,” was little immediacy and visual images. Baghdad hit our screens, who did we see different from Saddam Hussein’s claim that TV allows you to sit in Matamata asking whether it was really necessary to God was on Iraq’s side in “the mother of all watching Coronation Street and still feel go to war? Who questioned George Bush’s battles”. If Bush’s audience saw the irony safe when Ken Barlow is suddenly astounding justification that five months of of this, they showed no signs of doing so, interrupted by missiles falling on Tel Aviv. economic sanctions had not and would not appearing positively rapturous on the TV TV broadcasts up-to-the-minute images work? Certainly not Paul Holmes, and cameras. How many standing ovations did of the war into your very own living room certainly not Lindsay Perigo who made cum battlefield. By the time the newspapers his views clear in his contemptuous continued on page46

30 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1 Part I of a two part article on Anarchism and Feminism

Anarchism/F eminism The Connection written by the Black Stocking Sisters

What exactly is anarchism? The most commonly held misconception about anarchism is that it stands for disorder, confusion, and violence. Anarchists are typically portrayed as vile and dangerous people out to destroy everything and everybody. They conjure up fear and loathing, so are dismissed. Anarchism is also accused of being impractical and abstract, completely out of touch with reality

MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 3t Anarchism

and therefore an impossible dream. Anarchism stems abolition of all coercive institutions that go with it - from the conviction that the purpose of society is to money, economy, wages system, the military and increase individual opportunities, to free the police, bureaucrats, slavery, prisons, patriarchy, individual from the constraints of coercive matriarchy and concepts of religion and property in institutions. Anarchism is about questioning the their present form. This would free us from inequality concepts of authority, hierarchy, and poverty; about and exploitation, leaving a society based on production questioning practices which regulate inequality, for need and not for profit. Wasted labour (products of liberty, self determination and consciousness of life; labour are accumulated by privileged elite not society and about questioning all modes of dominance and as a whole) would be eliminated freeing people to exploitation (racism, sexism, capitalism and work in socially productive areas and fields best suited imperialism). to them, and for their gain. There would be more time We exist in a society where our lives are subject to for the individual to pursue happiness and interests, sexual, economic, and political subjugation based on and to help those in need. authority - the “illegitimate” exercise of power and Crimes are created in the minds of the ruling elite. our obedience to it. Authority of this kind fosters They exist because of inequality and unequal manipulation and passivity. Living is thus reduced to distribution of wealth accumulated by the exploitation alienation, activity to consumption and thought to of workers. With equal distribution of wealth and contemplation. All aspects of our lives, from the abolition of capitalism, crimes against private property cradle to the grave, are conditioned to bring about our would diminish. Irrational crimes of violence such as submission. Anarchism is about rejecting hierarchical assault, rape, murder and theft of personal property are and dominating relationships that oppress the often the result of the frustrations and alienation of a individuals freedom and replacing them by repressive society. Freedom would eliminate the cooperative and collective organisations. fundamental causes of these problems and would “Anarchism, then really stands for the liberation of therefore decrease the occurrence of crimes of the human mind from the domination of religion; the violence; dehumanisation would not be a problem. liberation of the human body from the domination of What is the feminist connection to anarchism? The property; liberation from the shackles and restraint of revolutionary feminist perspective is essentially Government. Anarchism stands for a social order anarchist. Feminism puts into practice anarchist based on the free grouping of individuals for the beliefs. Feminists could honestly claim to be practising purpose of producing real wealth, an order that will anarchists although many would not be aware of it, guarantee to every human being free access to the and others may not admit to it. earth and full enjoyment of the necessities of life, The most fundamental of all oppression is according to individual desires, tastes, and patriarchy - the domination of men and subordination inclinations”. (Emma Goldman, Anarchism: What it of women, and is expressed in all aspects of our lives. really stands for, Red Emma Speaks Vintage Books, From birth we are sex-role typed, being taught 1972). passivity and domesticity to crush our real selves into An anarchist society would be based on the wives and mothers. We marry into the nuclear family; concept of autonomy and free association; the the economic unit of capitalism and socialisation, individual would be free to act in accordance with becoming the property of men to be a subject of their own desires as long as they didn’t impose on absolute power and economically dependant. The the freedom of others. All institutions and institutionalised roles within the family mirror the authoritarian/hierarchical forms of organisation would basic power structure of the state: man as the master, be rendered obsolete and would be superseded by the wife as the servant, and children as the property. creation of co-operative and Women become the sexual property of the man rather anti-authoritarian structures, than a person in their own right. Women have come where organisation would Feminism is women fighting together against the closest to anarchism in come from below not above, male dominated capitalist society that thrives on their their organisation and and from within rather than exploitation. In fighting against patriarchy, feminism is from without. These struc­ fighting all hierarchy, all leadership, all government spontaneous tures would be fluid - small- and the idea of authority. “Feminism has been since its action ... scale participatory demo­ inception anarchist. We now need to be consciously cracy in conjunction with aware of the connections between feminism and large-scale collective co­ anarchism”. (Peggy Korneger Anarchism: The operation and co-ordination. Organisations would be Feminist Connection in Second Wave, 1975). created as needed and discarded when no longer Women have come closest to anarchism in their useful; this would provide room for spontaneous organisation and spontaneous action; forming action within the context of a specific situation and independent groups, functioning without structure and would enable society to respond to individual and leaders and creating independently. Feminists work group changes. Decision making would be carried out with an emphasis on small groups with the belief that by individual initiative and collective reaction, not by decisions should be collective and committed to a single institution of authority imposing its will. action. They focus on everyday life and the need to be ' With the abolition of the state would be the supportive with love and trust.

32 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1 Anarchism

We want nothing less than complete freedom - women. With marriage comes the social and political sexual-social revolution. The creative destruction of slavery of the wife. Very few people view marriage in the triple domination of patriarchy, state and capital. these terms, and there is little acceptance of loving and “What we ask is nothing less than total revolution, intimacy outside heterosexual marriage. Unfortunately revolution whose forms invent a future untainted by most women have accepted this as natural at least to inequality, domination or disrespect for individual some degree. As usual the media (in its role as the variation - in short, feminist-anarchist revolution. I voice of the state) is integral in its involvement in believe that women have known all along how to creating and maintaining these standards. move in the direction of human liberation; we only Until recently, in New Zealand it was not illegal for need to shake off lingering male political forms and a man to rape his wife. Any dictums and focus on our own anarchist female other woman he may rape or analysis”. Peggy Komegger otherwise abuse is subjected to the humiliation in the The revolutionary Marriage and Child Bearing legal system: in court the feminist perspective “The modern family is founded on the open or abuse is systematically is essentially concealed slavery of the wife....Within the family he is replayed for all to see. anarchist. the bourgeois and his wife represents the proletariat.” Women soon begin to accept Friedrich Engels, (The Origin of the Family 1943). their place in society, by “Love from its very nature must be transitory. To learning the humiliation they seek for a secret that would render it constant would would have to suffer were they to rebel against it. be as wild a search as for the philosopher’s stone or The nuclear family is the accepted social measuring the grand panacea: and the discovery would be equally unit. This unit is so firmly entrenched that again there useless, or rather pernicious to mankind. The most is no room for any deviation. There is no acceptance holy band of society is friendship.” Mary Wollstonecraft, of relationships between two people of the same sex, (A Vindication of the Rights of Women, 1792). more than two people relating in an intimate way, In their lifetime, women are expected to fulfill more than two parents in one family, or even two certain roles, most of which are fundamentally harmful parents of the same sex in the one family. The nuclear to individual development, by limiting their family is a fundamental reflection of the power expectations and potential. The patriarchy (supported structure of the state, and is thus state approved and by the state), needs women to comply with its desired. State propaganda makes good use of the demands in order to retain the status quo. Women are family unit, denying equal rights to those who differ forced into existing sex-role stereotypes even before from this accepted norm in any way. The family unit is birth (a horrifying technological ‘advancement’ is the so central to our very society that few escape this as ability to distinguish the sex of an unborn child, thus their destiny. enabling these stereotypes to begin even at this stage In order to realise our individual potential, all love of development): their role is to be wife and mother to must be free. Women must be free to love whoever the man who has chosen her by falling in love. It is they choose, whenever and however they chose. All then her duty to bear and rear his children: self- women must struggle to win freedom for those who sacrifice in the name of both. are persecuted and restricted by these state controlled Controlled through marriage and motherhood, many standards. women have little time to address these inequalities. “Lovers who are free to go when they are restless With each pregnancy, women are handicapped, at least can always come back; lovers who are free to change until the children are old enough to begin their own remain interesting.” (Germaine Greer, The Female lives. A woman who bears no children is often seen as Eunuch, 1971). unfortunate and unblessed: the sole aim of “A lover who comes to your bed of their own womanhood is seen as reproduction. accord is more likely to sleep with their arms around Marriage automatically creates a subservient role you all night than a lover who has nowhere else to for the woman. She marries into financial dependence, sleep.” (Ibid). domesticity, and enforced passivity. For other men it means that she is no longer available for sexual Violence Against Women or Sexual Politics relationships, she is effectively withdrawn from Violence against women (rape, pornography) is society. She replaces her husband’s own mother as only one expression of an attitude held and enforced cook, cleaner, and mother. The marriage ceremony by society against women. It has become a weapon of itself symbolises a transfer of property from father to force by which women are kept subservient to men. husband; there can be no female independence for fear This attitude is dependent on sexism - the belief that of the the loss of patriarchal dominance. No matter males and females are different biologically and are how liberal the ceremony or the children's’ upbringing, also humanly unequal. It is the male who claims the failings are still the same: loss of the wife and superiority - they construct social arrangements which mother’s individual freedom in order to cater for the secure and perpetuate their belief through which they needs of others. can legitimise and act out their ‘superiority’ so as to Monogamy, especially as a clause in the contract of control and invade the liberty of females. It enables marriage, is a way in which the patriarchy can control them to commit social harms against women. MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 33 Anarchism

Males support their superiority by defining and punishment for not behaving correctly. Because these forcing females into roles of passivity and daily ‘news’ articles can and do occur with such emotionality, into obedience, financial dependency frequency shows that it is not simply male and isolation from the work force. This results in the involvement in the perpetration of rape, but an complete subordination of women to men - they are institutionalized authoritarian concept. now conceived as objects to be exploited and used, “It’s to the advantage of the patriarchal state to and are open to abuse. encourage citizens to see rape as a perverted form of Marriage is one method of control - a tactic by sexual pleasure because that helps to contaminate the which men can sequester women to control their whole concept of sexuality as nasty, thus reinforcing sexuality and guard them from the attentions of other the idea of the body as something that has to be men and therefore guard themselves against the risk controlled and legislated by the state. When the state of their partner’s infidelity. The women are now calls rape a crime it distracts people from realising designated as property to be traded, swapped and used that implicitly through advertising, frustration as status ornaments. inducement, and the concept of the righteousness of Another channel for the expression of superiority power of the stronger over the weaker this society in is violence against women fact promotes rape.” (Anarchism and Feminism, in the form of rape. The Brickbumer Press, 1981). threat of rape is used to Sexism and its concurrent social harms is a mode Rape is not an isolated instill fear in women so of and reflection of the ideas of dominance, hierarchy, act and cannot be they can be controlled. It is authority and competition. removed from the ultimate power Rape is not an isolated act and cannot be removed relationship in a society from patriarchy without ending patriarchy itself. The patriarchy without based on hierarchical same men and power structures who victimize ending patriarchy authority and domination women are also in the process of ‘raping’ the whole itself. over subordinates. Not all earth. Rape is an act of domination where the men are rapists, but all emotions of hatred and contempt break and violate men benefit from the rape personality. It’s the symbolic expression of white - this could be termed the “male protection racket”. male hierarchy and will increase in frequency if our Women alone are made to feel vulnerable and open to lives become more dominated and invaded by the rape; they are made to feel in constant danger - in the state with all its trappings. We need to change the streets at night and in their homes. Therefore she existing beliefs and values that define the social order needs a man to provide protection and security from of our lives. other men. The need of men in women is thus “The way to stop the state is to develop self- reinforced, each man holds ‘his’ woman by giving her sustaining forms of social organisation based upon the threat of what will happen in his absence. Women direct action, mutual aid and voluntary association. then become passive and reliant on men for security The way for anarchists to help stop rape without and in turn they are ‘raped’ to reinforce their needs police or judicial intervention is to educate everyone and subordination. to the true nature and extent of rape...”. Anarchists Rape can be seen as a political crime of violence, should join forces with women and men already an act of power and domination which can be termed engaged in this struggle, and thereby strengthen the “sexual politics”. numerous libertarian aspects already present in the The way the media and other institutions handle anti-rape (and women’s) movements. This in turn, violence against women reveals the structure in will reinforce the anarchic prospects of a social which ‘social harms’ thrive. In the courts the victim is revolution, as well as finding the most anti­ made to feel responsible for her victimization. If she authoritarian solution that is presently available for was alone then she was asking for it; if she was ending rape.” (L. Tifft, and D. Sullivan, The Struggle unable to extricate herself from the situation it is to be Human: Crime, Criminology and Anarchism, assumed she was to some degree complicity in the Cienfuegos Press, 1980). assault. She is made to feel guilty for being a woman. We need liberation from concepts, values and Her case is proven/unproven on the worth of her ideas that constrict and invade our lives. We need to word, her character, her dress, the chasteness of her organize our lives on freedom, liberty, justice and past sexual life, and her general behaviour. The real especially equality of women and men. Only then will perpetrator (society) is never mentioned. the power relationships of domination and The media sensationalises; rendering the events subordination diminish allowing people to live fully. into some sort of lurid novel and making it seem less believable. The public are handed out a few details - Part II to follow in April. □ they are horrified but are conveniently blind to the prevalent attitude that perpetuates the crime. They are able to fill in the missing details so as to fantasize about the event. It gives them a chilling thrill. Each reported rape acts as a reminder to women that it could be them next - it is a threat, or a

MARCH 1 9 9 1 34 BROADSHEET WOMEN ON THE MOVE gazes often directly confront the viewer the series, Tapa Lady, is carefully placed ANI WATERFIELD which allows the strength of the to allow the triangular patterning of the Touring Exhibition - Northern Regional personalities of the women to supersede cloth to echo the eyes and eyebrows of Arts Council their obvious beauty. Waterfield said she the woman in this work. Reviewed by Ros Spratt “chose to use women to portray this Though the majority of the women Women on the Move is an exhibition of movement theme as the finesse of the portrayed are close friends of the 15 cibachrome photographic works by feminine form fitted the fantasy-like photographer, Waterfield has chosen to Rotorua artist Ani Waterfield. The show quality I am trying to portray”. give the works ambiguous titles such as is currently touring Northland. The locations of the photographs Deco Devine encouraging the viewer to The works, which were taken over a include the Rothmans building in Napier, look at the works in terms of their two year period, depict women caught in The Blue Baths in Rotorua, and the intention to convey a feeling, rather than motion - women turning, walking, bathers’ changing sheds at Herne Bay. being seen directly as portraiture. dancing, climbing stairs. Waterfield talks All the locations were chosen to be This is Waterfield’s first solo of her interest in “seeing movement backgrounds that would ultimately exhibition and has been well received at captured”, which serves not only to enhance the feel of the individual works. the Rotorua Bath House and the ASA emphasise or highlight the beauty of that In the works Balloons Backwards, Gallery in Auckland. Over the next few frozen moment, but “allows one to feel Lioness and Balloons Upward, the months it will be shown at The Otara that moment’s life energy”. Auckland Museum Building gives an Arts and Music Centre, Howick Uxbridge The works are undeniably beautiful, almost theatrical feel to the image of the Centre, on Waiheke Island, and at The with the women portrayed conveying an women moving with brightly coloured Old Courthouse Gallery in Papakura. For almost haunting beauty. Although areas balloons. The tapa cloth which is the information ring the Northern Regional of the images are blurred, the women’s background for the only nude study in Arts Council Ph 733 066. □

MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 35 Arts

W ork from Body A dornment S eries No 1 T winset and P earls by Lauren Lethal

HETEROSEXUAL VISIBILITY IN THE VISUAL ARTS Reviewed by Kim Morton

The Body Adornment series took on Art World for Maori Dykes”. She interesting dimensions at the Dowse Art described the heterosexual content Museum recently with a session of talks of contemporary Maori women's’ by three lesbian artists and cultural art providing as a backdrop, heterosexual workers. The topic was “Heterosexual images in traditional carving. Kerekere’s Visibility in the Visual Arts”, the other call was for the celebration of and side to this being the suppression of integration of Maori lesbian art in Maori lesbianism in art, and the struggles of art; for lesbian artists are here to stay. lesbian artists. Not a topic that gets aired Lauren Lethal followed, with a talk very often, and one that probably titled “Sapphic Insurgent in a Hetero­ wouldn’t have been if it wasn’t for the sexual Empire”. Lethal describes herself risk-taking of the staff at the Dowse - as a “latent dissolver”, who had made a lesbian stories mingled with Sunday conscious choice to be fully open about afternoon visitors, her sexuality in her art. Bringing the scorn mostly curious for a of the elite “art world” Lethal has pursued quick look and then a provocative response - hardshelled with moving on to the more a wicked sense of humour. Her delight in static displays! subversion is obvious from one story she The three panelists, tells, of a nameless and now “well Elizabeth Kerekere, known” male painter’s statement to her Lauren Lethal and Jane that she would never be a good painter - Zusters presented their which lead her to use his paintings as an views on the topic from ironing boards and a cover for the laundry their experiences as tubs, the ultimate in women’s lesbian artists. “resourcefulness” playing havoc with Elizabeth Kerekere men’s art. spoke of “Preparing the Jane Zusters spoke on “The Dilemma MARCH 1 9 9 1 36 BROADSHEET Arts Implicit in Silence as a Strategy for the ------n Survival for the Renegade Artist”. Zusters intends her images in her paintings and The Advantages of Being A photography to be sufficient in themselves, and resists the urge to Woman Artist: provide interpretations of her work. The resulting dilemma for Zusters is the vulnerability as an “exposed” lesbian Working without the pressure of success. artist contrasted with the frustrations of Having an escape from the art world in your 4 free-lance jobs. seeing her work misinterpreted, the viewer glossing over the lesbian and gay Knowing your career might pick up after you’re eighty. images within. Being reassured that whatever kind of art you make it will be Criticism of her work being “not lesbian enough” are set against criticisms labeled feminine. Zusters receives for placing lesbian Not being stuck in a tenured teaching position. images in front of a wider and potentially voyeuristic viewing public. Seeing your ideas live on in the work of others. Zusters’ analogy of the American’s Having the opportunity to choose between career and “neither confirm nor deny” policies completed the complex whole in which motherhood. a lesbian artist strives to survive with a minimum of compromise. I came away Not having to choke on those big cigars or paint in Italian suits. thinking Zusters a realist. Having more time to work when your mate dumps you for Each of these artists raised questions and dilemmas, for some of which someone younger. solutions could be posed but others will Being included in revised versions of art history. no doubt lead to further discussions. In itself, the session was a treat because it Not having to undergo the embarrassment of being called a allowed the challenges a lesbian artist genius. faces to be shared, leaving little doubt though, for those lesbians who want it, Getting your picture in the art magazines wearing a gorilla suit. that wide acceptance is far off. The Dowse will be making transcripts of the session available at the end of From Guerrilla Girls - Conscience of the Art World February. To obtain copies write to them at 45 Laings Road Lower Hutt Wellington or phone (04) 695 473. □

moments”, encouraged and gave comments that financial restraints are one confidence to the actors. of the reasons why power sharing hasn’t Although Sam and Anna have a clear been widely spread. She cites an example FEMINIST THEATRE idea of what they are aiming for in a of a body not having the money to pay Megan Fidler particular production, they attempt to two people to teach what is often seen as keep directing to a minimum, preferring the work of one. Another reason power Anna Marbrook and Sam Scott are an evolution and combination of ideas to sharing hasn’t been supported is because theatre directors working in non- create the final product. Anna comments of a lack of comprehension of it’s hierarchical, power-sharing and “the combined effort and experiences of meaning. Anna defines it as “a positive collaborative ways. Megan Fidler was twenty five people is very rich”. way of working in which the co-workers lucky to talk to them during rehearsal for Anna and Sam met in the summer of can support each other, sound off ideas, the recent Maidment summer youth 1988-89, when they were both involved and have double the ideas”. theatre production “Hunting the Heart”. with the Youth Theatre in Whangarei. The process by which Anna and Sam The process by which Anna and Sam Anna has worked as a co-director. She work is consistent with feminist ideology. work is empowering. They respect and has worked with Christian Penny on a Of her feminism, Anna says, “my beliefs acknowledge the creativity and input of number of productions, including last are in my work. I can’t separate how all involved in theatrical production. The year’s Summer Shakespeare and I see the world politically and how I day I went to rehearsal, the cast were Christmas Pantomime. Anna says, work”. Part of Anna’s work over the last working in pairs acting out a scene from “anytime you share power, there is a couple of years has been conducting the book “Sexing the Cherry” by Jeanette difference in the work - it is workshops for women on directing, using Winterson. As they took their turns, collaborative. Co-working allows people the concepts of sharing ideas and gentle, positive feedback from Anna to bounce ideas off each other and it working co-operatively. Sam sees and Sam, “big voices”, “hold these encourages the cast to participate”. Sam feminism in theatre as encouraging a

MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 37 Arts relooking at things, including breaking down of stereotypes and challenging TOUCH OF THE SUN ideas. Offering strong role models to young “Touch of the Sun”, Renee’s new people, particularly young women, is an play opens at the Mercury Theatre on important part of their work. Anna February 16 and runs until 16 March. comments “it is great that there are “Touch of the Sun” looks at two women leading. It does make a women’s attempts to come to terms difference - young women see and can with the death of a family member. identify these things as possible for The two women are estranged sisters themselves”. For Anna and Sam, their meeting after their mother’s death to work is fundamentally about encou­ sort out her possessions. The play is raging people’s self-esteem. They aim to a bittersweet comedy in which the encourage people to stand strong in j two women examine their feelings belief in themselves, whilst at the same j towards their mother, each other and time, challenging views and prejudices, themselves. Tickets are available and pushing for social change on an j from The Mercury for $20 and $15 at Maya Dalziel and T eresa W oodham play individual level and through the art they i concession. THE TWO SISTERS. Hanly Gil Photo: perform. □

flicks The only trouble is that Molly can’t Oda Mae’s working class flashiness, see or hear him. Only professional which is implicitly contrasted with medium Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Molly’s effortless yuppie cool and good GHOST Goldberg acting her socks off) can. taste.) I don’t know. Director - Jerry Zucker When Sam wants to touch Molly one I sat through this tender scene Reviewed by Jenny Rankine more time, Oda Mae doesn’t tell him to alternately thinking indignantly, “This is grow up and act like a spirit for once. a lie!” and imagining Whoopi tenderly Ghost is another Hollywood hymn to She gives him her body to inhabit and in touching Demi in exactly the same way. sexual love between a man and a he jumps. (She did this earlier as part of That was the end of the movie’s grip on women. Not the place you’d expect to a seance and the other ghosts could only my imagination. The rest of the audience find a tender love scene between two see her, not the ghostly tenant.) But this stared up at the screen, pale faces as women, is it? Well, now you see it, now is the penultimate emotional scene of the absorbed as Molly’s. you don’t. movie. So first we see Oda Mae’s hands Many of them may not have realised If you have ever wondered what slowly moving over Molly’s. Then cut to the inconsistency of the film’s own logic lesbian feminists mean when they talk Sam’s enraptured face. Then there’s between this scene and the seance. It about the social construction of hetero­ several minutes of tender, sensual wouldn’t even occur to many to imagine sexual identity, Ghost is one of the best touching and hugging between Sam and the rest of the love scene between Oda examples I’ve seen for years. Molly, accompanied by a soppy love Mae and Molly. The heterosexual First you have to know somethirig song (to help sound track sales). Sam identity of many of the women watchers about the plot. Sam (Patrick Swayze and Molly’s scene ends with the baddie in the audience would have been using the same expression of strained pounding in the door. Cut to Oda Mae reinforced. horror 20 times) loves Molly (Demi and Molly jumping apart. Some bigots still rant about increasing Moore, with 5 kilos of glycerine for the When I went, the audience laughed gay propaganda, and this is echoed in tears). But just after the credits, Sam gets when Oda Mae first touched Molly’s occasional liberal complaints about killed. Refusing to go to heaven (on hands. Was this because they were lesbians being “too blatant”. But have a strings of bright white light), he hangs women’s hands? Or black ones? Or good look at the heterosexual content of around as a ghost to find out why it black ones with bright red nail polish? popular songs and movies. Close to happened and to protect Molly. (One of the running jokes in the movie is 100% right? The sexist options which popular culture leaves open to women means all of us have to struggle to build identities independent of men. But to build lesbian identities requires an extra, different way of seeing. We have to twist our perceptions or imagine ourselves as the hero, because there’s no place in hymns to heterosexual love for women loving women. So tell me - who’s pumping out the propaganda here? □

MARCH 1 9 9 1 38 BROADSHEET Arts CAMILLE CLAUDEL Director - Bruno Nuytten Reviewed by Ros Spratt

Based on the life of the nineteenth century French sculptor Camille Claudel (1864-1943), this film follows the romantic and tormented relationship between the young artist and the sculptor Auguste Rodin (1846-1917). With compelling and memorable performances by Isabelle Adjani as Camille and Gerard Depeardieu as Rodin, the film received five French Oscars, and Academy Award, was nominated at the Berlin Film Festival, and has been called by French critics, “the finest French film for the past ten years”. In New Zealand also, the film has received considerable praise and attention. Becoming a recognised artist in French society at this time was primarily a possibility for a few fortunate men. Camille was an exception in that, as a woman, she was encouraged to follow relationship, drives Camille to leave family commit her to an asylum in 1913, formal training at the Academy Colarossi Rodin, determined to pursue her own where she remains until her death in to become a sculptor. artistic career. 1943. At nineteen, Camille meets Rodin,and Throughout the period when Rodin The film succeeds admirably in telling is given a place in his studio, where he and Claudel worked closely together the story of the tragedy of the relationship becomes her mentor, her lover, and (1888-1898) much of their work was between two sculptors. My only criticism eventually, in her mind anyway, her rival. difficult to distinguish apart. The film is that there is no clear indication of the In the film we see the couple’s fifteen dramatises Claudel’s frustration, and the movement of time in this film; although year relationship unfold. Rodin, though subsequent tragedy of her growing we follow Camille’s life over two deeply involved with Claudel, refuses to depression, as she attempts to establish decades, she does not appear to age. give up his longtime mistress Rose her reputation as an artist independent This is a film which is definitely worth Beurat. This unwillingness on Rodin’s from, and equal to Rodin. The film a visit to the movies, but a box of tissues part to commit himself to their follows Camille’s decline until her is recommended. □

ROMERO unfolds, we witness the change in But peace also needs thought and action. Director - John Duigan Romero - from a complacent, apolitical Romero’s slow awakening to the Reviewed by Liz Ardley priest into a reluctant but finally “realness” of the life around him was a committed leader of the Salvadorean difficult process. It meant taking a Romero recently showed at Charley people. stance. Romero had no option but to Gray’s for the second time. It is a Romero had the potential to become commit himself to his people in thought, powerful film, and very provocative. It is “one of the most politically influential word and action. He discovered himself about murder, the abuse of human rights, films of the 1980’s”. It is the 1990’s. in the process. The struggle for justice corruption and tyranny. It is also about Romero is showing in New Zealand for and peace takes more courage than any solidarity, courage and the struggle for the second time. It has more political war can muster. peace. It is a film about the civil war in resonance now than ever before. The Romero was murdered for his role in El Salvador told via the true story of issues at stake in Romero are the struggle. Since his death in 1980 events which led to the assassination of increasingly world wide issues. over 100,000 people have been killed. Archbishop Oscar Romero in March Maybe it takes a war on our own 70,000 of these are civilians. The civil 1980. doorstep to take Romero seriously. war rages still in this tiny Central Romero was a “bookish man” - Viewers walk out of the theatre visibly American country. selected as Archbishop in the hope that shaken - pausing only to stuff money The people of El Salvador are caught he wouldn’t make trouble in a country into boxes to support El Salvador. It in a spcial crisis. One in ten people live tom apart by civil war. But as the film helps. Peace, like war, needs money. in refugee or squatter camps. Only one MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 39 Arts

in ten have access to drinking water. succeeded in crushing the rebellion of The recent visit to New Zealand of 50% of the health centres have been the El Salvadorean people - quite the Ofelia Lopez - member of the CO- closed since 1979. One in four children reverse. Opposition groups and a wide MADRES (Mothers of the Disappeared) is malnourished. 95% of the forest cover variety of popular initiatives continue to testifies to the courage and perseverance has been destroyed as a direct result of mushroom in the face of continued of all those in El Salvador who continue war, with large sections of the repression imposed by the new right to struggle for justice, and like Romero, countryside being napalmed. El wing ARENA party elected in March are prepared to die in the struggle or lose Salvador’s agriculturally based economy 1989. all those that they love. is in ruins and its environment is Those who oppose the military The film Romero portrays a brutally seriously damaged. regime, or fight for social justice are honest picture of oppression and war - The cause of the war in El Salvador is subject to human rights abuses - the death, disruption and torment in the two-fold. The reasons are deeply rooted detention without trial - torture or lives of ordinary people. We all have a in the country’s past. El Salvador’s disappearance. Over 7000 people have reason for taking a stance and saying NO history is one of wealth and power “disappeared” since 1979. The military MORE. El Salvador’s issues are our wielded by a rich elite against a poverty and the “death squads” randomly apply issues. Such issues are confronted best stricken, mainly peasant population. these same practices across the entire in solidarity. Global responsibility can Secondly, the current crisis is civilian population in order to create a and will lead to global justice and peace. sustained by the United States climate of terror and submission. If you would like to support peace Administration which, according to its It is in this climate that Romero was and development issues in El Salvador own budget figures, supplies aid of finally forced to function. He worked donations can be sent to: NZ$2.5 million daily to the El with trade unions, women's organ­ R/S El Salvador, The Auckland Salvadorean government. Three quarters isations, peasant councils and others Development Education Centre, PO Box of this aid is used to perpetuate or treat who continue to fight for a popular 68558, Newton Ph 302 3194 for more the effects of war. government and a more just society in El information. □ Despite this, the army has not Salvador.

JULEE CRUISE FLOATING INTO THE NIGHT

Julee Cruise’s debut album “Floating Into the Night” was “Everybody’s Angel” is the new Tanita Tikaram album. produced by David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti and The opening track, an outstanding new song called “Only the contains original material written by Lynch and Ones We Love”, is also the first single. Badalamenti. Julee Cruise also featured on the soundtrack to the David “Everybody’s Angel” features a musically diverse and Lynch film “Blue Velvet” as well as appearing in Lynch’s lyrically arresting collection of 14 new self-penned songs film “Twin Peaks” and featuring on the soundtrack. which confirm Tanita’s status as one of Britain’s finest singers and best songwriters. Her voice, which as Q Magazine has said “is incapable of sounding unattractive”, is stronger than ever. “Floating Into the Night” "... is rivetting, stunning and “Everybody’s Angel” is Tanita Tikaram’s third album, still shimmeringly beautiful and once hooked on it, it is as available is her debut “Ancient Heart”, and follow-up “The essential a record as you could own”. - NZ Herald Sweet Keeper”

MARCH 1 9 9 1 4 0 BROADSHEET Music

ROCK RUMOUR of feminism, it’s my experience that I can talk from”. Megan Fidlertakes pleasure in spreading it: In the past three or four years Michelle has come out as a lesbian. Michelle was interviewed by The rumour is true - Michelle Shocked is coming Outlines magazine. She says, “I resent like hell that I back. On her previous visit in January last year, was maybe eighteen years old before I even heard the Michelle had only one concert which was in L word. I mean, that’s understood growing up Auckland. This time she will play at the four main sheltered in a Mormon environment. But it would centres. The tour dates are: have made all the difference for me had I grown up Wellington at the Opera House - Saturday March 2 knowing the reason I didn’t fit in was because they Dunedin at Sammy’s Club - March 4 hadn’t told me there were more categories to fit into”. Christchurch at the Theatre Royal - March 5 Michelle’s promoters, fans and the media wanted Auckland at the Town Hall - March 6 Michelle to define herself as gay or not. “I felt I was Politics are central to Michelle’s life and music. She is damned if I did and damned if I didn’t ... I’ve heard particularly concerned with issues like racism, the this ridiculous argument that I was choosing this environment and housing. Michelle is a feminist and a (definition) because I was selling feminism! You lesbian. In a Spare Rib article she had this to say: know, since when the hell does feminism sell a “I want to see feminism put back into the hands of product? Feminism forms so much of my political women who can benefit from it. I have certain perspective, but the idea of using feminism to sell problems with the ways agenda have been made. myself is ironic to me. I don’t come from the gay What concerns me is that there are women like my community point of view as much as I do the radical sister, or the women I sing about in “Anchorage”, who activist viewpoint”. will never be touched by the possibilities that Michelle’s music has a message for everyone. Her feminism can offer - that its ideas offered me - thoughtful lyrics, catchy melodies, and energetic, identity, strength, confidence and so forth ... the warm presence ensures an exciting, fun and thoughtful feminism I bring is not an intellectual, theoretical kind performance. See you there! □

MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 41 Music M adness

Musically, the album is interesting, which marked her earlier work. DOWN TO EARTH using many musicians. In particular, “Everybody’s Angel” has an overall M o n ie L o v e female vocalists Almond Joy and True sameness from song to song, sounding EMI Records Image make impressive appear-ances. frighteningly like formula writing. There Reviewed by Jeni Little Lyrically, the raps contain a lot of self are no hooks to grab the listener, and the reference (a consistent feature of rap cliched song structures further distance Monie Love is a young London rapper. music) like “Don’t Funk wid the Mo” of the listener. This album never rises from Her overall style is not unlike that of “Monie in the Middle”. On the whole this overall flatness, although in a strange Nenagh Cherry: strong, self assured and the lyrics are consistent and articulate, way it is pleasant and accessible in its confident. Having lived both in the UK On listening to “RU Single”, I complacency (like wallpaper). and the USA, she raps using an initially misinterpreted the words, American accent, thus gaining accept­ missing the sarcastic delivery which GODDESS ability in both places (for some reason reverses the meaning. Ambiguities of this S o h o the British are more tolerant of an nature can lead to unintentional offence. Warner Music American accent than the Americans are This is a shame because lyrically this rap Reviewed by Karen Woods of a British accent). She belongs to the is sound, containing none of the family of groups known as the Afro­ incomprehensible sexism found in the Despite the album’s title, Goddess is centric Native Tongues, along with De raps of many of her contemporaries. definitely not music for the more serious La Soul, Jungle Brothers and several I find a whole album of rap a little ritual group. others. Her songs gain strength because hard going at one sitting, but a few good Combining the rich vocal styles of twins they often carry powerful messages. She songs really stand out: “It’s a Shame”, Pauline and Jackie and the experimental is presently being given air-play on both “What I’m Supposed 2 B”, and “I Just songwriting and arranging ability of Tim commercial and alternative radio, which Don’t Give a Damn” (with its clever riff Brinkhurst, Soho’s debut album is pure should assure her success. borrowed from “Who Knows” off Jimi pop; it’s a collection of original music to Hendrix’s “Band of Gypsies” dance to. Labelled a “slow dance album). On the mes-sages Monie groove”, the album’s first single “Hippy Love delivers, this album is Chick” sets the musical tone. With the Direct from a sellout definitely worth a listen. exception of the slower ballad “Another American tour! Year” all of the tracks are “boogiable”. EVERYBODY’S ANGEL Goddess however does not sacrifice its Tanita Tikiram melodies to an incessant beat - some of Warner Music which are entrancing. Reviewed by Jeni Little What sets this album apart from those of a similar musical genre, is the strong The first album of Tanita feminist attitude which underlies it. This Tikaram, “Ancient Heart, was is feminist pop, and the lyrics are often indeed a special release. Un­ refreshingly explicit in their commitment fortunately, her third album, to women’s strength and confidence. “Everybody’s Angel” is nothing Check out the exciting lyrics of “Girl on like it. “Everybody’s Angel” is a Motorbike” (dyke on a bike perhaps?) Wellington: Opera House musically stilted, and lyrically The title track “Goddess” is one of the Saturday March 2nd 8pm uninteresting. Tikaram has a album’s highlights. It is a tribute to pro­ Dunedin: “Sammy’s” wonderful deep and strong voice, minent women, from Rosa Luxembourg Monday March 4th 8pm a unique mixture of both husky to Fay Weldon, combining an unshake- Christchurch: James Hay and pure tones, sounding gentle able melody with powerful lyrics- the Tuesday March 5th 8pm and mellow especially in her stuff Michigan anthems are made of. Auckland: Town Hall chosen range. But the unfaltering This album leaves you feeling good. If k Wed March 6th 8pm simplicity in harmony, melody you want music to dance to without and accompaniment has led me compromising your hard earned political/ Tickets at usual to an unavoidable boredom with ideological correctness /soundness, then o u tle ts ! the material. There seemed to be this album could be for you. Eat your little of the song writing variety heart out Madonna!

42 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1 THE COLLECTION Randy Crawford Warner Music Given Randy’s experience and talent, Reviewed by Ann Purdy her choice of material is quite surprising. With a couple of exceptions, “The Collection”, Randy Crawford’s notably “Imagine” and “Almaz”, the newly released album, is a disappointing songs are uninspiring to one with offering from a woman said to be “one of feminist ears. The lyrics range from dull the most acclaimed of contemporary to downright offensive (“Secret singers”. Her rich, emotional voice is not Combination”). Nor are the inter­ used to advantage in this bland collection pretations she imparts to the cover songs of greatest hits. particularly inventive - for the most part Having first launched her career in the they are quite similar to the original mid-70’s, this is her tenth album and versions. included previously released songs such For fans of Randy Crawford, I would as “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”. recommend giving this album a miss - it MARGARET URLICH “Almaz”, and “Rainy Night in Georgia”. is a slick but sterile compilation of songs CONCERT With the years she has left her jazz roots which hides the texture and fullness her POWERSTATION behind in favour of more popular ballads. voice undoubtedly possesses. 16 January 1991 Reviewed by Karen Woods a n d Ann Purdy

Margaret Urlich was welcomed back to Auckland by an enthusiastic and thelWOMEN'S appreciative audience. Backed by a BOOKSHOP polished band, she performed largely 228 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden from her highly successful debut album, At the Valley Road Lights “Safety in Numbers”. Formerly of the Phone(09)607 162 all-woman group, “When The Cat’s Away”, Margaret is now based in Australia where she is receiving critical acclaim. Her album is approaching triple THURSDAY 7 MARCH 6-7PM THURSDAY 9 MAY 6-7PM platinum status. An hour with Pauline O’Regan, the An hour with Lauris Edmond, The Auckland show proved how nun who participates in community renowned poet and author of Hot much she has matured as an artist in the action, author of A Changing Order. October. Lauris will read from the last year. On stage, she exuded Pauline will read from her new book 2nd part of her autobiography confidence and energy. Her movements Aunts and Windmills, published by Bonfires in the Rain, newly published and appearance commanded constant Bridget Williams Books. by Bridget Wiliams Books. attention. If some of the lyrics lacked imagination, they were effortlessly de­ THURSDAY 11 APRIL 6-7PM FUTURE THURSDAY livered by her rich, versatile voice. The Mid-Life Maturity. Reassessment? A EVENING EVENTS evening was enhanced by the presence new phase? Increasing confidence? - Lesbians, Love & Laughter: shared of backing singers, Dianne Swan - Changes in mid-life are more than readings making a welcome return to the stage, menopausal. Discussion with Leteia - Meet newly published NZ women short story writers and Mary Azzopardi - who performed Potter, author of Women in Mid-Life, one of her own compositions during the published by New Women’s Press. - Parker & Hulme: A lesbian view - “Ladies a Plate”: Women in NZ show. society. At $16 a head, the concert was a “steal”, a fine display of Margaret Urlich’s talent and fire. This Kiwi REFRESHMENTS FROM 5.30 PM BEFORE EACH EVENT. woman looked like the international success story she will surely become. □

MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 4 3 Book reveiws

affirm ourselves then as goddess- the evidence, she attributes the bird and worshippers, wicca, lesbian, with our snake-headed goddess figurines with books of Light and Shadows, was a life-and-death spacial and temporal daring act, akin to the witches of old spans, and the necessary centrality of resisting the Church, labelled heretic. this wisdom in promoting a better We had our own awkwardness and quality of life today. lack of tradition to inhibit us. We had The Reflowering of the Goddess is difficulty finding out-of-the-way places largely about creative and spiritual where we wouldn’t be seen - or more to empowerment from the sources Miriam the point - heard. We had hassles with Robins Dexter richly re-inscribes from a babysitters, we had the occasional woman’s - feminist - viewpoint. Gloria dropping out from group conflict and Feman Orenstein is concerned with the departures. But now when I look back I process of acquiring such inner and WHENCE THE GODDESSES: have a nostalgia for the hera-ic sense of spiritual wisdom, and its descriptions A SOURCE BOOK bonding, complicity, daring and and creative recordings by artists and Miriam Robins Dexter perseverance that called us out to beach writers. Pergamon Press or riverside at Samhain or full moon. If Dexter’s thesis is “the fact that THE REFLOWERING OF THE These two books are the scholarly there were powerful goddesses dis­ GODDESS outcome of those first bursts of proves the claim that woman has Gloria Feman Orenstein enthusiasm and energy that swept male ‘always’ been powerless and second­ Pergamon Press deities into as much insignificance as ary”, Orenstein’s point is that many Reviewed by Heather McPherson male proscriptions for women. women have known not only this but the They are companion pieces. Whence existence of goddess wisdom and Some twenty years ago many feminists the Goddesses is a tour-de-force return contact with its spiritual promise. Rather began researching the sources of to the primary sources of information than “matriarchal” culture Orenstein religious myth. Our exploration was about the first female deities, the earliest uses archaelogist/scholar Marija motivated by the hypothesis that religion texts from which attributes of the Gimbutas’s “feminist matristic” defi­ directed and reflected institutionalised goddesses in their mythological contexts nition of her research, a term which does misogyny, it underpinned and validated can be extracted. Disappointing that not simply shift the gender of deities but patriarchal ideology - for many of us those early texts only sporadically hint “alters the entire cosmogony”. brought up Christian it was the central at a goddess-centred religion and Through the work of ancient and determinant of our oppression. God-in- Miriam Robins Dexter is too careful a contemporary artists and wise-women the-head sanctified male power and scholar to do more than suggest what shaman of a range of cultures, Gloria violence; Big Daddy his stand-in and believers propound as faith or theory - Orenstein “reconnects” today’s women hit-man could be judge or Godfather, that there was once a goddess with more to a mythic and historic matrilineage. but either way had arrogated the role of than fertility/regenerative powers in the She also validates alternative kinds of deity. Though many of us had long European Neolithic pantheon. (Marina knowledge - visionary, intuitive, jettisoned Christianity many of us had Warner has demonstrated that number of meditative, surrealist, divinatory - and kept and valued what we might have female effigies does not necessarily bear the powers of healing and guiding which called spiritual experience. The biblical a relation to the actual social status of derive from dimensions beyond the god might, as Old Testament Father, women - the female form has been a physical and material yet which are despise women as sinful, the New repository of male idealisations while possible sources of health, action and Testament Son might put aside his mum the female subject has carried his creativity. Not to speak of values often and keep the Marys as handmaidens - supposed lesser qualities.) It is the Indie thought of as tribal - life, woman, nature either way they’d become irrelevant. goddesses who manifest the all- as multidimensional, with sacred (However much some of their inclusiveness of the divinity, Devi as qualities, the interconnectedness of injunctions were internalised). Uma and Kali, life and death bringer. physical and spiritual values. Eco- Yet - y e t... we admitted, some of us, Still, at least one early Greek writer feminism is named here. Yet always the that we missed the rituals. We missed credits Hera with having borne connections with political action are the gathering, the symbols, the Hephaestos parthenogenically: certainly made clear. Cultural feminism may be celebratory emotional participation. I the myth-projection of one Great Mother thought a Western luxury - or a missed the aesthetic pleasure of brass who created the world and its life and necessity. Cross-cultural study such as candlesticks, embroidery, velvet drapes, death by parthenogenesis at this time Gloria Feman Orenstein has undertaken arched roofs, stained glass windows. figures largely in some women’s with her research into for example, the And the wafers and the wine in a silver imaginations as a source of creative Shaman of Samiland, the woman healer goblet ... as we started with The White empowerment. of Lapland, demonstrates a “Method­ Goddess, went on to Mothers and Dexter concludes her cross-cultural ology of the Marvellous”. It can and Amazons, When God Was a Woman, and historical investigation with a must contribute further to shifting the and the Goddesses and Gods of Old section, Energy, which gathers the paradigms of knowledge from their Europe, we also began making our own meanings of her study. She praises present man-made limits. These two rituals. Strange now, to remember how goddess wisdom as life nourishment ... books may be contributions to survival, careful, how secretive we were. To here less concerned with deducing from ours and the planet’s. □

44 BROADSHEET MARCH 1 9 9 1 1 Book reveiws

l i s t i n g in English and American literature, art and film. Although this is in many ways a theoretical book, the style of writing, by Megan Fidler a n d Jenny Rankine and the content, including interesting visuals, avoids the dryness so often Sexual Anarchy: Gender and Culture characteristic of academic work. People at the Fin-de-Siecle by Elaine interested in history, art, literature, Showalter is a brilliant book. Con­ sociology, psychology, feminism, gratulations Bloomsbury Press on sexuality, and understanding the “whys” publishing yet another winner. The term of life will undoubtedly find this book a fin-de-siecle originated in France in the real gem. MF 1880s to define what was seen as a dying era. The 1980s and 1990s were decades Hyenas in Petticoats by Angela BESTFEEDING: GETTING when the notions of gender that Neustatter (Penguin) is important BREASTFEEDING RIGHT governed sexual identity were con­ because as well as giving an historical FOR YOU sistently being eroded. It was a time overview of the feminist movement, it Mary Renfrew, Chloe Fisher and when the words “feminism” and looks at subjects which have recently Suzanne Arms, Celestial Arts “homosexuality” began to be used. entered the feminist debate, eg, feminism Reviewed by Charlene Martelli These, together with the sexual epidemic in theatre and the visual arts and women of syphilis and the public furore over in journalism. This book is written in I was asked to do this book review on prostitution, changed commonly held accessible language, avoiding the the grounds that I should know a bit notions of sexuality and altered the overuse (and abuse) of theoretical terms about it. I am still breastfeeding my two language with which it was discussed, and jargon. Hyenas in Petticoats does a year old, in the face of,“it’s disgusting”, and the images by which it was wonderful job of kick-starting feminist and “he’ll turn into a real mummy’s portrayed. Now, one hundred years later, debate out of the ruts it sometimes gets boy”, and “time you gave that up”, from with the sexual abuse of children and the stuck in. This is a great read for all, not family and strangers. So when I picked increasing frequency of rape; the only the “converted”. MF up this book I went straight to the myths censoring of art and the banning of section and was immediately reminded pornography; anti-abortion campaigns Sheila Rowbotham’s extensive invol­ of all the other advice I’d been treated to and the AIDS epidemic, the late- vement with and knowledge of the in the early days - mustn’t demand feed, twentieth-century crises are disturbingly feminist movement in Britain is obvious must alternate breasts each time, maybe comparable to their fin-de-siecle in. The Past Before Us: Feminism In when the baby cried you haven’t got counterparts. Sexual Anarchy is about Action Since the 1960’s (Penguin).Her enough milk, or maybe when shown the myths, metaphors, and images of work covers the period from the late leaky patches of excess milk, your sexual crisis and apocalypse that marks 1960s through to the mid-1980s. The milk’s no good, and the ever popular both the late nineteenth century and our book is broken up into five parts - the idea that you must prepare your nipples - own fin-de-siecle, and its representations family and housework, fertility and “toughen them up”. This book confirmed for me how stupid (but potentially destructive) these comments are. I know of women who have listened to some of this advice, especially the “maybe your milk’s no good” idea and consequently put their baby on the bottle. I get angry when I hear these stories as obviously breastfeeding is better, but the mothers had been made to feel inadequate (guilty), rather than being given the support they needed to keep breast­ WOMEN IN MID LIFE NO BODY’S PERFECT feeding. Best-feeding deals well with any Aged 35 or thereabouts? Mid-life The book to use if you have a problems the mother may have and changes are many and various. problem with food. Jasbindar Singh stresses the importance of not blaming Health, nutrition, lifestyle, and Pat Rosier have a practical yourself. It also stresses the importance relationships - all involve choices. approach that works. $15.95 of good support, and how to choose this, Leteia Potter outlines what to expect ie, if a person suggests bottle feeding and how to cope, including PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME: then they are not going to make a good alternative approaches. Due March YOUR OPTIONS support person. Bestfeeding is a sensitive $14.95 Don’t let PMS get to you. Helen guide to breastfeeding with excellent Duckworth’s excellent advice and photos and diagrams. It is written by information is all you need. $14.95 three women who have between them a wide range of experience. It is an easy to New read, up to date and informative book. □

MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 45 Book reveiws

desire, self-help and the state, the working life, and identity and com­ continued from page 30 munity. From a historical perspective the first four parts are fascinating, but do not you count? I gave up after I reached 15, offer anything particularly new or deciding there must be someone out of striking. It is part five - identity and range holding up cue cards to the community which talks about breaking audience: “clap”, “look tearful”, “smile images and making links, that articulates widely and give standing ovation”. the idea of feminism and feminists as In the Land of Hype and Gory the war multidimensional, developing and has come at a most opportune time for changing. Rowbotham says “the the White House - in time to be sold to idealisation of female characteristics is a the American public. Before January 17, dead end. In order for feminism to George Bush’s popularity had slumped, remain a living politics it has to extend battered by his now legendary broken its scope continually”. Identity politics promise of “no more taxes”, record are important and we, as feminists must unemployment, homelessness and accept the challenge to offer a place economic depression. There’s nothing where people, despite differences, can like a war to take the public’s mind off work from a common ideological base. domestic problems and concentrate MF attention on national pride, even if there is not a lot to be proud of. A dash of The Third Woman Sleuth Anthology Patriot-ism and jingoism has done edited by Irene Zahara, opens with a wonders for the president’s public great story. Alice Toklas uses astrology standing. to hunt down the thief of the Mona Lisa. The American military will also be Good characterisation, background detail jumping for joy over the Gulf war. the and an insight into the world Alice emphasis news reports have placed on the shared with Gertrude Stein. The other role of America’s elaborate Star Wars stories don’t sustain this start, except for technology justifies the vast amounts one featuring a baby dyke mechanic. She spent on defence in the pst decade. And stayed alive after I’d finished the story. the manufacturers and investors will be Many of the others defaulted into a hard- rubbing their hands with glee too. The boiled big city investigator stereotype. A more missiles and planes that are couple accept power structure like the destroyed, the more money they’ll make. ANA CIA, or promote heterosexual senti­ Never mind that the $834 million a day mentality, which isn’t what I want in my the war is costing the US could probably escapist reading. But a crop of active solve homelessness in one hit. i m n women who solve dangerous problems is Operation desert Storm will be definitely an affirming read. JR remembered for many years for its entertainment value. But will people ! Women Who Walk Through Fire remember the political doublespeak that edited by Susanna J Sturgis is a went with it? “Liberation” has come to i: 1 ' i ' ■' collection is bursting with imagination. mean something quite different from Mythic tales sit next to strong political freedom for Kuwait, it has come to mean stories and personal quests. In Phyllis the bombing of Iraq. “Peace-loving Ann Karr’s story, a witch and warrior nation” has come to mean nations willing partnership discover a ravaged future to make war. And a “New World Order” earth where everyone has radiation has come to mean a hierarchy of MANA TIRITI symptoms and many men have to fight a countries (headed by the US) ordered The art of protest and partnership deadly game to be allowed to have according to their willingness to support Haeata and the Wellington City Art Gallery $24.95 children or stay alive. Another favourite the US. is a spiritual story set in a Pacific culture, And how long will it be before the TV An important and beautiful collection of of a warrior battling a corrupt island moguls get together and produce a artworks and statements from Maori and sorceress. In a story sparked by some blockbuster mini-series? “Desert Blood” Pakeha artists and commentators arising from exhibitions held in Wellington and early US responses to AIDS, a woman or “The Sands of Saddam”? Whatever it’s Auckland in 1990. exposes collusion between government called, it will star Robert Mitchum as and medical science to keep everyone General Norman Schwarzkopf, Jane This book will be launched in April afraid of a deadly virus when they Seymour as his devoted wife, Richard already have a vaccine. There’s Chamberlain as President George Bush, DAPHNE BRASELL ASSOCIATES PRESS something here even for women Nicole Kidman as Barbara Bush, and of PO Box 12 214, Thorndon, Wellington who don’t like science fiction. course Omar Sharif as Saddam Hussein. Tel: (04) 710-601 Fax: (04) 710-489 JR □ □

46 BROADSHEET MAHCH l»yi bookshop directory

AUCKLAND Women’s personal development * CHRISTCHURCH ★ AUCKLAN weekend April 5 (evening) 6, 7 (day). ET During this weekend women can explore Kate Sheppard HARD TO FIND personal issues in a respectful and caring SECOND HAND BOOKS environment. Phone Glenda (09) 602 Womens Bookshop 021 or Lewis (09)537 2111 145 Manchester St, 171-173 The Mall, Onehunga Women’s Studies Certificate Courses Christchurch Ph: 644 340 Centre for Continuing Education, MON - THURS 9AM-5.30PM Auckland University. Second half year: FRIDAY 9AM-9PM Largest SECOND HAND Bookshop In Women of Ideas :The development of SATURDAY 10AM-1PM Auckland. Always buying and selling of New feminist thought begins July. Monday • MAIL ORDERS WELCOME • Age, Feminist and all quality books. If you can’t come to the shop Buyer can collect evenings or Tuesday mornings.Women, Phone us (03) 790 784 Language and Image begins July. Tuesday evenings. Information and enrolment details from (09) 737 831 * AUCKLAN HAMILTON University of Waikato Continuing theWOMEN'S education. The Creation of Patriarchy BOOKSHOP with Gerda Lemer, March 4, 7.30 $5. (Embracing Broadsheet Bookshop) Exploring the Herstory of Immmigrant Books by, for and about women Women in Aotearoa. 5 Wednesday ♦ Non-sexist children’s books evenings beginning 20 March. $20. ♦ Music Posters Jewellery Women’s Residential Weekend at Karioi ■ BOOKS ■ MUSIC ■ ARTS ♦ Unusual cards Theme: Awareness through movement. ■ JEWELLERY ■ HAND PAINTED CLOTHES ♦ Coffee and herb tea MAIL ORDERS WELCOME - Mail orders welcome - 22-24 March $65/$55 Storytelling Square Edge, P.O. Box 509 Palmerston North Workshop for Maori People 6-7 April 228 DOMINION RD, AUCKLAND, PH 607 162 With Mona Williams, koha. For further information contact Gillian Marie (071) ★ WELLINGTON ★ HAMILTON 562 8195 extn 8195. WELLINGTON Dowse Art Museum UNITY Jan 19 - Mar 24 - Kim Brice and BOOKS o DIMENSIONS Barbara Blewman - Contemporary the most interesting bookshops! Women's Bookshop Ltd jewellery. 266 Victoria Street, Hamilton Feb 2 - March 24 - Sally Campbell - Mon-Thurs9.15am -4.45 pm Contemporary clothing. Friday 9.15 am - 5.30 pm INTERNATIONAL 119-125 WILLIS ST, WELLINGTON Saturday 9.15 am - 1.00 pm SAGE: A Scholarly Journal on Black PHONE LOUISE OR MARION 856 110 PO Box 19041 PH. (071) 80656 Women wants essays, personal MAIL ORDERS WELCOME narratives, and interviews for a special issue on relationships. This issue will ★ HAMILTON ★ AUCKLAN ar focus on intimate, friendship and family relationships. Deadline is Sept 1 1991. LitERArily DifFereNT Send work to the editors, PO Box 42741, Atlanta, GA 30311-0741. BENNETTS High Quality UNIVERSITY Woman of Power seeks submissions for Alternative BOOK CENTRE issues on Women in Community; Sacred New Age Spaces; Leadership: Feminist, Spiritual (WAIKATO) and Political; and Overcoming B O O K S • Porcelain • Pottery • Crystals ♦ Stained Glass • Jewellery Prejudice, Celebrating Difference, PH (071) 66813 Cultivating Diversity. Contact Char enr Ponsonby & Jervois Roads (Fountain McKee P O Box 827 Cambridge, MA Court) Ponsonby Ph (09) 786 390 02238, USA. Lesbian Conference Sydney 12,13,14 July. Contact: Lesbian Conference 1991, P O Box 503, Glebe NSW 2037, Australia.

MARCH 1 9 9 1 BROADSHEET 47 B roadsheet CLASSIFIED

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