u Dec/Jan. 1991 Ontario's NDP—what to expect? CMPA $2.25 of the paper. Call us at 255- Our next Writer's Meeting is Thur. Jan. 3 at 7 pm at Kine­ sis, #301-1720 Grant St. All women welcome even if you don't have experience.

PRODUCTION THIS ISSUE: Christine Cosby, Nancy Pol­ lak, Andrea Lowe, A. Alisa Ne­ mesis, Jackie Brown, Maggie Roy, Sandra Gillespie, Soni- larino, Janisse Browning- Leveque, Frances Wasserlein, Carol Lamarche, Jean Lum, Agnes Huang, Jill Mandrake, Heidi Walsh, Corilee Fox, Me- Ardyche, Ann Rainbeth, Jeanette Ashley, Sandy James, Karen Martin, Winnifred's wa- xer and Christine's applesauce ;s

FRONT COVER: Beisan Zubi and Molly Kraft at vigil of the Jewish Women's Committee It isn't easy being Jewish and critical of Israeli to End the Occupation, in To­ policies 11 ronto—IWD, 1990. photo by Rachel Epstein.

EDITORIAL BOARD: Nan­ cy Pollak, Michele Valiqueuettel , Terrie Hamazaki, Chri Cosby

CIRCULATION AND DISSTRI' - BUTION: Jennifer Johnston* Chau Tran, Rachel Fox

ADVERTISING: Birgit Schinke

OFFICE: Jennifer Johr Chau Tran

You're having your baby ... or are you? Sheila Kitzinger on how Poet Betsy Warland comes together by taking Kinesis Is published 10 times birthing should be 14 language apart 23 a year by the VancouverI Sta­ tus of Women. Its objectives are to be a non-sectarian fem­ inist voice for women and to work actively for social change, specifically combat­ ting sexism, racism, homopho­ bia and imperialism. INSIDE RRffl&tfiS Views expressed in Kinesis are those of the writer and Midwifery ruling will be crucial ...3 do not necessarily reflect VSW Vancouver's new child care program 4 policy. All unsigned material is the responsibility of the Kine­ Don't look it up in this dictionary 4 Movement Matters 2 sis Editorial Board. Ontario's NDP—who's who, what's up? ....5

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Individual subscriptions to Kinesis are What's News? 6 $20 per year or what you can afford. Membership in the by Linda Choquette Vancouver Status of Women fpajotefni Parent: a view from Quebec 7 ! is $30 or what you can afford, as told to Ellen Woodsworth l includes subscription to Kine- UBC: dealing with sexual harassment ...8 by Agnes Huang & Heidi Walsh Commentary 16 SUBMISSIONS: Women and VSW's brief to the Royal Commission on NRTs...... 9 by Silva Tenenbein girls are welcome to make sub­ by Bonnie Waterstone & Karen X. Tulchinsky missions. We reserve the right to edit and submission does Encuentro Feminista—3,000 feminist invasion...... 12 lot guarantee publication. If by Carmen Rodriguez >ossible, submissions should be typed double spaced and Against Apartheid ...13 i must be signed and include by Lteap)rt*ager Making Waves 19 j an address and phone number. by Lauri E. Nerman | Please note: Kinesis does not ; accept poetry or fiction con- ^ong wr'a Sansei: in review ...17 i tributions. For material to be by Lily Yuriko Shinde returned, a SASE must be in­ cluded. Editorial guidelines are Two kicks at the filmmaker's can ...18 Letters... 25 available on request. by Meg Edwards

ADVERTISING: For informa­ Gcina Mholope—breaking the barriers ...20 tion about display advertising Bulletin Board 26 rates, please contact Kinesis. Language in Her Eye: in review For information about classi­ ...22 compiled by Avery August fieds, please see the classified by Gladys We page in this issue.

DEADLINE: For features and reviews: the 10th of the month preceding publication; news copy: 15th; letters and Kinesis is indexed in the CORRESPONDENCE: Kine-' Kinesis is a member of the Bulletin Board listings: 18th. Canadian Women's Periodi­ sis, Vancouver Status of Canadian Magazine Publishers Display advertising—camera cals Index, and the Alternative Women, 301-1720 Grant St., Association. ready: 18th; design required: Press Index. Vancouver, B.C. V5L 2Y6 Second class mail #6426 16th. ISSN 0317-9095 KINESIS MOVEMENT MATTERS ^s*^ InsTdel! ^ Women of Movement colour collective Kinesis matters listings in Calgary information The Women of Colour Collective is a One evening in early December last year, feminist collective of Canadian women of a group of women from Kinesis met in a Movement Matters is designed to be a colour committed to the empowerment of restaurant to discuss editing—how to, when network of news, updates and informa­ all women. The group does educational, ad­ to, why to—the range of practical and philo­ tion of special interest to the women's vocacy and support work, and links with sophical questions confronting a feminist movement. Submissions to Movement Mat­ Strategies other organizations committed to economic, newspaper. One woman arrived late and ters should be no more than 500 words, social and political change. The collective told us the news. News from Montre'al about typed, double-spaced on eight and a half by for Change: makes presentations on racism to various shootings at a university, about women be­ eleven paper. Submissions may be edited for groups and in September 1990 published ing dead—vague news, horrific news. De­ length. Deadline is the 18th of the month the book the first of its quarterly newsletters, the cember 6th, 1989. preceding publication. only paper in western Canada produced and A year later and many more women The Women's Research Centre has pre­ written entirely by women of colour. have died. For being women, for disobey­ pared a book titled Strategies for Change: For further information contact Women ing orders, for being—or appearing to be— From women's experience to a plan for of Colour Collective, 319—223 12th Ave. feminists, for being women in their own action. The book is intended to assist SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 0G9 Tel.(403) right. Women have called for December 6 women's groups in deciding on strategy. It 262-1873 to be designated the national Day of Com­ starts from the assumption that once we memoration to mourn all female victims of raise an issue, how we work for change has male violence. Even without official recogni­ a real impact on the results. tion, that day will be one on which feminists Support nat'l The book is divided into two parts. "The remember with anger and grief the women Story of Three Issues" looks at wage dis­ who die—and remember too our determina­ daycare assoc. crimination and pay equity, wife assault, tion to change the world. and custody and access laws. Each case Queer Press You'll notice a new ingredient in this is­ study begins with a brief history of the is­ sue of Kinesis. At our last Editorial Board The Canadian Day Care Advocacy Asso­ sue and a discussion of how the issue was seeks queer meeting, we decided to ask authors of fea­ ciation (CDCAA) had its funding slashed by denned. At the heart of the exploration is a tures and arts stories to submit a one-line the Secretary of State by 15 percent in 1989 roundtable exchange with a women's group readers, writers autobiographical description. Until now, we and frozen in 1990. The CDCAA is on a which has been actively involved in the is­ would occasionally supply that information membership drive to fund continued lobby­ sue. A new Canadian publishing company, for stories where the author had an obvious ing of the federal government for a compre­ Queer Press, is calling for innovative lesbian stake or bias: if so-and-so was the campaign hensive child care system in Canada, and to The second part describes "Four Steps to and gay writing. Queer Press is Canada's manager for such-and-such, we thought you continue its public information campaigns a Strategy for Change." Each step outlines only lesbian and gay book publishing firm. had a right—and a need—to know that her on the need for affordable, high quality, non­ the key questions groups should answer in They are committed to prioritizing the pub­ glowing account of the campaign came from profit child care in Canada. strategy development and offers some how- to's. As the authors say, "Planing a strat­ lication of lesbian and gay voices which are that perspective. Now, you'll routinely get Consider supporting the work of the CD­ egy is not difficult. It's a matter of asking historically marginalized and socially dis- that kind of information, as well as any CAA by becoming a member or by hav­ the right questions and building upon an­ empowered. Queer Press are currently in other the author deems pertinent to your ing your organization take out a member­ swers. This book shows you how." the process of acquiring non-profit status. understanding of her writing. ship. Included is a regular publication on Queer Press is committed to donating up Speaking of writing, we welcome sev­ child care developments. Two-year member­ To order Strategies for Change (90 to three percent of each press run of ev­ eral newcomers this month: Cathy Grif- ships are $10 (individual), $20 (family) or pgs., spiral bound) send $9 plus postage and ery title to lesbians and gay men incarcer­ fen, Shlomit Segal, Allana Murray, Meg $30 (groups/organizations). Send cheques handling ($1.50 for the first book, $.75 for ated in prisons and psychiatric institutes. Edwards, Lily Yuriko Shinde, Lizann Fos­ or money orders with name and mailing ad­ each additional item) to: Women's Research Yearly memberships to the press are also ter and Karen X. Tulchinsky. Arriving on dress to The Canadian Day Care Advocacy Centre, 101—2245 W. Broadway, Van. BC, available for $25. Members are entitled to a the scene with a combination of writing Association, 323 Chapel St, Ottawa, Ont. V6K 2E4. (Call 734-0485 for information on discounts for multiple orders.) 20 percent discount on all Queer Press ti­ and production duties are Agnes "Most KIN 7Z2 tles, which will be available by mail. Wanted" Huang, Heidi Walsh, Jeannette Publication of both fiction and non- Ashley, Jill Mandrake and Carol Lamarche. fiction titles is planned. The press is par­ New production workers this issue are ticularly interested in material produced Karen Martin and Corilee Fox. by the poor or working class, rural, dis­ The big story on the production front, abled, young, old, political radicals, people of course, is our new typesetter, Janisse of colour, and the culturally and religiously Browning-Leveque. After an intense seven- diverse. Queer Press is now soliciting ar­ day rite of passage (the evidence of which ticles for an anthology of writings by and Our thanks to Vancouver Status of Women members who support us year 'round with you now hold in your hand), Janisse has about lesbian and gay survivors of child­ memberships and donations. Our appreciation to the following supporters who became shown herself to be a worthy successor to hood sexual abuse. The working title is Lov­ members, renewed their memberships or donated in November: the long line of Kinesis typesetters. She's ing in Fear. The press is seeking the fol­ Margaret Akulia • Carol Anderson • Rosemary Carson • Viviana Comensoli • Jane Cov- clearly a woman of great skill, caring and lowing sorts of articles: political analyses, ernton • Gail Cryer • Frances Darling • Veronica Delorme • Ann Doyle • Nancy Duff • nerve—things do get a little ripe on press autobiographies, poetry, graphics, legal in­ Elsie M. Eccles • Brenda Felker • Marilyn Fuchs • Lynda Griffiths • Madeline Harring­ night—and we're lucky to have her. Wel­ formation, fiction, therapy stories, etc. The ton • Faune Johnson • Angela Kelly • Tamara Knox • Rowena Macpherson • Susan Cole come, Janisse. Marshall • Leo McGrady • Barbara Monita • Mary Moore • Chris Morrissey • Margaret deadline is Feb. 1991. And two women who contributed to Ki­ Ostrowski • Lynne Parisien • Tracy Potter • Linda Pugh • Diane Ransom • Adrianne Address all letters and queries to: Q. nesis need thanking. Sylvia Hunt has done Ross • Janet Sawyer • Marguerite Scandiffio • Moni Vangolen • Judith Walker • Peggy Press P.O. Box 485, Stn. P Toronto, Ont. our camera work at The Peak for well over Ward • Elaine Young M5S 2T1 a year, and she's done it wonderfully. Well, she's Peaked, so it's thanks and goodbye. We also say thank-you to Ginger Plum who did a great impromptu job as relief typeset­ conneXlgns Kinesis ter recently. Thanks a lot, Ginger. ...provides reliable news and analysis This publication is regularly indexed in the Canadian Women's about development and social justice in Women of Latin America. Periodicals Index.

"Latin America Connexions Colour The index is a reference guide to articles about women printed in is a fine journal, lively, more than 80 English and French periodicals, for use by researchers, informative, very impressive. Caucus lecturers, students and anyone else interested in women's studies. It will prove valuable to those who hope to understand what next meeting: This alphabetized hardcopy of a comprehensive computerized index is happening in the region." is produced three times a year by the Canadian Research Institute for -Noam Chomsky Wednesday, December 3 the Advancement of Women, and is available on a subscription basis.

For a one year subscription 7p.m. For more information, please write: please send $10 to: at 301-1720 Grant St. Canadian Women's Periodicals Index LATIN AMERICA CONNEXIONS University of Alberta BOX 4453, MPO contact Terrie at 321-0575 11019-90 Avenue VANCOUVER, B.C. V6B 3Z8 Edmonton, Alberta for more information CANADA, T6G2E1

KINESIS v,-/y////y//////y///y/////////y/////////yy/////yy/////y//y/yy/y//y/y//////////y///y/////////////y//yy//j'/y/////y'/ /////////////////////^^^^ //////////////////////^^^ NEWS

Legal status of fetus: Ruling on midwives crucial by Joni Miller 1985 when a home birth they were Jewel Voth, the pregnant wo­ Sullivan were initially charged and generally trained and licensed in attending resulted in the suffoca­ man in the 1985 home birth in­ convicted of criminal negligence other countries and adhere to When the Supreme Court of tion death of the baby. cident, experienced a very painful causing the death of the child. The strict guidelines. Canada rules on the conviction The BC College of Physicians and difficult labour. The baby's trial judge sentenced them to pro­ LeMay and Sullivan followed a of Vancouver lay midwives Gloria and Surgeons filed a complaint head was born alive, but the body bation and ordered them to stay more informal approach to train­ LeMay and Mary Sullivan, the rul­ against LeMay and Sullivan, a became stuck. Voth was trans­ away from women in childbirth. ing. LeMay became involved in ing may well define the legal re­ complaint which eventually re­ ported to hospital by ambulance, A BC Appeal court judge, argu­ labour coaching after the birth of lationship of Canadian women to sulted in the women being con­ where her baby was delivered with ing that a fetus is not a person but her daughter. She trained initially their fetuses. victed of criminal negligence caus­ forceps, dead. a part of its mother, acquitted the as a prenatal instructor and be­ ing bodily harm to the mother. It will also impact on Canadian At issue in Sullivan and women on the first count and sub­ gan attending hospital births as midwives, whose struggle for le­ Lemay is the question of when stituted a conviction of criminal a labour coach. Her home birth The women appealed their con­ negligence causing bodily harm to practise evolved in response to re­ gal recognition as a health profes­ viction to the Supreme Court a baby becomes fully human un­ sion is slowly progressing through­ der the law. At stake is a woman's Jewel Voth. peated requests. In 1983 she met of Canada, where the case was Mary Sullivan at the birth of a mu­ out the country. argued at the end of October, right to control her own body. In Supreme Court, Sullivan and LeMay's lawyer, Thomas Berger, tual friend and took her on as an LeMay and Sullivan have been 1990. A ruling is expected anytime The midwives' legal path has apprentice. embroiled in court battles since within the next six months. been long and twisted. LeMay and argued that, legally, a fetus should occupy an intermediate position. LeMay regrets the lack of H a fetus is neither a "person" communication with MABC but under the law nor a part of its disagrees with the association's mother, LeMay and Sullivan can­ guidelines. "The more rules there not be convicted of either of the are for midwives, the less choices charges they faced. there are for women," says LeMay. LeMay is confident they will Home birth options seem to be be acquitted."Our lawyers always closing down in BC, possibly as told us 'you'll never win in BC, but a result of Sullivan and LeMay's if you can get this case out of BC, conviction. you can't lose,' " she said. "Home births are still happen­ LEAF (Women's Legal Educa­ ing," says MABC's Knox. "The tion and Action Fund) acted as an demand exists, but there are few intervenor in the Supreme Court practitioners around." Knox says hearing, arguing against Sullivan she is in the process of winding and LeMay's position. down her practise. Several other "This case raises important midwives have quietly withdrawn questions," says Vicky Grey of from their home birth practises West Coast LEAF. "It's a unique over the last few years. opportunity to consider the re­ "It's a case of burnout," Knox lationship of the fetus to the says, "There's a lack of support- mother." According to LEAF, politically, emotionally. Sullivan and LeMay has the po­ tential to affect women's rights "When you're a midwife, you're to equality and self-determination, on call 24 hours a day." Knox be­ especially those relating to child- lieves the current situation, with Women protest doctor's bearing capacity. no regulations in place, offers no protection for consumers. LEAF believes the case has been presented in a way that fails "As qualified practitioners give to place the pregnant woman at up," she says, "unqualified ones presence at commission will pick up the slack." the centre of the legal analysis. Knox sees a possible avenue for And his presence at the Royal of femicide, and his publicly stated In LEAF'S brief, lawyers Lynn by Nancy Pollak regulation of midwives under the Commission hearings did more opinion that the Indian commu­ Smith and Mary Eberts state: recently declared "Health Profes­ than anger women—it left others nity is anti-female. "Jewel Voth desired a baby. She Women's groups protesting the sions Act" put forward by the BC feeling threatened. experienced pregnancy, a lengthy, activities of a California-based Thobani has led the protest government. But the BC Medical painful and wasted delivery, and physician who condones the prac­ Sunera Thobani of the South against Stephens' racism. "He's Association—the doctors —stands anguish due to the loss of that ex­ tice of femicide reacted angrily Asian Women's Group contacted claiming that this [anti-female squarely in the way of such a de­ pected baby. Yet Jewel Voth has to the doctor's appearance at the the commission in Ottawa to bias] is part of our cultural tradi­ velopment. Royal Commission on New Re­ protest the doctor's planned ap­ tion," said Thobani. "I want to say receded into the background of pearance. "I told them that a num­ that there is also a tradition of re­ this case as legal issues relating "They keep dragging out the productive Technologies in late same tired arguments," Knox says, November. ber of women who had wanted to sistance. And the women who are to the characterization of the fetus attend the hearings had decided active around this issue represent are defined and then debated." "about continuity of care, duplica­ tion of services." not to because of Stephens," said that tradition of resistance." Smith and Eberts argue that a Dr. John Stephens of San Jose Thobani. "They just felt too in­ While the doctor addressed pregnant woman has a unique re­ LeMay advocates for the de­ requested and received permis­ timidated." the hearings, representatives from lationship with her fetus—that the criminalization of midwifery and sion to appear at the commis­ believes that without lay mid- Thobani also wanted to know over 12 women's and anti-racist fetus is "in her and of her," and sion's public hearings in Vancou­ wives, women in BC lack alterna­ why an American doctor would groups protested outside. harm to the fetus in the process of ver. Stephens recently targeted the tives to the medical establishment. be granted a berth at Canadian giving birth is harm to the woman. Indo-Canadian community in Van­ Amazingly, Stephens presented Back in business after her court or­ proceedings. (Stephens applied for couver in a campaign advertising himself as a "pro-life and anti- "We hope the court will con­ dered hiatus, she has no shortage a hearing many months past the an ultra-sound scanning technique abortion" doctor who offers "true clude that the fetus is a part of the of customers. She rejects the argu­ deadline.) Denise Cole of the com­ that he claims can determine the freedom of choice to women." His mother," says Grey. LEAF also ment that uninformed women may mission's Ottawa office informed sex of a fetus as early as 12 weeks patented procedure, he further argues that a woman's right to turn to lay midwives. into a pregnancy. her that anyone, regardless of na­ claimed, "allows a woman to exer­ choice of care in childbirth is a sex tionality, could have the commis­ cise her right to reproductive op­ equality issue. "My last few clients included The doctor acknowledges that sion's ear. a registered nurse, an optometrist tions." Midwives are also watching the his test is used to detect "un­ and a dentist. These are not ex­ Stephens is by no means the case."We don't expect this case to wanted" female fetuses, which are actly vulnerable people." then aborted. Citing the example of Dr. Henry first to co-opt the language of have any direct effect on us," says LeMay says the trial has chan­ Morgentaler, the abortion rights choice. Many advocates of re­ Linda Knox of the Midwifery As­ Stephen's campaign, which in­ ged her practise. "I won't be naive activist, Cole pointed out that the productive technologies—proces­ sociation of BC (MABC). "It will cluded direct mailings to thou­ ses which are invasive and con­ have an impact on women, though, again," she says. Prospective cli­ sands of Indo-Canadian house­ commission had already demon­ strated a willingness to hear from trolling of women's bodies—use and that may affect us." ents are fully informed about the holds and advertisements in news­ choice-talk to legitimize their in­ trial, and LeMay says she is less in­ papers, enraged women of the In­ controversial doctors. The association has always terests. carefully distanced itself from clined to present herself as an ex­ dia Mahila Association and the Anger at Dr. Stephens stems pert. South Asian Women's Group, from two related factors: his ap­ See page 9 for more on the LeMay and Sullivan because of among others. parent indifference to the practice Royal Commission's hearings. their status as lay— unlicensed— "Nobody can guarantee you a midwives. Members of MABC are safe ride," she says. KINESIS Dec/Jan. 91 sw^m. I\1E\X/S •

Child care program: City's first step applauded

by Cathy Griffen • providing operational funding and parents scramble to use what­ to high need areas, such as inner ever meager facUities are avaUable. Daycare. city pre-school projects; services The City of Vancouver's re­ for infant toddlers and emer­ It's a word that can evoke fear sponse to this crisis is a first step gency shift work situations; and in the right direction, say commu­ in working parents. It's always in salary enhancement grants your thoughts because when it col­ nity organizations. lapses, so does your stability and • appointment of a committee Penny Coates, president of the peace of mind. Fortunately, if you made up of councillors and com­ Canadian Daycare Advocacy As­ live in Vancouver, the new Civic munity members to press the sociation, calls the report terrific. Child Care Strategy may benefit provincial government to amend you and your children. its GAIN (welfare) program "It addresses aU the major On October 23rd, 1990, Van­ guidelines to give single mothers problems and concerns," says couver city council unanimously a choice regarding employment Coates, "although only time wUl adopted the Civic Child Care and work outside the home tell if Vancouver city council is se­ Strategy prepared and presented rious about implementing the pol­ • appointment of a child care co­ by the Children's Advocate, Rita icy." She has been appointed to ordinator for ongoing adminis­ Chudnovsky. the committee which wUl lobby tration of the city's childcare for the province to amend its Chudnovsky's report, 18 months policies and programs welfare pohcy which labels sin­ in the making, addresses the crit­ gle mothers with chUdren over 6 ical shortage of affordable, acces­ • encouraging developers to build months"employable." sible, quality licensed child care in and equip daycare facilities as a Vancouver. condition of rezoning. Jean Swanson of End Legislated Highlights of the strategy in­ Poverty was also appointed to the committee. She was surprised the clude: Vancouver, like other urban centres across Canada, is desper­ report passed unanimously and is • spending about one million dol­ ate for a comprehensive child care generaUy satisfied with the pohcy. lars in operating and start-up program. costs for daycares. $300,000 will The timing of the proposal— be allocated to non-profit day­ it went to city hall a few cares to help stabilize and en­ In this city alone, there are ap­ weeks before the November munic­ hance existing programs with­ proximately 52,000 children under ipal election—may account for its out raising, parent's fees; the age of 12, yet there are only unanimous passage. $650,000 will go to buy porta­ 3,800 hcensed group and family bles for daycare facilities as well daycare spaces. The federal Con­ "The NPA had no choice but as assembling land for these servatives have withdrawn support to vote for the pohcy," says Libby sites for a national child care program, Davies, re-elected COPE council­ lor. "It was too close to the elec­ tion for them to do much else." NPA mayor Gordon CampbeU, Dictionary chokes also re-elected, was unavailable for comment but a spokesperson from his office described the daycare is­ sue as "close to his heart." Says Choice of wrong word or no word Muriel Honey:"Mayor CampbeU hopes council wUl continue to sup­ port the pohcy." by Carol Lamarche book's drawing as "either a sexist the schools for more than a year can do everything for everyone." joke that should never have gotten and a half. According to Austrom, the book Davies and the other COPE An illustrated dictionary for past the editorial staff, or a reflec­ The manager of the Process­ was originally ordered by a teacher counciUors, who gained two seats children widely circulated in school tion of how sexist the Enghsh lan­ ing Centre for Vancouver schools, working with children with learn­ in the election, are serious about libraries includes anatomical draw­ guage is—or both." Penny Haggarty, said some librari­ ing disorders because it provides ensuring a financial committment ings of a naked man and a naked Said Joel: "There are so few ans have withdrawn the books and clearly labeUed Ulustrations which to daycare services in Vancouver. woman in which the women's gen­ are useful aids in encouraging vo­ words in common usage to de­ others have relabelled the illustra­ "This pohcy is a first step in a itals are labelled "sex." cabulary development. scribe women's genitals that are tion, yet many copies remain un­ series of steps," says Davies, "and The man's penis is labelled—a specific and respectful. This re­ altered on the shelves. we should applaud the city's pro­ flects the discomfort society feels PhylUs Westhora is the Coor­ penis. Liz Austrom, the District Prin­ dinator of the Status of Women gressive stance." about women's bodies and sexu­ ciple for Curriculum and Re­ Stoddart's Junior Visual Dic­ ahty. Girls can grow up not even Program of the British Columbia She warns, however, that long- tionary, published in 1989, also sources for the Vancouver School Teachers Federation (BCTF). She term success depends on the fed­ knowing they have vaginas, let Board, said that "not all books correctly describes heads, legs, alone that there is a word for that said that a book Uke the Junior eral and provincial governments necks and the hke—but evidently part of our bodies." Visual Dictionary would not committing themselves to cost- choked on the words vagina or be removed from the shelves for sharing arrangements, since the vulva. Stoddaart has responded to the what might be considered a "small city cannot bear the expense According to Don Bastian, an outcry with a revised edition. infraction" because of money— alone. editor at Stoddart's in Toronto, Now, the woman's genitals are economy plays a significant role in the Junior Visual Dictionary unidentified. dictating what materials wiU be For Davies, the city's chUd care was developed and edited by The book also depicts Cau­ avaUable in the schools, a view strategy is only one facet of the another company and Stoddart casian people only. An unidenti­ echoed by Austrom. larger problem facing women—the merely owns the Canadian rights. fied editorial assistant at Stod­ Westhora said that taking ac­ problem of pay equity. While there Bastian said the "sex" reference dart's said that racial representa­ tion to have a book evaluated de­ is money in the strategy to en­ was a mistake and employees at tion was a "question of detail" and pends on individual teachers or li­ hance salaries, the appallingly low Stoddart "don't know how [the la­ that there are "[publishing houses] brarians (or parents), whose sen­ pay of cluld care workers must be bel] got there." that specialize in those issues." sitivities detect the problem and systemically addressed. The book was originally pub­ Currently there are 110 copies whose persistence brings it to the It is the usual dichotomy. "We lished in a French edition in which of the Junior Visual Dictionary attention of a committee such as value our chUdren," says Davies, the woman's vulva was labelled in Vancouver schools, with one the BCTF's Status of Women. "but not the women and men who or more copies in every elemen­ care for them. Caregivers are in "la sexe." Stoddart sales manager Elaine Decker, spokesperson for tary school. Several teacher librar­ stressful and demanding jobs, with Rick Walker beheves the Enghsh the BCTF said that: "In 1990, ians in the Vancouver School Dis­ an alarming rate of turnover. version simply foUowed the origi­ when we are grapphng with the trict have complained to the school nal edition's terminology. Montreal massacre, Uttle girls are "High wages and good benefits board about the book. Trisha Joel of the Vancouver stiU being told their bodies are a must be avaUable to these individ­ Status of Women described the The dictionaries have been in joke." uals to ensure quality chUd care." KINESIS ' ^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The NDP in ONT: To govern in a new way? by Susan O'Donnell Soon after her cabinet appointment, lent homes. More than two years later, not vices to reevaluate their funding formula Akande spoke puhhcly of the change that a single unit had been bruit or modified. for shelters and services, and commit more When the Ontario New Democratic the women will make. "We're not comfort­ According to OAITH, the needs of money to the program. However, it is not Party swept into office in September, many able in being part of a government that gov­ abused disabled women and women from yet clear if Akande will be able to loosen feminist activists happUy claimed victory— erns [the old way]," Akande said. "I think diverse cultural backgrounds continue to her ministry's purse strings enough to be­ of the three major parties, the NDP has sometimes we make the men rather frus­ be inadequately addressed by government gin meaningful reform. long been considered champion of women's trated in that we're reluctant to move in housing programs. Abortion rights promises to be another rights. However, feminist deUght turned to a piecemeal way. Women have a style that Ontario's family court justice system has hot topic in Ontario this winter. (Passed by apprehension when the province's supposed says it all has to be integrated. And we're faUed single mothers —90,000 children are the House of Commons and awaiting ap­ $20 miUion budget surplus turned out to be insisting that it be done." affected by non-payment of court-ordered proval by the Senate as Kinesis goes to a $2.2 bilUon deficit. Akande and her staff in community and support payments, and as many as 80 per­ press, BUl C-43 makes women who have Clearly, finding the money necessary for social services wiU be feeUng some heat this cent of women who were abused whUe Uv­ abortions and doctors who perform them U- reform is not going to be an easy task. winter from activists working to improve ing with their mates continue to be abused able for criminal prosecution.) Despite the daunting financial situation, the condition of abused women. PubUc and or threatened with assault after separation, "The NDP government has given some the signs are positive for women in Ontario. domestic violence threatens women across usuaUy during court-ordered access visits. signs that it's not Uke the [previous govern­ the country and the problem is particularly ments], and we're very hopeful" of Ontario For starters, many of the NDP poUticians OAITH is hoping the NDP wUl respond acute in Ontario, where the rapidly growing government intervention into the federal now trying to juggle the government budget to the issue of domestic violence more pos­ population of Toronto has severely strained legislation, Jane Holmes of the Canadian are women, a reflection of their party's ef­ itively as a government than it did as an the city's capabihties to offer support and Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) forts to bring more women to Queen's Park. opposition party. In a progress report is­ solutions to the many women seeking escape told Kinesis. She explained that the NDP sued at the time of the election, OAITH During the election campaign, the NDP from violence in their homes. has commissioned a study to investigate ac­ stated that the NDP "needs improvement offered their women candidates extra cam­ cess to abortion by adolescents, is actively in their attitudes and commitment to bat­ paign workers, a women's support, group The System is Strained consulting with pro-choice groups, and is tered women." and a telephone hothne. The strategy A woman arriving on the doorstep of a looking at challenging C-43 under the Char­ helped elect 19 NDP women, 11 of whom ter of Rights and Freedoms. were then appointed to cabinet; women make up 50 percent of important cabinet committees. Very Much a Pollyanna Before the budget deficit was revealed, Within weeks of being named to the cabi­ the NDP made campaign promises on key net, Anne Swarbrick and Evelyn Gigantes women's issues, including proposals to ex­ met with federal justice minister Kim tend pay equity to all women, provide CampbeU to explain Ontario's opposition to more subsidized daycare, raise the mini­ the bill. After the meeting, during which mum wage, and stop collecting income tax CampbeU insisted that C-43 would not from people below the poverty Une. Umit access to abortions, Swarbrick told re­ porters she beheved CampbeU was "being As the honeymoon period accorded a new very much a PoUyanna in terms of how she's government ends and the province enters looking at the reaUty of the impact of that what wUl hkely be a long, cold winter— bUl on the streets." complete with recession—the women who elected the NDP government wUl be expect­ Actively lobbying against C-43 in the fed­ ing action. eral arena is one sign pro-choice activists are looking for. Another is a strong state­ Two pressing feminist issues are support ment from the province's attorney-general for abused women and abortion rights, and Howard Hampton that the biU would be the three cabinet members who wUl be deal­ unenforceable. Soon after his appointment, ing directly with these two issues—Anne Hampton said it would not be proper to say Swarbrick, Evelyn Gigantes and Zanana Anne Swarbick, in advance that his government could not Akande—have a firm commitment to fem­ administer the law, but a cabinet committee inism. Evelyn Gigantes is now studying the possibihty. CARAL's Anne Swarbrick, minister responsible for and Holmes, noting that the Quebec govern­ women's issues, has a strong labour back­ ment declared the abortion law unenforce­ ground. She was the founding organizer Zanana Akande able in 1976, said she expects the Ontario of an advocacy centre for working immi­ cabinet "to use their imaginations, be cre­ grant women and an executive assistant at have a firm ative, and come up with an effective state­ the Labour CouncU of Toronto, where she ment." At press time, the women of Ontario lobbied for pay equity, employment equity commitment are stiU awaiting that statement. and choice in reproductive issues. Swarbrick served on the board of directors of a shelter to feminism In mid-November, the NDP announced for battered women and an affordable hous­ Zanana Akande its intention to extend the province's health ing group. Swarbrick has said the women in insurance funding to free-standing abor­ tion chnics and to provide travel money to the party will avoid "the sandbox mental­ women's shelter in Ontario stands a 50 per­ As late as June of this year, the NDP women in rural areas who must go to cities ity" of Question Period and try and respond cent chance of being turned away because of had no official party platform on the issue of for abortions. The province also plans to in­ to issues in a more cohesive and responsible lack of space. Shelter workers' salaries con­ domestic violence against women, and dur­ struct pohce to get tougher with protesters way. tinue to be low—as do staffing levels. ing the eight-month period monitored by OAITH, the NDP raised the issue in the leg­ who harass women outside abortion clinics. Health minister Evelyn Gigantes has islature only nine times, fewer than the Pro­ Response to the government's abortion been a solid supporter of feminist issues for In an eight-month period monitored gressive Conservatives, also in opposition. plans were lukewarm. Cherie MacDonald of many years. First elected provinciaUy for an by the Ontario Association of Interval By comparison, the NDP raised the issue of the Ontario Coalition for Abortion Chnics Ottawa riding in 1975, she has served as the and Transition Houses (OAITH), Metro auto insurance 55 times. told The Globe and Mail: "The funding NDP critic for several portfolios. Gigantes Toronto Pohce investigated less than 10 per­ of the clinics probably would have come successfuUy introduced legislation to amend cent of the 31,000 cases of 'domestic dis­ Anne Swarbrick, in one of her first pub­ through even with a Liberal government." Ontario's human rights code to include pro­ putes' reported. The most common sen­ Uc statements as women's minister, an­ MacDonald stressed the importance of the tection from discrimination because of sex­ tences for wife battering are absolute or con­ nounced the NDP's commitment to perma­ NDP declaring C-43 unenforceable. ual orientation. ditional discharges, and many violent men nently finance a wife assault program. The widespread campaign against domestic vio­ Clearly, Akande, Gigantes, Swarbrick Zanana Akande, community and social may have their charges dropped altogether lence wiU focus on public education, poUce and their cabinet colleagues wUl be work­ services minister, is no stranger to feminist in a criminal justice system straining under enforcement and support services for vic­ ing overtime in the long months ahead—but activism. Co-founder of Tiger Lily, a mag­ a 14-month backlog of cases. tims and perpetrators, but offers no addi­ wiU they be able to fulfill the high expec­ azine for visible minority women, she also tional funds to the $43.2 miUion set aside tations of the many Ontario feminists hop­ worked with a shelter for abused women. Abused women have nowhere to go— by the previous Liberal government. ing for substantial social change from the Akande has been involved with the Na­ affordable housing is almost impossible to province's first NDP government? tional Black Women's Congress, the Eliz­ find in Toronto. In 1987, the Liberal govern­ At their November 19 Queen's Park abeth Fry Society, and the Federation of ment pledged to create 1,000 new units and lobby on domestic violence, OAITH asked Susan O 'Donnell is a writer living in Women Teachers' Association. modify 2,500 units for women escaping vio­ the ministry of community and social ser­ Toronto. KINESIS XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX\XXXXXXXXXXXXXX\X\\X\X\X\XX\X\\\\\\XX\XXXXX\\\X\\XXXXX^^

^NX^XX^XX^XX^^^^ ACROSS CANADA NJ?XXXS^XXXSS^^NXXX^^^>^^^ WHAT" S NEWS? by Linda Choquette causa, which states that persons involved as feminists or troublemakers are denied in Ulegal or immoral acts cannot have le­ academic recognition and tenure. "Gender gal redress against each other for the conse­ bias is aUve and weU in the dean's office," quence of their actions. said Franldin. "As women get more sophis­ ticated, the opposition gets more sophisti­ The facts on how Norberg had argued that the doctor had cated." exploited her addiction and had therefore little formal not consented to have sex with him. Pleased with the court's decision, Norberg said, "I power we have... Longer leave felt in the beginning that because I am a no­ body, just this Uttle person ... that people Women are vastly under-represented in for parents wouldn't Usten, people wouldn't care." Ac­ Dioxins furans formal pohtics at aU levels, particularly in cording to Norberg's lawyer J.J. Camp, it the House of Commons. Compared with in Quebec is unusual for the Supreme Court to agree on the rise in 1984, only 12 more women took seats in the to hear appeals of civil cases. The court ap­ 1988 federal election. At that rate gender Quebec parents could get up to 34 weeks parently wants to deal with "the issues of breast milk parity won't be achieved for 45 years, says whether a female can give a viable consent a new study commissioned by the Canadian parental leave if legislation introduced mid- Furans and dioxins found in breast milk November becomes law. The bUl is part of to a medical practitioner where he is trad­ Advisory CouncU on the Status of Women ing drugs for sexual favours, " said Camp. are 16.5 times higher than acceptable gov­ (CACSW). the Quebec government's continuing effort ernment standards for ingesting toxic chem­ to increase the birth rate in that province. Norberg is supported in her appeal by the icals, a federal study has found. Primed for Power: Women in Cana­ The 34-week leave would be unpaid and Women's Legal Education and Action Fund dian Politics, written by Chantal MaUle, could be taken by either parent to care for who wUl intervene when the case is heard. Officials said that the joint health and traces the development of women's rep­ a newborn or newly adopted chUd. environment department study—released in resentation in Canadian poUtical institu­ November—revealed toxins in several other Presently, women in Quebec are eUgi- tions. Although poUtical parties are nomi­ foods, but that the average daily intake of nating an increasing number of women, men ble for 18 weeks unpaid maternity leave. dioxins and furans over a Ufe time remains Amendments to Quebec's Labour Stan­ have a much better chance of being elected. weU below what Ottawa considers a threat­ CACSW president Glenda Simms said that dards Act, also introduced mid-November, ening level. extend eUgibiUty to all pregnant women re­ men are tied into financial and poUtical net­ gardless of the number of weeks worked. Tackling the An official conceded that breast-fed in­ works, and are overwhelmingly selected for H the proposed legislation becomes law, fants consume the chemicals at levels ex­ the courts, the Senate and as managers in a woman choosing to take the 34 weeks male model of ceeding government standards but said it the civU service. parental leave immediately after her mater­ occurs over a short period of time. As of January 1, 1990, only 40 of the 295 nity leave would have a full year to spend scientific research The medical director of the Vancouver seats in the House of Commons were held by with her cluld whUe her job is held. FuU- Breast Feeding Centre, Dr. Verity Living­ women. Of 625 full time positions with var­ time or part-time workers could claim the Sexist attitudes in science and medical stone, said she finds the whole thing scary. ious federal boards, agencies, commissions benefit. research discriminate against and down­ "It should alert us that we are probably us­ and Crown Corporations, women fiUed 181 "This is only the first step toward paid grade work by and about women, said the ing more [dioxins and furans] than we ought jobs. Of 850 federally appointed judges, only parental leave," said Violette Trepanier, president-elect of the Canadian Psychologi­ and at some stage in the future it should 73 are women. Quebec's minister responsible for the sta­ cal Association. alert us that future buUdup could be dan­ tus of women and for the family. After this Speaking at a Toronto symposium on gerous," said Livingstone. The paper suggests a series of initiatives bUl is adopted, she said, the next challenge gender, science and medicine in November, However, people must remember the ben­ to increase the number of women in elected facing the government wUl be finding an ef­ Cannie Stark-Adamec said the "old guard" efits of breast feeding, she said, and not drop and nominated positions of power. Among ficient way to provide paid parental leave. of male academics who control institutions the practice. "We should try reducing the them are the suggestions that poUtical par­ "We want to make it easier for parents to and determine project funding are respon­ use of dioxins." ties should adopt numerical targets for fe­ reconcile their professional and family obli­ sible for the sexism. "There has been only According to health department spokes­ male candidates, and that the government gations," said Trepanier. one model for scientific research. That has person Bev Hous ton, much of the food on should establish a fund for female (or male) been a male model," said Stark-Adamec. The federal Unemployment Insurance the marketplace would have to be removed candidates who wish to run for election but Act provides 15 weeks unemployment insur­ Women and issues relevant to women are if the current federal regulation on dioxin in can't afford it. ance benefits to women only. Amendments not considered appropriate research fields food were appUed. "The health department to the act, effective Nov. 18, 1990 provide by the men who control funding, Stark- is considering whether to introduce a new 10 weeks unpaid parental leave for men or Adamec told conference delegates. Women dioxin standard to get around this prob­ women, subject to the approval of employ- often have to finance research out of their lem." own pockets. Then, because their work of­ Shabby treatment Greenpeace activist Stan Gray said Ot­ ten "rocks the boat, makes waves and of­ tawa is preparing tolegaUze dioxin poUution fends reviewers," the research is rejected by for women in food rather than eUminate the sources. traditional, mainstream academic journals. Gray has been researching dioxins for the PubUshing in these journals is requisite to seeking abortions Women pleased past year and accuses federal officials of secure tenure or to qualify for positions on concealing the risks. "They've dehberately In Nova Scotia hospitals, getting an abor­ the boards which rule on research funding. to win Supreme ignored and tried to explain away pow­ tion is often a painful, humiliating, frustrat­ "For women, therefore, it becomes a vi­ erful evidence—that they themselves have ing and even dangerous experience accord­ Court appeal cious circle if they want to change things produced—of extremely high toxic doses, ing to 25 women who gave complaints to the from within," said Stark-Adamec. rather than act to reduce it." Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL). The Supreme Court of Canada agreed in Another speaker, Ursula Franklin, profes­ November to hear the case of a WiUiams sor emeritus of engineering at the Univer­ A recently released study done for the Lake woman who was denied the right to sue sity of Toronto, said that women branded Hahfax chapter of CARAL hsted com­ her doctor for negligence and sexual assault. plaints ranging from family doctors who re­ Laura Norberg's claim was earlier denied by fused to refer them for abortions, to mental the BC Supreme Court on the grounds that and physical pain caused by the operation. she had no right to sue because her own con­ The study contrasts praise by four women duct was "Ulegal and immoral." who received services at the Morgentaler Norberg, addicted at the time to a bar­ chnics in Montreal and Toronto with de­ biturate compound called Fiorinal, had sex scriptions of Nova Scotia hospital experi­ with the doctor in exchange for drug pre­ ences. scriptions. Denied the right to sue in March Several women said they received Uttle 1988, Norberg appealed. Two years later the counselhng in the hospitals and were treated BC Court of Appeal upheld the lower court JOURNALS, ECOFEMINISM roughly by doctors and nurses. "There was judgment, citing a legal principle, ex turpi FEATURES: no nurturing or caring or anything," said LANGUAGE IN HER EYE one PB $18.95 The Halifax abortion cUnic established Do typos turn you into A WOMAN'S BOOK by Dr. Henry Morgentaler re-opened in a raging monster? OF RITUAL: November after an 11-month closure. The CASTING THE CIRCLE chnic was closed whUe Morgentaler and pro- There is a vocation for BY DIANE STEIN choice activists successfuUy fought legisla­ PBS16.95 tion the province introduced to make aU you - proofreading but hospital abortions Ulegal. The law was Kinesis. struck down by a provincial court judge last October and the Supreme Court of Canada Please call has refused to review the decision. Mor­ gentaler has also run into opposition in St. John's, Newfoundland, the site of his newest chnic. KINESIS [ NEWS x^^^^^^^^^^^^

Madelaine Parent: A voice from Quebec as told to Ellen Woodsworth it gave me time to be at the factory gates in the mornings as long as I was at my desk at At 72, Madelaine Parent—feminist, trade 9 am. After work I was free to attend union unionist and peace advocate —continues to meetings to help organize and visit workers play a key role in shaping the history of con­ in their homes, and to work on pamphlet temporary Quebec. She became an activist composition and translation. in the late 30s whUe a student at McGiU I came in touch with some magnificent University. There, she campaigned for schol­ women in these industries who just took arships for poor people. During the war Par­ hold of the unions. In 1943 we organized ent organized in the textUe and manufac­ the cotton miU workers in Montreal, choos­ turing industries and was arrested on sev­ ing a miU that had had strikes since the eral occasions for her activities. In the 50s, 1890s when women had organized for pay she co-founded the Canadian TextUe Work­ increases for themselves and chUdren. We ers Union and in 1969 she helped establish a stiU had chUd labour in the 1940s. Canadian union central, the Confederation These strikes were very successful, al­ of Canadian Unions. though Parent and others were arrested: Madelaine Parent Parent is no stranger to feminism. In she was charged with sedition for her 1972, she attended the founding meeting role in the massive strike at the Valley- unpaid maternity or paternity leave with trust of minorities—as though they were the of the National Action Committee on the field mill. Parent continued to organize maintenance of benefits. ones who threaten Quebec. So there was a Status of Women (NAC). Today, she is in Montreal but was forced to move to Also at this time, community health chn­ protest and a boycott of the ceremonies. Quebec's regional representative to NAC. Toronto in 1967 because of the pressure ics were being set up ah over Quebec. Doc­ The Quebec Native Women's Association Although she retired from her union posi­ from the the right-wing. She now resides tors were able to perform abortions in them, is weU-rooted in aU of the reserves, and tion at the age of 65, Parent remains an ac­ in Montreal. ignoring the federal law. The first one was Montreal runs a transition house. During tive member of the coordinating committee in the headquarters of the National Trade Madelaine: When I was a young girl and the Mohawk crisis [in the summer of 1 of the Solidarite populaire Quebec, a coaU­ Unions. their one goal was to get money and food later as a young organizer, the predominant tion of union, church, women's and commu­ and medicine through the pohce and army myth was that a woman's place was in the nity groups. There are over 1,500 women's groups hnes. The National Action Committee on home looking after husband, chUdren, the in Quebec today. In the movement itself, the Status of Women (NAC) offered them Madelaine Parent visited Vancouver in sick and the elderly—even though in actual I would be glad if there was more cohe­ help as did some other women's groups. October. The foUowing is excerpted from fact a lot of women were out working in cot­ sion and support. You have one group that However, some elements in the women's her speech and an interview with Ellen ton miUs, woolen mills, tobacco plants, in Woodsworth. is very good and that is the network of movement were reluctant to [get involved]- the food industries, as domestics, in depart­ women's centres. We have about 80 cen­ they were cooled off by Bourassa's portrayal Ellen Woodsworth: Who were the sig­ ment stores and offices. tres aU over Quebec and they are very of the struggle as the work of Warriors and nificant people who shaped your life ? Every time women in the cotton miUs grassroots—85 percent of the women who that Native people were being used by the Madelaine: I was born in the East End would complain about their conditions and use them are housewives. However, the cen- Warriors. of Montreal in 1918.1 had a widowed grand­ mother who spent a lot of time with me. But it was Bourassa's violent military at­ Her husband had been a nationalist and an tack on the Mohawks that made the War­ active spectator, to say the least, in the The women's movement helped organize over riors indispensible. And he was so violent demonstrations and protests of the time. because he didn't want Native people to She was an influence on me because she told two dozen demonstrations in support of gain any more power [and] block his plans to me those stories with so much vividness and buUd the James Bay II hydro electric plant drama—as though she hved them again. the Mohawks, but the mass media on Native lands. For example, [she described] the very The women's movement helped organize great protest and mourning at the hanging didn't tell you about that over two dozen demonstrations in support of Louis Riel and the defeat of the Metis of the Mohawks, but the mass media didn't and Indians who were fighting for provin­ teU you about them. You must remem­ cial status in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. ber that when you think of the people of She also had a critical eye for the right-wing begin to organize, the reaction was:" Your tres were hurt very badly by the Secretary Quebec, make sure you don't confuse us of the CathoUc Church. Although she was a place is in the home," although the employ­ of State cutbacks [in February, 1990] and with Bourassa and Parizeau [leader of the behever herself, she made a distinction be­ ers were very happy to exploit them. tween those priests who stood with the peo­ are fighting to survive. PQ]- Ellen: What is the situation of the ple on issues and those who stood with the The women's movement in Quebec's women's movement today? Ellen: Who are the key players in the government against the people. trade unions is greater than anywhere else Madelaine: In the 1960s, the Federa­ movement for Quebec independence ? I was also inspired by Dolores Ibarruri on the North American continent and rep­ tion des femmes de Quebec was the main Madelaine: The Parti Quebecois is for her role in the Spanish civU war, and by resent hundreds of thousands of women. women's organization. It concentrated on now led by bourgeois nationalists. Lucien Idola St. Jean and Therese Casgrain in their There is also a strong women farmers union women's rights and for choice on abortion Bouchard's group [Bloc Quebecois] is con­ fight for Quebecoise women's right to vote, which supported the Mohawks and also the and was mainly a young women's organiza­ servative and hasn't even criticized Mul­ and for equahty and rights for working class rights of immigrant women in recent demon­ tion. This was a time of rebeUion against the roney. The commission Bourassa set up [af­ women. And I was especiaUy inspired by Si­ strations. controls of the church. Many of the move­ ter the failure of the Meech Lake Accord] mone de Beauvoir. There are women organized in the pro- ments to organize the nurses, teachers, gov­ choice movement, the welfare movement, is chaired by two big bankers and has rep­ The first women's strike of the Interna­ ernment workers, and other hospital work­ resentatives from the Liberals, the PQ, the tional Ladies Garment Workers Union were the lesbian movement and others. Violence ers were drives to organize women. against women and chUdren is a very impor­ Equahty Party, four union representatives, in 1937. Lea Roback was a key organizer one representative of culture—but no repre­ A lot of the nationalist movement which tant issue right now and includes the strug­ there. She taught me many things and by sentatives from Native, women's, immigrant brought the Parti Quebecois (PQ) to power gle against chUd sexual abuse. This move­ the end of my years at McGiU, I knew that and visible minority groups. I wanted to be a union organizer. I had in 1976 [came from] the support of pub­ ment has been fighting the right-wing dom­ to keep it a big dark secret because every­ hc sector workers where women were very inated court system, the CathoUc School Then there are the progressive move­ one would have thought that I was crazy. active and strong. When the PQ turned Board and the Quebec Education Depart­ ments for self-determination that consist of But I confided in Lea and she said, "why of against the pubUc sector during the reces­ ment. the women's movement, churches, unions, course." That was very encouraging to me. sion of 1982, they lost their volunteers and Minority, immigrant and women of colour Native groups etc. which want a Quebec lost the next election. It was as simple as have had to stand up within the women's that has strong social programs and social In the spring of 1942, the American Fed­ that. movement—which hasn't been easy because justice as part of a new society. eration of Labour unions launched a cam­ In the public sector negotiations in 1979, of ehtist tendencies. For example, last AprU paign to organize workers in the war in­ workers won 20 weeks of maternity leave at there was a celebration of 50 years of [non- dustries which employed a large number of 93 percent of their pay whUe stiU accumu­ Native] women's vote. The honorary god­ Ellen Woodsworth is a long time women. I was an office secretary—the only lating seniority, pensions, health benefits, mother of the event was Lise Payette who political activist, a characteristic she job they would let me have at the time—but and paid vacations—as weU as two years had made a film that promoted fear and dis­ shares with her 77-year-old mother

KINESISD At UBC Dealing with harassment by Agnes Huang and Heidi Walsh is only activated when the harassed woman herself." The Board of Governors wUl re­ their educational programs. They fre­ makes a formal, written complaint. In the view the recommendations in December. quently talk to faculty groups on sexual Some women won't acknowledge the first step, the advisors take the complaint harassment, but are having a harder time problem. Some drop courses because of it. to the alleged harasser (respondent) and in­ "A lot of women won't come forward reaching the student body. The issue is sexual harassment on campus. vite a written response. Copies of aU writ­ because of concerns of confidentiahty, " To increase their visibUity, they hold ten materials are given to the respondent's says Linda Shout, coordinator of UBC's In hght of the recent Vanier Park workshops and information sessions for stu­ dean and kept on permanent record. Women's Centre. "As weU, many won't rec­ dents. They have spoken at student res­ incident—when male students sent violently ognize what has happened to them as sex­ The harassed woman decides how far idences, and have held group discussions sexist handwritten notes to women's dorm ual harassment." rooms—we went to the University of British the complaint process goes. If she wants with students involved in the Vanier Park Columbia to find out more about its formal to pursue the matter further, she may ask The term 'harassment' itself is problem­ incident. This year, the advisors were in­ structures for dealing with harassment com­ for a mediated discussion with the accused atic: rarely is it seen as referring to a legit- vited to give two lectures to first year en- plaints and to determine how effective they and/or for an investigation. If the investiga­ are. tion confirms the harassment, the case can be given a formal hearing by a three-person In 1988, UBC introduced definitions of committee. The committee can recommend sexual harassment and set up guidelines disciplinary actions which may include any­ for handUng sexual harassment complaints. thing from verbal admonishments to recom­ The university was forced to formalize its mendations for expulsion or firing. approach to harassment for several reasons, including many years of agitation by women Only five percent of the women who come students and the Supreme Court decision in to the office make a formal complaint—the the late 1980s which made sexual harass­ majority have been sexuaUy assaulted. To ment the responsibility of the employer and date, no complaint has reached the formal deemed it a form of sex discrimination. hearing stage, although a few are now being set up for investigation. The Sexual Harassment Office was estab- Ushed in AprU, 1989. Margaretha Hoek, who Letting Off Steam counselled women at the post-secondary The overwhelming majority who visit the level for 15 years, and Dr. Jon Shapiro, pro­ office simply want to let off steam. They fessor of education, were hired as advisors. most commonly report sexist remarks or The office's mandate is twofold: to re­ threats of extortion made by professors or ceive inquiries and complaints from those peers. Graduate students working under who have been sexuaUy harassed and, on a close faculty supervision are especially vul­ wider scope, to educate the campus popu­ nerable to threats, as are students from lation about harassment. Third World countries who fear losing their The office received 60 inquiries in its first visas. year, but since September 1990 has already "The tendency is that [the complainants] dealt with over forty. The proportion of in­ don't wish to pursue [the incident] other cidents of harassment which are reported is than with informal mechanisms. They imate and serious offence. Many feel an act gineering students on gender discrimination not known—hke rape, sexual harassment is would rather do that and then drop [the of harassment only occurs when a conscious and sexual harassment. frequently experienced and infrequently re­ matter], or choose to leave a class," says intent to harass exists. This attitude was U- Linda Shout beheves the administration ported. The majority of those who visit the Shapiro. Some students even drop out of lustrated in the Vanier Park incident when could do much more to create a less violent office are female students. Female staff and their programs entirely. many female and male residents dismissed and discriminatory atmosphere on campus. faculty members and a few men have also the offensive invitations as harmless pranks. Reducing the male bias in the curriculum The advisors are recommending more made inquiries. A major weakness of the UBC pohcy is and increasing female appointments to fac­ flexibility in the pohcy to aUow them to ini­ that it has no mechanism for confronting "Ninety-five percent come in just to talk ulty and the administration are important tiate conversations with aUeged harassers systemic sexism. While the pohcy deals with about the incident," says Hoek. "We do first steps. without a formal complaint being made. conduct and comments of a sexual nature, some problem-solving with them and give They are also steps that go to the very "The changes that we're trying to make is to it does not address the underlying issue of them a lot of support. They usually want to recognize that sometimes the power prob­ core of the university's power structures— gender discrimination. SUencing women stu­ find some informal way of making [the ha­ lems are so bad that [the formal complaint structures that are distinctly patriarchal. dents, by disregarding their contributions in rassment] stop." requirement] doesn't work weU enough," class and devaluing their achievements, are In the university environment, where says Hoek. "As the university, we have to The university has a four-step procedure overlooked, although they are more subtle problems are often intellectuaUzed and then take on more and not leave it to the woman for handUng harassment complaints which forms of sexual harassment. rationalized, how can more men be made to understand the seriousness of sexual ha­ Ellen Pond, a student affiliated with the rassment, and more women encouraged to Women's Centre, says the poUcy is also complain and resist? UntU these questions powerless to deal with harassment cases are resolved, no formal structure or pohcy in which the perpetrator is unknown. The alone can ever hope to effectively deal with Affirmative action the issue. abundant misogynist graffiti on campus, for example, remains outside the pohcy's scope. Agnes Huang aspires to be on the Hoek and Shapiro hope to help change CSIS Most Wanted List. Heidi Walsh for McGill students the perceptions of sexual harassment through is a freelance writer in Vancouver. by Allana Murray

By early 1991, the Student Society of McGiU University (SSMU) may be the first of its kind in Canada to include an affirmative action clause in its constitution. In Novem­ ber 1990, Student CouncU passed a by-law amendment put forward by the McGiU Affir­ Don't mative Action Coalition. Clause 7.03 previously stated that: "the membership of each ac­ credited Activity, Club and Functional Group of the Society must be open to all mem­ bers of the Society"(emphasis added). The by-law now goes on to say: "does not preclude a distinction, exclusion or preference in membership or officers by a group, club or activity at McGiU devoted exclusively to the weU-being of a group disadvantaged because of race, be shy national or ethnic origin, colour, rehgion, sex, age, mental or physical disabihty, sexual ori­ entation, or social class." At Kinesis, we know that The amendment is the result of efforts by two student groups, the McGiU Women's writing is a brave act, Union and the Walk-Safe Network. Their constitutions have remained unratified because especially if you've never been the Women's Union reserved the right to restrict its membership to women only, and the Walk-Safe Network required its executive to be a majority of women. Without SSMU published before. We offer recognition, groups on campus are unable to receive funding. Rather than alter their con­ support and advice to women stitutions, the two groups formed the Affirmative Action Coalition with other progressive who want to write — reviews, student groups in order to influence the SSMU to amend its own constitution. interviews, features, news According to Coalition member Monica Brennan, the by-law change is only the first step in a longer process to make the improvement of "conditions of disadvantaged groups an integral part of Student Society's constitution and aims." In order to assure a permanent Come to our Writers Meeting place for affirmative action within the SSMU constitution, a motion is being prepared for (see Bulletin Board for CouncU to sponsor a referendum on the issue which would take place in the spring. details) or call 255-5499. KINESIS ^c/ MEWS ^^^^^^^%^^^^^

Reproductive technologies: Our voices must be heeded

by Bonnie Waterstone abiUties by implying that such people are— voted to improving technologies. Obviously, being done by groups such as the Immi­ and should be—"preventable." the emphasis is not on increasing women's grant Women's Health Centre in Toronto. On November 26, the Vancouver Sta­ Further, the leading cause of infant dis­ abihty to make informed decisions about Statutes providing for the sterilization of tus of Women presented the following abihty is poverty. Genetic screening or ge­ their own bodies. Rather, the emphasis is mentally handicapped people existed in BC brief to the Royal Commission on New netic intervention cannot solve this prob­ on research without regard for the reaUty and Alberta untU the 1970s. Reproductive Technologies. lem, but funding for services could begin to. of women's Uves. The Vancouver Status of Women has re­ In all countries of the world, male chU­ The development of NRTs goes hand-in- Women remember their experiences as dren are preferred over female. It is also sponded to the invitation of the Royal Com­ hand with the creation of markets for prc- guinea pigs for the old reproductive tech­ mission of New Reproductive Technologies a weU-documented fact that ah sex selec­ Uferating pharmaceutical and biotechnology nologies. The new technologies are also full tion clinics report a very high preference for because we beheve that, under present cir­ industries. A "can do, must do" phUosophy of risks. The long term effects of the new cumstances, the development and use of male offspring. This is a form of oppression has taken over as the interests of scientists powerful drugs involved are not known. In of women. new reproductive technologies (NRTs) does and corporations coincide. The commercial­ vitro fertiUzation has such a low success not support women's equality. ization of reproduction has dangerous con­ rate and such attendant health risks that it Medical interventions which by-pass in­ NRTs have serious negative impUcations sequences for women and for future genera­ can only be considered experimental. fertUity are marketed to white, middle or tions. for women, including a misplaced focus on The medical establishment takes advan­ upper class couples. Women of colour, poor technological rather than social solutions, Who benefits from this commercializa­ tage of the social conditioning to bear a bi­ women, UUterate women, disabled, single, the use of women as experimental subjects, tion of the reproductive process? Doctors, ological chUd in order to secure willing— lesbian, mentally-handicapped women, or increased exploitation of poor women and lawyers, medical researchers and large cor­ sometimes paying—subjects for their re­ those who Uve in a country the West has women of colour, and the threat that women porations benefit. As body parts (eggs, search. The choices not to have chUdren, labeUed as over-populated and underdevel­ wiU lose what httle control they now have sperm, embryos) become commodities to be or to adopt or to foster a chUd, challenge oped are not considered suitable. over their bodies. NRTs are often presented as increasing women's choices with regard to reproduc­ tion, whUe in fact they limit women's con­ trol over their own bodies. Control is given over to the experts: medical and legal prac­ titioners who understand the complexities of the new technologies. What is being presented as choice is really only a set of consumer options, a Western version of freedom—the freedom to consume more. The foundations of au­ thentic choice are dignity, integrity and self- determination. To discuss choice outside this context is to distort and destroy its meaning. There are very real choices that women lack; for example, the choice of money, ade­ quate housing, health care, physical safety, and access to chUd care and education. Women's options are constrained by a lack of basic economic and social justice. WhUe money, time and energy is avaUable to re­ search and develop NRTs, measures which would improve the conditions which limit women's lives are not explored. The so-called treatments for infertUity— actually medical interventions which by­ pass, rather than treat, infertUity—are not avaUable to everyone. Very few couples are being offered the consumer option of having a baby with the help of NRTs. This paraUels the reality of that we hve in a world where the vast majority of people, resources and the earth itself are being exploited for the benefit of a few. These technologies are not neutral and they are costly. The money and energy de­ voted to their development could be used in­ bought and sold, the danger to women in­ the assumptions upon which the marketing It is within this climate of eugenics, stead to improve the conditions into which creases. Poor and Third World women wUl of NRTs are based, and threaten the prof­ of racism, classism and sexism that NRTs chUdren are born, and the conditions in be particular targets, as economic necessity itability of the biotechnology industry. are promoted. The prejudice favours white, which women and chUdren Uve. forces them to seU body parts or enter surro­ Reducing the issue of infertUity to a de­ middle or upper class males. At the same If concern about infertUity were genuine, gate contracts. This exploitation of women bate between women who "just want their time, it is women's hves and women's bod­ then public health pohcy would be devel­ is presented as "sexual and reproductive own baby" and feminists who are charac­ ies that are at stake. choice," an example of using the rhetoric of oped and implemented which investigated terized as "anti-famUy" is misleading, dan­ Much more pubUc discussion on NRTs is choice against women. and acted upon the causes of infertUity. gerous and anti-feminist. This polarization needed, as weU as more information, more Treatments for infertUity in men would be Along with the commodification of body side-steps the real threat these technologies pubhc education and more consultation. as common as for women and accessibihty parts, the fragmentation of the reproduc­ pose to women's hves, pits women against Women's voices must be heard and heeded. to treatment would be equitable. tive process reinforces the idea of a sep­ each other, masks the actual vUlain—the sexist, racist, classist society upheld by the The Royal Commission has initiated pub­ Preventing infertUity would help many aration between a woman and her fetus. hc discourse. The commission should also more people, now and in the future, than This threatens a woman's right to bod- patriarchal status quo—and effectively pre­ vents positive debate and change. ensure that information about these tech­ techniques of artificial fertiUzation. Action Uy integrity. The woman herself must have nologies, their effects, and their potential needs to be taken to eUminate the envi­ decision-making power regarding her own NRTs obstruct the equahty rights of aU impact, is accessible to the public, in or­ ronmental and iatrogenic (doctor-caused) body and must be given aU necessary infor­ women because of the context of racism and der that responsible public pohcy decisions roots of infertUity as well as infertUity mation to enable her to make informed de­ classism within which they are being de­ can be made. We need pohcies which pro­ caused by sexually transmitted diseases, cisions. veloped. In Canada, as in aU countries of tect equahty rights, promote the weU-being workplace hazards, contraceptives, indus­ The complex and experimental nature the world, the practice of eugenics is a re­ and respect of women and their chUdren, trial/agricultural chemicals, and hazards in of NRTs makes it extremely difficult for ality. The rate of sterilization of women of and benefit the majority of people in the consumer products. women to give informed consent regard­ colour, disabled women and poor women is present and for generations to come. Sirmlarly, NRTs take a distorted ap­ ing medical procedures. At the same time, much higher than that of white, middle or proach to the issue of genetically-based dis­ these medical interventions are becoming upper class, able-bodied women. SterUiza­ abiUties. With their false promise of "per­ routine. Health care education and preven­ tion abuse of Native women in Canada has Please see next page for Vancouver fect babies," NRTs actually threaten to tative health care programs remain inade­ been weU-documented. Investigation into Status of Women's recommendations to erode the equality rights of people with dis­ quate whUe money, time and energy is de- coercive sterilization practices in Canada is the Royal Commission.

KINESIS Dec/Jan. 91 Recommendations From previous page. tral role in the planning, regulation, and im­ The Vancouver Status of Women calls upon plementation of these reproductive chnics. the Royal Commission to recommend pub­ 4) Take the initiative in de-commerciaUzing Uc poUcies as foUows: NRTs, including implementing strict con­ 1) Improve social and economic conditions: trols for research: • to combat the increasing poverty of • prohibit testing for sex selection women and chUdren, make guaranteed an­ I nual income, universal chUd care, and edu- • prohibit research into human cloning, | catioal opportunities a priority ectogenesis (developing a human fetus out- <£ 2) Expand women's autonomy and self- side the womb), and growth or use of fetuses | determination and create the possibiUty for for tissue or organ transplants £ real choices: • prohibit import of ova, sperm, and fe- ^ • increase funding and support for par­ tai tissue from other countries i the dangers of sexuaUy transmitted dis­ ents raising special needs chUdren, to make • treat embryos and other human genetic 8) Surrogacy/contract motherhood arran­ eases, including programs in the schools raising a disabled child a positive choice materials in the same manner as the Cana­ gements: • research into safe contraception • make adoption more accessible dian Red Cross treats blood, i.e., they must There should be no commerciaUzation or fi­ be considered a gift, and cannot be bought 6) In vitro fertiUzation (IVF) programs: nancial transactions aUowed in the contract 3) Improve health care, and take pro-active or sold motherhood arrangements. Further, these steps to ensure that informed consent with • there should be no criteria other than arrangements should not be regulated by regard to NRTs becomes a reaUty. In par­ 5) Redirect research funding into: medical for entry, but the eligibility pe­ law, except that: ticular, we endorse the Canadian Research • causes of infertUity—environmental, ia­ riod should be extended from one to two Institute for the Advancement of Women trogenic causes, as weU as infertUity caused years (i.e. infertUity should be re-defined • the payment of money should be pro­ (CRIAW) recommendation: by sexuaUy transmitted diseases, indus­ to mean "the faUure to conceive after two hibited years of normal intercourse.") We endorse • Publicly funded locaUy-based repro­ trial/agricultural chemicals, workplace haz­ • commercial surrogacy arrangements ards, contraceptives, hazards in consumer the CRIAW recommendation that women should be made a criminal offence ductive clinics should be established to pro­ undergoing IVF must be considered exper­ products, emotional factors. • the advertising of contract motherhood vide information and counselling on aU as­ imental subjects and provided with appro­ pects of reproduction and to practise those • long-term effects of aU reproductive priate information on the medical risks to arrangements should be banned reproductive technologies established as le­ technologies, new and old their own bodies and the uncertain long- gal. These clinics would offer services for • research into rates of infertUity for term effects on the potential fetuses. 9) Facilitate continuing discussion on NRTs birth control, adoption, infertUity coun- women of different socio-economic and eth­ seUing and treatment, abortion, hormone 7) Artificial (alternative) insemination: by: nic backgrounds in Canada replacement therapy, treatment of sexuaUy • there should be no requirements for • consulting with feminist organizations transmitted diseases and menstrual disor­ • causes of male infertUity medical supervision for this process and no • funding feminist groups to provide pub­ ders, and birthing. Women must play a cen­ • funding for educational programs about restrictions on access. hc education.

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End the Occupation As Jews, feminists, activists.

by Rachel Epstein logue with other Jews and to put pressure International Women's Day, 1990 was a pression and racism, and will look at Jew­ on the Canadian and Israeli governments to coming out for the JWCEO. We made our ish responses to the Middle East. recognize and negotiate with the PLO. The last Thursday of every month the first banner and marched with the Pales­ As a group we also want to make links Jewish Women's Committee to End the tinian women's contingent, an historic mo­ Confusing, Painful Journey with other anti-racist struggles. Last year Occupation of the West Bank and Gaza ment in Toronto's women's movement. We We come to this position from very differ­ we joined the Women's Coalition Against (JWCEO) stands vigil from 5:30 to 6:30 pm had a table at the fair where we sold but­ ent experiences. I am unusual in that I come Racism and Pohce Violence, a Toronto in front of the Israeli Consulate in Toronto. tons and articles, displayed photographs of from a family that never supported the ex­ women's coalition formed after Sophia We dress in black and carry our banner and our vigils and gave out hamantashen (Jew­ istence of an exclusively Jewish state. Most Cook, a young Black woman, was shot and signs that say "End the Occupation." ish cookies eaten at Purim). We held an­ maimed by Toronto pohce. The shooting of us come from backgrounds where an un­ other special vigil in response to Women in Response to our vigils is varied—recently was another in a long history of state vi­ critical allegiance to Israel was a given. For Black in Israel's call to "all the women of we got some encouraging honks from pass­ olence towards Black people in Toronto, many of us it has been a confusing and the world" to hold vigils on March 8th. ing cars and a few thumbs up signs from painful journey to discover that much of and makes clear the need to protest state- people passing by. We were also told by a what we were taught about Israel is not true endorsed racism, whether it happens in Jewish couple that we "should have died in and to confront the reality of the Israeli Oc­ Toronto or in the West Bank and Gaza the camps" and that we "are traitors to our cupation. While our primary purpose is to orga­ own people;" another woman took a swipe The mainstream Our group has its roots in some work­ nize politically as Jewish women towards an at one of our members with her briefcase. shops held in 1988 to look at what blocks or media has largely end to the Israeh occupation, we also exist Our Thursday vigils are held in solidar­ prevents Jewish women activists from work­ as a group of Jewish women interested in ity with Women in Black vigils organized by ing in solidarity with Palestinians. We held ignored us... meeting together. Our meetings are held on women in Israel who are opposed to their two workshops, one to look at these blocks, Friday nights and large quantities of food are usually involved. We often hold spe­ government's policies and actions in the Oc­ the other to consider answers to some of the cial gatherings on Jewish holidays and we cupied Territories. The current Palestinian difficult questions we are asked when we do Since then we have maintained our regu­ choose different ways to recognize and cele­ uprising or Intifada, which began in Decem­ speak out against Israeli pohcies. The re­ ber 1987, has swelled the ranks of the Israeli lar vigils at the Israeh consulate and we've brate our Jewishness. sults of these workshops made it clear that co-sponsored several educational events peace movement and there are now hun­ We work in JWCEO because it is impor­ there were Jewish women wanting to learn with other Jewish peace groups such as dreds of groups in Israel and the Occupied tant that there be a loud Jewish voice in more about and be active on these issues. Jews for a Just Peace, new Jewish Agenda Territories working for a peaceful solution opposition to Israeh repression in the Occu­ In March, 1989 the Women in Black vig­ and the United Jewish People's Order. pied Territories. The voice does exist, in Is­ ils started in Toronto, originally sponsored These have included a showing of the film rael and around the world, but it is difficult by women from Jews For a Just Peace, an­ Shattered Dreams and a speaking tour to hear. Most people in North America are by members of Yesh G'vul, an organization other Jewish peace group. Women who at­ unaware of the extent of the Israeh peace In Israel and of Israelis who refuse to do military duty tended these vigils were looking for a way movement; most people in Canada do not in the Occupied Territories. In June, 1990 to be active as women around the Middle hear about the activities of our group and in Canada, it is we joined with a local Palestinian women's East. The JWCEO was formed to organize other Jewish peace groups. The mainstream group to organize a demonstration at the a special vigil on October 2, 1989 in hon­ media has largely ignored us, despite our re­ difficult to speak Israeh consulate to commemorate the 23rd our of the Days of Awe, the days between peated efforts. the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanna and anniversary of the occupation. as Jews against Israel Ours is an unpopular voice but one we' Yom Kippur, days traditionally committed Our current project is to organize a series are determined to use. We encourage other to meditation, reflection and a recommit­ of workshops for Jewish women. The first ment to the values of justice and peace. women to join us and the thousands of other workshop will look at questions of Jewish women around the world who make up the to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Women's Vigils were held in 17 US cities and in identity and experiences of Jewish oppres­ women's call for peace in the Middle East. groups, including Women in Black, are cen­ Toronto in solidarity with Israeli and Pales­ sion (I avoid using the term "anti-semitism" tral to this movement. tinian peace groups. At the vigil in Toronto because it is an inaccurate term: both Jews See "What you can do . " next Women in Black began in Jerusalem and about 50 women came; we lit candles, sang, and Arabs are Semitic people but the term page. has now spread to more than 80 locations heard speeches and remembered in silence has historically been used only to describe Rachel Epstein used to live in Van­ throughout Israel and around the world. the Palestinians who had died at the hands the oppression of Jews.) The second will fo­ couver, still considers it her home, and Every Friday from 1 to 2 pm women gather of the Israeli military. cus on the connections between Jewish op­ hopes to aliyah back there some day. at a busy intersection, dressed in black car­ rying signs: "Stop the Occupation". The responses we encounter in Toronto seem mild compared to reports from women in Israel. There they are subjected to in­ tense verbal and sometimes physical abuse from right-wing Israelis who disagree with them. Women have been called "whores of the Arabs," they are told "all you girls need is a Httle rape to make you feel better" and "what's the matter, ladies, fucking Arafat is better?" Some people throw things—eggs, fruit, tomatoes, water. There have been in­ cidents of men beating women and the po­ Uce continue to be hostile to the vigils. In Israel and in Canada, it is difficult to speak as Jews against Israel. It can feel hke you are going against your own people and indeed, we often risk losing ties not only to the larger mainstream Jewish community but to our immediate family and friends. It is difficult for some Jews to accept those of us who are critical of Israel's actions. However, as Jews, as feminists, as poht­ ical activists and as people committed to fighting for justice, the women in JWCEO feel we cannot stand silent while Israel com­ mits acts of violence against Palestinians. Our group is not completely unified politi­ cally but we agree on the need for an im­ mediate end to the occupation in the West Bank and Gaza and for Israel to negotiate with the Palestinian Liberation Organiza­ tion (PLO) towards the creation of a Pales­ tinian state (although our anarchist mem­ ber gets uncomfortable when we talk about the creation of any state). We want to dia- KINESIS c ««s^ INTERNATIONAL

Fifth Encuentro Feminista: 3,000 feminists invade town happy to exchange views and experiences by Carmen Rodriguez space, from hotel lobbies and empty store­ women doing concrete work on specific fronts to the central plaza and, of course, issues, such as battered women, rape, with the visitors; an Argentinean woman the beach. health, were relegated to a "second class" hving in Toronto, exasperated by the com­ At the end of November, more than 3,000 status mentaries on "the privilege of hving in a 'de­ femimsts literally invaded every corner of The opening ceremony, on the evening of • Organizational problems hindered full veloped' country" eloquently spoke to the San Bernardo, an Atlantic resort town over Sunday, November 18th, took place in the participation: too many events happen­ media about the difficulties that ethnic mi­ 300 kilometres south of Buenos Aires. plaza. Women gathered around signs with ing at the same time, misinformation norities, and women in particular, face in The reason: the Fifth Encuentro Femi­ the names of their countries of origin and, Canada; a few Native women from differ­ after the organizer's opening remarks and a about times and places, long line-ups for nista Latinoamericano y del Caribe—an op­ lunch and dinner, inappropriate work­ ent countries took a space and organized a portunity to discuss the issues of organized performance by a dance troupe, every del­ workshop where they addressed their par­ egation went on stage to greet the crowd, shop spaces, etc. This led to a general­ Latin American and Caribbean women from ized feehng of frustration and alienation. ticular concerns. all over the Americas and some European talk about their expectations of the encuen­ tro, and even perform a song or a dance. All in all, with the event still so close countries. to our noses and without the perspective It was a vibrant and emotional cere­ The powerful trade union representing that time and distance can give, we can mony—3,000 women celebrating their dif­ Argentinian workers in the energy indus­ say that this Fifth Encuentro Feminista of ferences but, above all, their unity of pur­ ...feminist is also try (Luz y Fuerza) had originally offered Latin American and Caribbean Women has pose: to advance towards the construction its gigantic hotel to the Encuentro—a lo­ an "f" word been a fruitful experience. We have learned of a truly democratic society, where women cation which could have lodged everybody, that femimsts have come a long way and and men can hve in peace and fully develop plus given space to the hundreds of sched­ in Latin America engaged in an infinite number of important as human beings. uled workshops, readings, meetings and dis­ tasks. Nevertheless, there is stiU much room cussion groups. The union apparently with­ However, as the week advanced, several *mm «M to grow before we can actually talk about drew its offer for "pohtical" reasons: the issues became apparent: a continental femimst movement advancing At the same time, the growing aware­ towards a common goal. word feminist is also an "f" word in Latin • Not all the women were represented; in America. ness of these kinds of problems produced fact, working class, Native, Black and some important impromptu happenings: a Organizers were left with the overwhelm­ other particularly oppressed sectors were group of women, tired of waiting at their Carmen Rodriguez filed this story ing task of trying to accomodate everybody minimally present hotel for news on the times and places of from San Bernardo. Kinesis will carry in the twenty-odd hotels in San Bernardo, • Theoreticians and professionals became particular events, decided to do a work­ more on the Encuentro in a future is­ and to schedule events in every possible the "ruhng class" of the event, while the shop with the chamber maids, who were sue.

UPRISING To end the occupation BQEAD& BAKERY What you can do... From previous page. All natural Many people are concerned about the continuing Israeh occupation of the West Bank fruitcakes, and Gaza and support the idea of a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. whole wheat Here is a hst of actions that readers can take to support the struggle for peace and justice. shortbreads, To All Readers: tourtiere, • Read up on the subject. We suggest: Jewish Women's Call For Peace: A Hand­ mince meat tarts. book for Jewish Women on the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict. Edited by Rita Fal- bel, Irena Klepfisz, and Donna Nevel, Firebrand Books, 1990.- Also, check out the chap­ Look for January ter "Palestinian Women: Building Barricades and Breaking Barriers" in Intifada: The bread specials Palestinian Uprising Against Israeli Occupation. Edited by Zachary Lockman and Joel Beinin, Between the Lines Press, 1989. 1697 Venables Street • Write to the Canadian government to voice your support for Palestinian self- Vancouver 254-5635 determination as well as Israel's right to exist. Put pressure on the Canadian govern­ ment to recognize the PLO. • Write to the Israeh embassy and articulate your concerns about their government's re­ fusal to negotiate with the PLO. Urge them to move towards a peaceful settlement with the Palestinians. Voice your opposition to the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. • Write to your local newspapers to voice your concerns about articles or letters which tow the hne of the Israeh government. • Attend meetings and demonstrations which support an end to the occupation and a peaceful settlement between Israel and the Palestinians, (If you hve in Toronto, join the JWCEO at our monthly vigils.) • Send money to organizations hke the Union of Palestine Medical Relief Committees (Box 19369, Jerusalem, Israel) or the Women's Organization for Pohtical Prisoners (PO Box 31811, Tel Aviv 61318, Israel)

To Jewish Women: • Speak to your Jewish friends and family members about the occupation. The opinion of the Jewish community is gradually shifting in our direction. You can help to accelerate this process. • Write to newspapers to respond to articles which tow the hne of the Israeh government. Identify yourself as a concerned Jew who doesn't agree with Shamir's pohcies regarding the Occupied Territories. • If you are a member of a Jewish group or synagogue, raise the issue of the occupation. Invite Palestinian speakers and speakers from the peace movement in Israel. • Join Jewish groups which support an end to the occupation and dialogue with Palestini­ ans. These groups include Jews for a Just Peace, New Jewish Agenda, Canadian Friends of Peace Now, and JWCEO. (PO Box 810, Station P, Toronto, Ont. M5S 2Z1). • Form your own "Women in Black" group. Demonstrate in front of your local Israeh con­ sulate and/or organize other relevant activities. •••.-.:•' iX^'Zr* - —Shlomit Segal ^KINESIS INTERNATIONAL

Against apartheid: Until I stopped believing... by Lizann Foster the township goes up in flames. The people not born white, was what characterised my of the worst counselling experiences I had whose homes are just across the road from job as a teacher- counsellor. I used to tell was talking to a parent who came to school "But how are you, Mummy?" she asks the refinery hve in morbid fear of this ever them that they could not let the apartheid in tears to tell us the reason her chil­ for the second time across the thousands of happening: it is unhkely that they would be system win and add their names to the dren had not been in school the day before miles being bridged by the telephone call. able to get out in time. Many roads in the masses of unemployed Black people. I used was because their home had been razed by Of course I give her the easiest answer: "I'm township are not tarred and become impass­ to tell them that they could beat the sys­ Inkatha, the Black pohtical group headed fine, baby. Now tell me about everything at able during the rainy seasons. tem by getting a good education and leav­ by Mangosothu Buthelezi and beheved to home. How are things at school? How does ing the township to make a better hfe for be behind most of the violence in Natal. the garden look these days? What were you Some of the houses are actually converted themselves elsewhere. For seven years I told After trying for seven years to battle a doing when I called?" And so she tells me army barracks and are totally unsuitable for them this, until I stopped beheving that it system that allocates 1,200,000 Rand for ev­ that the jacarandas are in bloom, carpeting ery white child's education and 430 Rand the ground with their lilac blossoms; that it for every Black child's education, a system is so hot she went swimming the day before that ensures white children have schools and that she has made a new friend who with tennis courts, swimming pools, indoor hves next door. gymnasiums and well-stocked science labo­ And when the call ends, I am struck once ratories where they are trained to be the again by the irony in her question: "How are bosses—and Black children are lucky if their you7.'" schools have electricity and one soccer ball as sports equipment for their "physical ed­ My daughter Candice hves in the civil ucation" while they are trained to be obe­ war zone that Durban, Natal, South Africa dient servants—after seven years I quit. has become. Bag searches at the entrances of all the shopping malls and bomb explo­ Perhaps I gave up too easily. Perhaps the sions are part of her daily hfe. She used to experiences of friends who were detained in question the madness around her when she solitary confinement for months on end or was a httle younger, but now she seems as who were beaten up for attending pohtical resigned as the adults around her appear to rallies scared me too much. I hved in con­ be. When the television news flashes scenes stant fear that I would be next. The night I from yet another massacre, she sometimes sheltered a friend who was on the run from says: "I wish they would stop fighting," but the security pohce was one of the longest I mostly she says nothing. ever had to hve through. I became hke a lot of adults around me: numbed by the system Candice goes to a school for children des­ we had hved in for so long. ignated "coloured" by the South African government. The school used to be a white Perhaps that is why the children took school but when it got too old the govern­ over the struggle. They got tired of waiting. ment handed it over to the "coloured" De­ Their natural impatience inspired them to partment of Education, one of the 15 ed­ speed the revolution up—to take it into the ucation departments in South Africa. The classroom and out into the streets. Many of school is quite close to my parents' home in them died but the pressure has not stopped a "coloured" residential area to the north of and finally the government has begun to Durban. make the changes they demand. In the 10 years of her hfe, Candice has Lots of things are changing in South seen some changes. Some of the places she Africa today but the changes are cos­ could not go to when she was six years old metic and superficial. The foundations of are now open to her. The fact that she has apartheid are still very firmly in place. The to hve in a residential area set aside for peo­ Land Act of 1913, the Group Areas Act ple who are not white and go to a school and the Population Registration Act are especially designated for people her colour the cornerstones of the system and until does not seem so important to her, yet. they are removed from the statute books, no real change can take place. Even the few It has always Oeen important to me and changes that President De Klerk has im­ the source of my frustration and resent­ plemented are too much for the neo-Nazi ment. The critical shortage of housing in Afrikaaner Resistance Movement who have Black residential areas when the white ar­ declared war on the government, a govern­ eas have hundreds of houses and apartments ment already at war with most of its cit­ vacant is characteristic of a pohtical system izens, a government that provides the am­ where 87 percent of the land is owned by 13 munition for those citizens who war with percent of the population. The shortage has each other over the meagre resources they resulted in astronomical rents in the Black are allocated. areas and often one can only get an apart­ ment through favours and bribes. Even though the area that Candice hves in with my parents is relatively safe, there Candice and I got our apartment through can be no-really safe place during a civil a friend of a friend of a friend. We were war. Sometimes I wonder whether the deci­ luckier than most people, 'though. I was a sion to leave her until I had settled some­ teacher-counsellor in a secondary school and where else was the right one. But it seemed making just enough money to keep us shel­ as though I would be taking her from a bad tered and fed. In a country where jobs are situation into a worse one by dragging her reserved for those of fairer hue, teaching is Candice Foster, at age six along with me, not knowing if my quest for one of the few occupations that is relatively a better hfe would be successful. easy to get into. Having a job as a teacher does not guarantee financial security and the families of 10 people or more occupying was possible for as long as the present gov­ What my daughter really wants to know many of my colleagues moonlighted, even them. My pupils often came to school hun­ ernment was in power. is whether, after being here for eight months, I have made any progress trying to though this is not officially allowed. gry, having not eaten since the night before. I risked losing my job by criticizing their start a new hfe for both of us, whether I am The economic evil wrought by the apartheid syllabi, the examination system and all the The school where I taught was a con­ any closer to being able to send for her. She system ensures that poverty has a colour— other inequalities associated with an infe­ verted factory situated right next to a chem­ wants to know when she can join me in this Black. Most of the pupils I taught had at rior education. Some teachers had been de­ ical factory that emitted noxious gases all place on the other side of the world where daylong. The whole area was surrounded by least one parent unemployed and knew lots tained for doing just that. of other people around them without jobs. freedom to choose where and how to hve is heavy industry. In South Africa it is really I felt so powerless and so useless. All taken for granted and is not a privilege for easy to find the Black residential areas— I could offer was a sympathetic ear while the few. just look for the industrial areas. The resi­ Helping my pupils to deal with the social helping students to develop an attitude to­ dents in the area have a drill they practice and psychological problems associated with ward their circumstances that was non- Lizann Foster is a South African whenever the oil refinery on the east end of a political system that denigrated all those defeatist...until I felt defeated myself. One woman of colour and a refugee.

KINESIS Dec/Jan. 91 Sheila Kitzinger

Women's unhappiness is hkely to be ignored untU it has some effect on others. This view of women's emotional condition after birth deflects responsibility from the medical sys­ tem and does not deal with how the system should be changed to prevent women's dis­ tress. FOR THE Kitzinger's analysis of modern, obstetrical birth as an act of violence drew a strong re­ sponse from her audience. Some delegates disagreed with her, saying things have already changed, that they were working hard to bring further change and that, in any case, "it isn't hke that in Canada." Kitzinger acknowledged that the women at the conference were working for more sup­ portive birthing environments and that her words may have seemed hke an attack. She then invited women to come forward, to speak of their experiences in Canada either as women who had given birth or as birth attendants. And they did. For 45 minutes women spoke, often emotionaUy. And the room somehow seemed smaUer as each one spoke to Kitzinger, aUowing the rest of the audience to eavesdrop. A trained mid-wife had left her profession because: "I couldn't handle what goes on in the dehvery room. To constantly see this violation of women is upsetting." Women ex­ pressed more than distress. There was anger: "As women we are constantly oppressed and suppressed." There was frustration: "What can you say to this doctor who has so much experience?" There was also strength. A nurse spoke of sending physicians out of the dehvery room, and of challenging doctors on their arbitrary and possibly hurtful decisions. She urged byBIRT Pam Galloway H OF women to speak up, to not be afraid. Kitzinger responded: "There is a strength of power in this room amongst you as women which can change things." Birth has many rituals. In Greece, an opening flower is placed beside the labouring woman. As the flower un­ So what of change? folds, the woman's body opens to give birth. In Africa, a Zulu woman labours in a spe­ Delegates at the conference seemed to beheve that some of the things Kitzinger spoke cially prepared hut, the floor strewn with dried dung, the room decorated with wood of have already changed, but as one said, "the whole issue of turning birth into a violent carvings. There is a hole in the roof so the woman can look at the sky. It is said that at act is very pertinent." night, "she counts the stars with pain." Another added, "You do feel awful because you're assisting at a birth with procedures Sheila Kitzinger, writer, social anthropologist and birth educator, told these and other you don't approve of." stories of birth to an audience of about 260 women at the conference "Crisis in the Peri­ Kitzinger described how things had changed in Britain. Women there are able to de­ natal Period" held recently in Vancouver. The women—nurses, midwives and childbirth hver on mats if they choose and, "once you get women onto the floor, obstetricians are educators from around BC—gathered to hsten to Kitzinger's wisdom, wisdom which has no longer interested." inspired proponents of natural childbirth for many years. Eight hospitals in England have instaUed pools to enable women to have water births. Kitzinger comes from a family where women have passed their strength and passion The pools are in daUy use and half the women who use them actually dehver their ba­ from generation to generation. She calls it "a female cultural inheritance." Her mother bies in the water. Eighty-five percent of babies are delivered by midwives in Britain. helped set up one of England's first birth control chnics, and Kitzinger clearly feels the For Kitzinger, the midwife is the central person at a birth, the one who can balance the impact of growing up with a woman who was a midwife, a pacifist and a radical. physical events with the emotional. And Kitzinger's five daughters have learned from their mother, as she has from them. On midwifery in Canada, Kitzinger was completely positive. "It is coming," she stated Three of her daughters are radical femimsts who have played a large part in her own firmly, as if to think otherwise might in itself prevent progress. politicization. In the meantime, Kitzinger said it is important for women to take control of other Sheila Kitzinger began her hfe's work for and with women after studying social an­ health concerns. She sees the women's health movement as having helped many women thropology at Oxford—she realized she was reading only about men's hves. to take care of themselves and to learn how to deal with doctors. She said: "When "I wanted to look at the great transformations in women's hves, the bonds that hnked women accept responsibiUty for themselves...and are part of the decision-making pro- women together and social systems that were meaningful [for women]," said Kitzinger. cess...we [remove] the basis of this expectation that doctors should take the whole re­ She began cross-cultural studies of women's hves, traveUing extensively. Her focus came sponsibility for producing a perfect baby." to rest on women's health concerns and, after her own babies, on women's birthing ex­ Germany, 16th century: a midwife assists at the delivery of a woman on a birth stool. Frc l a woodcut by In Britain, there is a network of birth crisis counseUors who support women after periences. She saw connections between what she had learned about women and the way an unknown artist. difficult births and help them: "slot together the pieces of their experiences to make a women were treated in the western medical system. whole." Kitzinger hkened the service to rape crisis counselling and stressed how impor­ Kitzinger is known internationally for her books on childbirth and women's sexuahty When women began to be hospitalized instead of giving birth at home, every birth be­ There was a soft gasp of surprise in the audience when Kitzinger pointed out that in tant it is for women to have someone to hsten, to beheve and to validate their experi­ which have been translated into 18 languages. came hke an illness to be treated with modern technology and drugs. "It's very difficult the whole event Tess's blood loss was about a teaspoonful. For Kitzinger, this under­ ences. She said that nurses, midwives and chUdbirth educators aU have: "the natural power to heal, to make whole." In comparing the experiences of women in different countries and cultures, Kitzinger to turn birth into a crisis at home," said Kitzinger. lined the gentleness and non-violent nature of both home and water births for mother and baby. developed a strong sensitivity to the difficulties faced by immigrant women in Britain. In one of her many studies, Kitzinger compared the language used during 40 home Delegates again responded to Kitzinger's words with examples of how nurses and mid- As she spoke—gently, almost lovingly—about birthing rituals in various cultures, births and 40 hospital births. She found the language used in the home birth accounts Hospital births are bloody not because blood is a natural component of the birth pro­ wives in BC are working to change birthing experiences for women. she entreated her predominantly white, Canadian audience to be sensitive to individual was far more positive than that in the hospital birth accounts. Words hke "bewildering" cess, said Kitzinger, but because they are violent. She sees the experience of birth for women's personal rituals and to make them feel secure in labour. and "traumatic" were often used in hospital accounts and notably, words hke "allowed" many women to be "an institutionalized act of violence". Birth as rape. Then, Kitzinger's tone shifted to a controlled anger as she spoke of the ritual of the and "let" (as in: "the doctor allowed me to hold the baby straight away") which suggest Kitzinger beheves that the disempowerment women undergo in birth leads to feehngs the control hes with the doctor. At home, the women themselves were in control and did modern, hospital birth in technological societies. of having been violated. This theory grew from Kitzinger's discussions with two of her not use these or similar terms in any of their reports. daughters who work in the fields of rape crisis counselling and with survivors of child Rituals of Control Technological intervention was common in the hospital births—only one in forty re­ sexual abuse. Kitzinger noticed that in their descriptions of their experiences, women "It's very difficult We assume that medical acts are based on good, scientific theory but Kitzinger beheves ceived no intervention—while in the home birth reports, 4/5 births had no intervention. who had been assaulted and women who had difficult births used the same language. To further develop the theory, Kitzinger put ads in newspapers asking women to write to many are actually part of patriarchy's rituals of control. She used the example of the Hospitals are bureaucracies and as such, are extremely time-conscious. There is an to turn birth into her about their birthing experiences. She received 345 letters. common face mask which, she says, "is employed as a talisman against infection"—it is emphasis on time management and, indeed, three-quarters of the hospital birth reports well established that masks do not prevent the spread of infection after 15 minutes of made frequent reference to time. Kitzinger described hospital births as "a race against She had not suggested what she was looking for. "I feel invaded and mutilated, I don't a crisis at home..." timc.the technology which is the most threatening and which has changed the charact eel the same woman anymore," said one letter. Another: "I just didn't have the words In the hospital, it is important that women remain passive and numerous ritualistic of birth has been around a long time—it's the clock." o explain why I felt so violated." Words such as "skewered...trash...mauled...a bloody acts are performed to maintain this control. Preparation of the woman for birth, includ­ Labour is deemed to be short or long, and long labours, being undesirable, have led were common. ing dressing her in de-personalizing hospital garments and exposing her genitals in a way to the use of drugs to speed up contractions. Drug-induced labours are more intense, Women had been robbed of their identity, their bodies fragmented with attention paid which de-sexes her, begin the ceremony. The attachment of technological devices such which means that contractions of the uterus are stronger, forcing the walls of the uterus oidy to their genitals. Emotional blackmail was often used to gain a women's compliance: as electronic fetal monitors and intravenous drips separate the woman from the natural against the baby—an assault. Kitzinger said: "...the babies have no voice, we must spea! telling a woman she may hurt or even kill her baby if she does not "go along" will usu­ Penny, of the Pacific Post-Partum Society, described her work in hstening to women rhythms of her own body. Birth attendants gather around her and cheer on her efforts in for them." aUy guarantee her assent. Women felt they must have gratitude towards those who had who call for general information but who, when gently encouraged, reveal that they are a ritualistic dance around her bed. "Immediately before dehvery an act of genital muti­ "...given her a baby" and yet they also felt unease at the way they had been treated. in fact depressed and need help. The society provides support groups as weU as individ­ lation is performed," said Kitzinger, referring to episiotomy, the cutting of the tissue be­ She refers scornfully to what she describes as "the patchwork quilt syndrome" mani­ Women often blame themselves after rape and bear guilt and so did many of the ual counselling for women. A nurse described pre-natal tours at her hospital which in­ tween the vagina and the rectum to allow the baby's head to pass through without tear­ fested in birthing rooms in hospitals. Pleasant decorations and furniture (including the women who wrote Kitzinger: "I ended up having an episiotomy because I didn't relax." clude open discussion of birth plans or other conceriis. ing. She said there is no evidence to support the value of episiotomy and beheves it can patchwork quilt) change only the surface environment and not the attitudes that exist in If the woman doesn't blame herself then society wUl do it for her. Rape victims are of­ only be seen as a form of punishment. the room. Kitzinger underscored the importance of women working together. She suggested that Kitzinger beheves women should be able to give birth in their own space: "Per­ ten said to have "contributed to" or "provoked" the assault. Women often faU to report women working within the medical system form study groups where they can share ideas Kitzinger compellingly compared cultures where ritual serves to support and haps we can change hospitals so that they can become the best place for the birth of rape because they fear such a response. Likewise, few women ever complain about hospi­ and decide upon strategies. They should endeavour to hold workshops with obstetricians strengthen women in childbirth, with modern Euro-American cultures where ritual con­ lovc.otherwise the best place for birth is at home." tal care. to look at recent research findings and to chaUenge doctors to consider the results and trols and hurts women—and where even the most straightforward, uncomphcated birth how hospital practice might change. is turned into a crisis. To demonstrate this Kitzinger showed shdes and shared the story of a home-birth of Post-Natal Depression is Grief... Kitzinger said: "This is pohtics [and] we need good strategies." "Doctors define birth while women experience it,"said Kitzinger. Modern obstetrics her own grandson, Sam. It was a water birth, a practice growing in popularity in Eu­ The common thread running through aU the accounts said Kitzinger, was a sense of pow­ has taken the natural and normal hfe process of birth and turned it into an industrial rope. Kitzinger's daughter, Tess, was seen at various stages of her labour both in and erlessness. After such disempowerment and emotional injury, many women become post- In the end, Kitzinger beheves that we must look critically at the system and the soci­ procedure which must be managed. "The medical system is centred on crisis manage­ out of the small pool which had been brought into the home especially for the birth. It nataUy depressed. Kitzinger said, "post-natal depression is...grief that foUows...violence." ety which continues to demean and disempower women. But she is optimistic: "We are ment...! think it [must] seem rather dull and tedious not to be managing a crisis," she was clear the event was bathed in calm, and a close bonding was evident between those In western culture, distress after chUdbirth is seen to be due to hormonal imbalances: hke water that may seem weak...but, steadily, over time, we can gain the power to cut said. Birth has become a crisis. It is, however, an artificial crisis in which women are de­ present; Kitzinger, Tess and her midwife and Tess's husband. Baby Sam was born, mov­ "women are fundamentally flawed." Kitzinger beheves that post-natal depression stems rock." fined as "feckless, stupid, egotistical and even dangerous to their babies," said Kitzinger. ing from one warm, water environment to another, from his mother's uterus to the pool. from attitudes in society which trivialize unhappiness or treat it as a mental Ulness. Pam Galloway is a writer with an interest in women's health issues.

* KINESIS KINESISc COMMENTARY

In the year 5751: We want you to pay attention by Silva Tenenbein died in the spring equinox and rose again Christian calendar this year, it was Septem­ In the spring Jews have Passover, a cel­ and Karen X. Tulchinsky three days later. It gets difficult to sort them ber 20th and 21st. Yom Kippur is 10 days ebration to commemorate our exodus from out, there were so many. Of course we can after Rosh Hashana. These ten days are So here it is, nearly Chanukkah. Time Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, Many recognize Jesus. The only Jew among them. called the Days of Awe. Yom Kippur itself is to dig out the draydels. Polish the meno- Christians don't even seem to know that One of ours that made good. We should be caUed the Day of Atonement. A week after rah. Buy some latke ingredients. (Mmmm, the Last Supper was a Passover Seder. so proud. sour cream.) Time sure has flown. It hardly Yom Kippur is Sukkot. Sukkot is the cele­ They make the story of the Last Sup­ seems hke two months since Simhat Torah. So, what's this about? bration of the harvest. Then a week later is per have bread in it. There is no bread Simhat Torah: a celebration of the Torah. Difference. Different perspectives. Not at Passover. Matzoh, unleavened bread, is But then, that month, with Rosh Hashana eaten at Passover. No leavening. and then Yom Kippur and then Sukkot and everyone is a Christian. This is often for­ (The Torah? There is the Law, and then then Simhat Torah—aU within three and a gotten at this time of year—except by those there is the Soul of the Law, caUed the Zo- So, what's this about? har, or Book of Splendor. The Torah is the half weeks—always seems to make us ex­ of us who are not Christians. Christmas. What's this got to do with you? hausted. Exuberant, but exhausted. And Christ Mass. Christmas is a Christian holi­ Soul of the Soul of the Law.) day. We often hear from people that Christ­ this year, with the Christian Thanksgiv­ On Simhat Torah, Jews celebrate the ex­ With all due respect, we want you to pay mas is not a Christian holiday, that it's a ing falling on the same weekend as Sukkot, istence of the Soul of the Soul of the Law. attention. We hve here too. Learn about our those of us who were being polite and ob­ traditions. You might hke them. We do. We serving other people's festivals are really know lots about your traditions. We can't worn ragged. help it. To learn the same amount about our Speaking of being pohte, some of us de­ traditions would take a httle research. The cided, again, this year not to make a fuss information about our traditions isn't avaU­ about the Take Back the Night march being able in every store window, hke it is about scheduled on Rosh Hashana We just didn't yours. But it is avaUable. go again. We wonder if the organizers have Chanukkah is anywhere from early De­ any idea how many more women would par­ cember to mid-January. The Jewish calen­ ticipate if it wasn't on this holy day. Would dar is lunar and matches differently every you come to our march if it was on Easter year with the solar Christian calendar. This Sunday? Maybe we know you won't be in year Chanakkah is December 12th to De­ church, but stUl we think you'd be offended. cember 20th. Nu? We're not aU in shul on Rosh Hashana, but it's stiU a special day, a tradition, and At Chanukkah wish us Happy Chanuk­ it's an ignor-ance, in the sense of being ig­ kah. In the faU, wish us Happy New Year. nored, to have a march on such a special (We say L'Shana Tova. You could say that, day. too.) In the spring wish us Good Yon- We would never do it to you and we can­ tif. Chanakkah is not a difficult word to not understand why you persist in doing it. remember—and it's not Jewish Christmas. Do you not care? Do you think you wUl as­ Don't wish us a Happy Jewish Christmas similate us? Not hkely. We have a long his­ North American festival celebrated by peo­ It's quite a celebration. Of course, not all or Season's Greetings. We wUl just assume tory. This is the year 5751 by our reckoning. ple who are not Christians, that you don't Jews actually do something to celebrate that you mean your season. Happy Holi­ Maybe we don't want to be assimilated. have to be Christian to have Christmas; a that day—or any other day. Not aU of any day is not good enough either. Christians say Happy Hohday to each other at Christ­ We've noticed that other people have tree, some gifts. Santa Claus. Elves. What's group does any one thing at any one time. mas. We've noticed this. Don't ask us what other kinds of holidays. How could we not the matter with presents and good cheer we are doing for Christmas. We don't do notice? Ever tried not to notice HaUowe'en? and a couple of days off? Why do we have Two months after Simhat Torah is Christmas. Then the day after HaUowe'en, down come to be strident? Denying people their tradi­ Chanukkah. Chanukkah is the Festival of the orange pumpkins and the black cats and tions, their httle bit of fun? the Lights. It doesn't have anything at aU to up goes the red tinsel and the green boughs. Our traditions get lost in your traditions. do with Christmas. Chanukkah is not Jew­ Find out what we do do. Find out when How could we not notice? Would it be so difficult, in October, to wish ish Christmas. Jews don't have Christmas our holidays are. Don't organize events on because we're Jews and by definition we those days. You know, 3,000 years ago the Druids in us Happy New Year? Would you choke to wish us written in the Book of Life? We don't have Christmas—even though Jesus So, what's this about? England would sacrifice a white ox under an was a Jew. Chanakkah is the celebration of oak tree at the winter solstice—sun return, would have such an easier time wishing peo­ This is about mutual respect. We want ple happy holidays in December if you had a pohtical victory of freedom from religious their New Year. They would hang the ox's you to start holding up your end of the re­ done the same for us in October. persecution. It is something of an irony that entrails on an evergreen tree and predict the Chanakkah, of aU Jewish holidays, is persis­ lationship. events of the new year by how the entrails Not instead. As weU. Us too. Them too. tently mis-interpreted as some Jewish ver­ hung. People have been hanging long shiny Everyone. With all our divergent pasts. sion of a Christian festival. Chanakkah is red things on evergreen trees at the winter So, what's this about? very much a Jewish holiday. It has been Silva Tenenbein is a Jewish dyke stu­ solstice ever since. Interesting tradition. This article is written by Jews. Rosh around much longer than Jesus (who must dent at Simon Fraser University who Also, there've been a couple of dozen Hashana, Yom Kippur, Simhat Torah, have celebrated it too, because, after aU, Je­ studies the public discourse in psychi­ messiahs in the last few thousand years, who Sukkot, Channukah are Jewish holidays. sus was a Jew. A Sephardic Jew, inciden­ atry. Karen X. Tulchinsky is a Jewish were born of a virgin on the winter solstice, Rosh Hashana is the New Year. On the tally. Not white). lesbian political activist writer.

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Jude Narita Compelling, brilliant theatre by Lily Yuriko Shinde G.L American ex-boyfriend who she naively geous mother, and "Little Boy", the pow­ appropriate or pohticaUy acceptable for an beheves wUl rescue her and her family to erful atomic bomb. Narita's graceful hand Asian American woman to portray the hves Jude Narita, a Japanese American San­ immigrate to Los Angeles, "the City of An­ movements, expressive face and powerful of a PhiUipina and Vietnamese woman? sei (third generation Japanese Ameri­ gels." This is a painful story of a Vietnamese dehvery graphicaUy described the devasta­ However, I would rather see an Asian Amer­ can) writer-actor performed Coming Into woman who is a survivor/victim hving in a tion of nuclear war. ican actor repre sent so-called Third World Passion—Song For A Sansei in Vancou­ war-torn country. "Nisei Days," was a poignant vignette Asian women than white women actors. And I wonder if the rest of the audience ver during the last week of October. Her In the second piece, "No. 852," Lita, about Nobuko, a Nisei (second generation analyzed these characters or did they see it show was a co-presentation of the PoweU a PhiUipina is undergoing a preliminary Japanese American) who breaks the sUence as purely entertainment? Street Festival and the Vancouver East Cul­ video-taped interview—she is applying to of Nisei experience by confronting a white tural Centre and was Narita's Canadian de­ be a maU-order bride for the United States man's racism. She seemed very afraid, al­ Narita minimized the pohtical impact of but. market. WhUe she has the hope of meet­ most meek and mild-mannered in her ap­ her show with her closing personal message. Coming Into Passion—Song For a ing "the perfect future husband," the in­ proach and ends by saying: "Have a nice She impUed that in our hearts and souls we Sansei ran for 19 months in Los Angeles terviewer, via taped voice, bombards her day." This was the reaUty of the Nisei gen­ are aU one and in the end nothing matters. and is now being produced in New York with condescending and degrading ques­ eration when speaking out was an act of It smeUed of the esoteric new-age 'chUdren City. Narita received the 1989 Los Angeles of the universe' phUosophy that is practiced Drama Critic's Awards, and a 1987 Drama- by people with privUege. It certainly did not logue and Jimmie award from the Associa­ seem to have any connection with the five tion of Pacific American Artists. In the last ...speaking out was an act of courage women in the show. Narita's show is bril­ two years she has performed at over two liant enough without pacifying other peo­ dozen Asian events and women's festivals ple's hberal guUt. around the United States, and was chosen tions and manipulates and coerces her to courage. This story was inspired by Narita's Overall, I enjoyed Coming Into Pas­ to represent American theatre in the 1988 agree to marry a possibly alcoholic, abusive mother, a Nisei woman who experienced the sion—Song For A Sansei. Certainly it Mark Taper/USIA tour of Poland. and older future husband. The interviewer's harsh reaUties of hving in Manzanar, an in­ touched my heart and left me emotionaUy Narita is a multi-talented performer; she obnoxious and exploitative tactics fiUed me ternment camp in the United States. fractured as it took me on an emotional not only wrote the script, but acted and with rage; I noticed other women in the au­ The final act, "Karate/Bamboo," seemed roUer-coaster ride for weeks afterwards. I produced this powerful and moving show. dience hissing at his questions. to be the most popular with the audience. It feel angry and sad that the oppressions of racism, sexual exploitation and victimiza­ Her motivation to perform and produce In "Little Boy" (the nick-name given to was a hvely vignette about a punky Sansei tion of Asian women around the world are this show resulted from her frustration with the Hiroshima bomb) Narita presents a leg­ teenager who rebels against her famUy tra­ stiU a reality. the limited and negative stereotypical roles end/myth about a Japanese mother, her ditions and the pressure to exceU academ- given to Asian American women by the daughter Kimiko and her chUdhood friends icaUy. This energetic and comical story is It was heart-warming and empowering mainstream theatre groups. trying to escape from the Hiroshima bomb. closest to Narita's heart. Of this piece, she to see the inner strength and resistance to says, "I was tall, sarcastic and had a loud racism of the Japanese American women in Cobi Narita, her mother, was her biggest This story was inspired by "ChUdren of Hi­ laugh. I reacted against that by dressing aU the show; but most of aU it made me proud inspiration and supported and encouraged roshima," a coUection of letters from chU­ in black, and though I was a high achiever, of who I am, a Japanese Canadian woman. her to pursue a theatrical career. Narita ac­ dren who survived the atomic bomb. I created a lot of animosity." knowledges and credits her mother for her "Little Boy" exemplifies Narita's talent Thank you, Jude Narita, for a most com- success as an actor. as a writer and actor. It is beautifully po­ peUing show. The show is structured with "Judith" etic: "Kimiko arrives at the school where The depictions of the Vietnamese and Lily Yuriko Shinde is a Japanese having a series of Night/Dreams in which the chUdren with flesh falling away Uke red PhiUipina women in the first two vignettes Canadian Nisei living in Vancouver and Narita characterizes the hves of five dif­ tissue in the wind, drop to the ground hke lacked depth and dimension. Is it culturaUy practising accupuncture and massage, ferent Asian women. The first vignette, black stones." Narita writes with such de­ "Good Job", was about a Vietnamese bar­ scriptive imagery, and the simplicity of this maid/hooker who survives by making her fairy-tale touches the chUd in each of us. hving through prostitution. She considers Narita sat spotlighted on stage in her herself lucky to have such a "good job" be­ shimmering blue kimono with the laven­ cause "she did not have to work in cages" der fan backdrop. Her acting skiUs shone hke the other prostitutes on the street. She as she smoothly shifted through the three tells stories of her experiences with her cus­ different characters: Kimiko, the helpless tomers and then reads an old letter from a and innocent chUd, the brave and coura- No conquest, no invasion by Sherrill Rowland that we may learn something to our advan­ tage if we know more about Toklas' success­ ful forty-year partnership with Stein. GERTRUDE STEIN AND A COMPANION The stage at the Station Arts Centre is by Win Wells three-quarter round; there's no curtain and, directed by Sandra E. Fellner on stage, the attractive set was minimally furnished with two chairs, a desk and a hat- Gertrude Stein And a Companion, rack. Danielle Cormier, cast as Toklas, and a production of the BLT Theatre Com­ Linda QuibeU as Stein, were charged with pany, played recently in Vancouver to au­ the responsibiUty of carrying us through the diences at the Station Street Arts Centre. play from beginning to end. I was there on opening night and I en­ joyed the performance very much. In Jan­ It began by looking hke a big job for uary, Gertrude Stein And a Companion two people. In short, I could see there was wUl play at the First Seattle Fringe Festival. nowhere for any of us to hide if something went wrong. In those first few moments on As women we are in a process of claim­ opening night I felt some fear. But not for ing our hterary inheritance from the women long. The action on stage intrigued me eas- who hved and died before us, and we're ex­ Uy right at the start and continued to re­ amining closely the terms of our legacy. Di­ ward my attention throughout. And I did rector Sandra FeUner suggests this is why emerge feehng encouraged and I think I can there's been a resurgence of interest in the say why. hves and work of women such as Gertrude Stein and AUce Toklas. FeUner beheves that Stein's message continues to encourage, and See TOKLAS page 18

KINESIS Dec/Jan. 91 SsSSSS****^^^^^ ARTS

Who ordered this meaning? Two kicks at the filmmaker's can

by Meg Edwards ten surprised by the unstructured quality of romantic costumes playing in the snow. Ac­ nature of storyteUing between strangers, we her feature. In New Shoes, the art of film­ cording to Fleming, it is a personal sym­ think about the characters and where they making becomes transparently self-reflexive NEW SHOES bolic order, not a structural or thematic or­ come from and what they say about Amer­ and Fleming's storyhne is saturated with a der, that puUs together the many ideas and by Ann Marie Fleming ican society. We think about the nature of self-conscious and mocking tone. images in this "long, short film." Vancouver, Cinephile Dist, 1990 the human mind and its need for categories Fleming plays EmUy, a character ob­ and organization. CONNECTING LINES Fleming poses many rhetorical questions. sessed by an act of violence in the hfe of by Mary Daniel In one scene entitled "The Act of Violence," In some scenes we watch two empty seats Vancouver, CFDW, 1990 as we hear voices, and other times we see Cineworks is home to many alternative the face of a hstener whUe someone else filmmakers—artists whose visions are op­ speaks. Characters appear and disappear, posed to the mainstream cinematic culture among them our narrator. At one point a for pohtical, aesthetic or structural reasons. hstener faUs asleep as the narrator begins a These filmmakers challenge our traditional story about being on a train and watching ways of assimUating visual images: by re­ a film about a woman being on a train. jecting conventional forms of narrative, they comment on the pohtical or aesthetic as­ Both filmmakers draw the audience into pects of the filmmaking process itself. Ex­ the process of filmmaking by making struc­ perimental films therefore play an impor­ ture visible. But Connecting Lines is tant role in the growing need for visual lit­ structuraUy intriguing where New Shoes is eracy in our image-laden society. pedantic. Fleming insists that we step back from her film and examine the process of At the November evening of the narrative filmmaking. Daniel's approach is retrospective series hosted by Cineworks on more subtle and approachable. Her playful­ their tenth anniversary, two films shown ness with structure and order in Connect­ made an interesting comparison of the ex­ ing Lines exemplifies her personal search perimental genre. Both New Shoes by for meaning as the storyteUers echo this Ann Marie Fleming and Connecting Lines continual quest through their conversations by Mary Daniel experiment with the con­ and monologues. ventions of storyteUing and film narrative. They are both personal explorations into Daniel's film exhibits a thoughtful pro­ the nature of filmmaking and the expression cess that creates layer after layer of mean­ of 'self. And yet it is this simUar process of ingful connections. Fleming's style is free- self-discovery that hes at the heart of their flowing and unstructured; she creates ques­ differences. Daniel analyzes our need for or­ tions and hopes to answer them through the der and organization in a carefully struc­ Ann Marie Fleming natural process of her mind. The general tured and insightful film. Fleming, in the message of New Shoes seems to be that same quest, rejects our need for structure there is no order or sense to the world. in a patchwork of images and ideas from her her friend, Ellen (Valerie Buhagiar from Fleming tries to connect an unsuccessful Ufe. Roadkill). The story moves from flash­ mugging—actuaUy an attempt to snatch backs of an episode in Ellen's Ufe, in which her purse—with the general sad and evil To my mind, we look to art for clarity an ex-boyfriend shoots her in the back state of the world. As EmUy rants about her and insights. Whether viewing art or creat­ Ann Marie Fleming took the runner-up and then kiUs himself, to the daily ac­ feehngs of inadequacy—"how can I carry ing it, we are constantly looking for patterns prize for Best Short Film at this year's tivities of an "emotionaUy neglected rich on hving when there is so much violence and connections. Even the action of reject- Festival of Festivals in Toronto as part of kid from KitsUano" (Emily). Interspersed and pain in the world"—the scene is in­ the National Film Board's Five Feminist within this theme are mysterious and obvi­ terspersed with close-ups of h#r sUent male Minutes. According to Fleming, her short ously symbohc scenes from her unconscious companion's smirking face, and romantic film (also titled New Shoes) has more of mind: black and white photos of a pregnant shots of EmUy tossing her hair on the beach. an expected "true form" and people are of- woman, or EmUy and her friend dressed in Fleming's stream of consciousness style can be humourous but there were many times when some editing and ordering would have helped to hold my attention. ...a potentially into the spothght with Stein. Each owns the drama, each takes action in the world, and good film in TOKLAS from page 17 each is portrayed in possession of an ac­ Another question Fleming poses: "Why tive hfe of the mind, with a capacity for does a man buy new shoes when he has need of a pleasures which are sensual and inteUectual decided to kill himself?" is answered with For much of the history of theatre, and comical. This is reclamation in process, a life-confirming finale of polka dancing in good re-write women weren't aUowed to stand on stage; and I find it heartening—and encouraging— which the narrator interrupts to inform the the few women's roles were played by men. to see quick-witted theatrical performances audience that her dancing was impaired by More recently women have appeared on portraying women as thinkers and doers. an infected toe. New Shoes is a whimsi­ stage cast as objects to be acted upon by DanieUe Cormier and Linda QuibeU cal and self-indulgent film which, hke many the subjects of the patriarchal drama; stiU, worked weU together. Their performances first films, tries to say too much. men only who act in the world, who were honest, weU-researched and acces­ ing conventional forms is an act of order­ are the real actors. Often, the scene onstage sible— dehvered straight-across. With in­ ing. In fact, it may not be possible to reject unfolds not unhke the street scene where Mary Daniel's Connecting Lines is sim­ telligence, each firmly claimed the terri­ the hnear, logical side of our minds with­ we learn that as women we don't really Uar to New Shoes in that the narrator is tory which was hers as performer; self- out creating an unsatisfying film. If we re­ have a right to be there on our own. When both the filmmaker and a character in the possessed, she owned her words and her per­ ject form and structure entirely, hoping to men claim ownership of the street or the film. As a narrator she discusses her past sonal space. On stage, there was a mutual stage, women's fight for hberation becomes and her ideas about the structure we im­ create meaning through haphazard editing, respect displayed which seemed to extend a struggle for reclamation of the right to be pose on hfe in order to find or create mean­ the outcome is a potentiaUy good film in itself to the audience. There was no con­ on stage or in the street, and in the world. ing. However, she is not a protagonist, as is need of a good rewrite. quest and no invasion. When any woman successfuUy claims the EmUy. In Connecting Lines the narrator stage, in so doing she asserts, "I am the doer Interviewed near the end of her hfe, Stein graduaUy loses the main stage as we watch who does, I am the author of my acts." reflected: "Nobody enters into the mind of and hsten to a parade of characters. However, in the last analysis it is always someone else, not even a husband and wife. interesting to see a woman tackling these It's clear that Gertrude Stein, in real hfe, You may touch, but you do not enter into issues and creating films that are whole­ in everyday hfe, was capable of giving just each other's mind." And in Tender But­ They sit in front of a fake train win­ heartedly dedicated to her own hfe and her such a performance, a strong presence in the tons, she wrote, "There is no use, there dow whUe authentic landscapes of a trip own visions. We have watched many a male world. In this play, AUce Toklas is portrayed no use at aU in smeU, in taste, in teeth, in across America fiU the frame behind them. artist express his views of hfe and love on equaUy as doer, and author of her acts. toast, in anything, there is no use at aU and As in a real train trip, the audience sits film. It was an unusual and rewarding expe­ When she wrote Gertrude Stein And the respect is mutual." back and hstens to the tales as if we too rience to view two female explorations into a Companion, playwright Win WeUs cre­ had a scotch in hand and lots of time. And the meaning of order, or if you hke, the or­ ated two powerful characters, each with an Sherrill Rowland is the daughter and whUe the narrator stiU figures—sometimes der of meaning. equal right to be present—heart and mind granddaughter of single mothers; her as speaker and sometimes as Ustener—our and body. In so doing, WeUs draws a credi­ feminism marks their achievement and interest transfers to the structure of the film Meg Edwards is a freelance writer liv­ ble Alice Babette Toklas out of the shadows, reckons the cost. instead of her character. We think about the ing in Vancouver. 18 KINESIS Dec/Jan. 91 ARTS ///////////////////////^^^^^

Lauri E. Nerman While this is still evident throughout their debut recording, what strikes me most is the versatihty and seriousness of jody grind's Ferron songwriting. "Florida Maine" is one of the PHANTOM CENTRE most riveting country ballads I've heard in Chameleon Records, 1990 a long time. Murray also covers Elhngton's Ferron's fifth album establishes her once "Mood Indigo" in a unique and haunting again as one of the most important and vi­ manner. Her voice and phrasing is so pow­ sionary songwriters of our time. After the erful throughout the album that as much critical success of Shadows on a Dime six as I resist admitting to the foUowing phe­ years ago, I eagerly awaited the release of nomenon: my feet could not sit stiU during her new recording. Long time fans and new her classic version of Burt Bacharach and found fans wiU not be disappointed. That Hal David's "Wishin' and Hopin'." said, if hsteners are expecting the acoustic Jody grind takes its name from a world and minimalist sound of previous record­ war two expression for men who dated ings, you are in for a sound with a differ­ "sweethearts" of overseas GIs. Most of their ence. songs blend new sounds with a reverence o Phantom Centre contains the lyrical for the classics. One of my favourite albums < depth and density that has become the sig­ in the past year. AvaUable from DB Rees, & nature of Ferron's work. She quotes Marion 432 Moreland Avenue N.E., Atlanta, GA, $ Woodman from her non-fiction work "Ad­ 30307. | diction to Perfection" in the hner notes: But if you travel far enough/one day you will recognize/yourself coming down Anna Domino the/road to meet yourself. Alice Coltrane-Turiyasangitanada DIVINE SONGS To my dehght, I discovered that one of the This sums up the essence and power of Jowcol Music, 1987 Colouring in the Edge and the Out­ Ferron's writing: the abihty to capture and members of the band was Charlotte Caf- line explores a personal dream-like world articulate the struggle between our spirit I wanted to review this cassette for a long fey, formerly of that fab girl group The Go- in the pop vein. On a recent CBC inter­ and the material world. Love is the corner­ time but hesitated because of the negative Gos. There were less than a hundred people view, Domino discussed the importance of stone and in particular, self-love. As Ferron associations I have with most new age mu­ in attendance and aU of us were witness to pop music in reaching a mass audience in states in "Stand Up": Now I can see love sic. H you are simUarly prejudiced, I recom­ an evening of folk-rock harmonies extraor­ an intelligent and thoughtful manner. Her the woman/and love in the man in mend suspending judgement and Ustening dinaire. pieces balance an upbeat dance sound with to this astounding voice and chant work. myself. The point of aU this is that I wish their spoken singing. Alice Coltrane is no stranger to the mu­ At first I thought the music was too or­ record company had put the same thought sic world. She is a prolific and has an impor­ chestrated, overshadowing the power of her into their record cover as the Vancouver "88" is one of my favourite songs these tant place in jazz fusion as a keyboardist. lyrics. Yet after hstening many times, I person who promoted their show. Perfect days. Her complex use of keyboards and She and her late husband John Coltrane re­ think Ferron's music is also brilliant. View is an album I ignored for about six electronic sounds complement the simplic­ ceived a lot of attention in the early 60s months due to the rather "bimbette" visuals ity of her lyrics to create an intense piece. One of my favourite Ferron pieces was as they introduced western audiences to In­ on the front. I would never have imagined She states: originaUy recorded on Ferron Backed Up dian, African and Latin musical influences. the level of inteUigence and insight that is in 1978. (It is now considered a collector's Lost in imaginary mystery Alice Coltrane's passion for mysticism is buried inside this awful cover. item due to Umited distribution.) "White a view that has no end Wing Mercy" has been rereleased on this highlighted in this collection of transcenden­ The Graces are a great band specializ­ album, literally a testimony to the timeless- tal hymns (bhajans). Sung in Sanskrit, these ing in a meUow, folk sound reminiscent of I am alone without laws of time or ness of her work: gravity J left my father as only daughters can and I can dream where reality can end... I chose to seem him as a monster of a man will wonders ever cease I left my mother in her frameless cage Colouring in the Edge and the Out­ But never could I shake her rage line is a positive testimony to being alive in the world without sounding cliche. Con­ This is an important album for any seri­ trary to her eariier work, Domino's lyrics ous collector of contemporary music. Once reflect the personal without self-confession. again Ferron shares her prophetic world It's time more people discover this power­ with us and in the process reflects our hves chants combine the melodic with the avant- the harmonies of Cass Elhot and Michele ful songwriter. Available from P.O. Box 800, in a profound and uncompromising manner. garde. Her voice hfts the hstener to a level Philips of the Mamas and Papas. "Tomor­ RockviUe Centre, N.Y. 11571. Since words are such an integral part of her of beauty and relaxation. I usuaUy play this row" is a powerful indictment of our soci­ work, it is only fair to let you know that the tape when I am feehng reflective and want ety's treatment of the homeless. Ignore the CD released in Canada does not appear to the quiet of music. There are few words to sUly visuals and treat yourself to a gem of A Postscript of Sorts: I am par­ include lyrics. Ask your favourite store peo­ describe this cassette except to say, when­ a record. The Graces are Gia Ciambotti, ticularly interested in reviewing mate­ ever I play it for someone who is dismissive ple about this. (Ferron appears in concert Meredith Brooks and Charlotte Caffey. rial by unsigned musicians in all gen­ of new age music, I have discovered it a few January 27 in Vancouver. See ad this is­ res. It is very difficult for me to ac­ months later in their music collection. Dis­ sue for detaUs.) Anna Domino cess most of you due to distribution tributed by Avatar Book Institute P.O. Box COLOURING IN THE EDGE AND problems. In future columns I want to 7434, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91359. THE OUTLINE try and have a balance of local musi­ Giant Records, 1989 cians as well as the unusual indepen­ the jody grind The Graces Anna Domino's third recording consists dent label material. Send me your tapes, ONE MAN'S TRASH IS ANOTHER PERFECT VIEW of six songs which are rich with texture and how we can order them, how much they MAN'S TREASURE A & M Records, 1989 atmosphere. Based in Belgium, Canadian- cost and bio information (a must). Send DB Rees, 1990 Last year whUe visiting Vancouver, I had born Domino is virtuaUy unknown in her to: Lauri Nerman c/o Sub Productions, This album is sheer hstening joy from be­ the opportunity to see The Graces at a lo­ native country. Distribution of her mate­ University of Victoria Student Union ginning to end. Lead singer KeUy Hogan cal club. I knew about the gig because of rial remains a problem. HopefuUy this wUl Building, University of Victoria, P.O. Murray originaUy co-founded the band to a dynamic black and white poster that hit change as more hsteners begin demanding Box 3035, Victoria B.C. V8W 3P3 (no play jazz and country covers for the fun of it. aU the empty fences and outlets in the city. her work. phone calls please.)

KINESIS Dec/Jan. 91 South Africa

Gcin a M hlope breaking tfle barriers by Gcina Mhlope When I was introduced to this praise poet, I felt that he baptised me when he shook as told to Louie Ettling my hand. And even though at that time I had never written a poem in my hfe I decided transcribed & edited by Lizann Foster then and there that I was a praise poet. And that was a turning point in my hfe. I was 17-years old. When I got back to school I felt so restless but I didn't know what to do— it never connected that I was wanting to write, untU I sat down and I wrote my very Gcina Mhlope—South African praise poet, storyteller, actor, director—is fea­ first poem. tured in the film Songololo: Voices of Change which played this fall in various Cana­ When I had finished I stood up and said it out loud and it was so great to hear my dian cities. Mhlope participated in the Vancouver International Writers Festival voice ... And that was the first time I hked my voice and I hked myself and I have in October where she talked with Louie Ettling about her childhood, her evolution never stopped writing since then. as an artist and the politics of culture in South Africa. I wrote about aU kinds of things. My writing was hke therapy. I could describe things I was born in Hammarsdale, near Durban. My mother was from a place caUed Mount on paper that I could not describe by talking to a person. My poetry was very personal Frere in the Transkei—she was a domestic worker—and my father was born in Ham­ and my short stories were very much about my inner feehngs. I didn't particularly want marsdale. My mother was not married to my father—she had other chUdren in the to show them to anybody. But one day, in 1977,1 decided to send a story to a maga­ Transkei. It was considered a disgrace that she had had a chUd whUe working in the city. zine and they printed it and sent it back to me at school. And I saw my name in print: So she gave me to my father and he took me to his wife. He was married and had seven GCINA MHLOPE. And I read the story with such interest hke I had never seen it be­ chUdren. God knows what the woman said when my father brought her a present—a fore. I put it under my pUlow and ran around the whole school and looked at it again. It chubby httle baby. So there I was. And that is how I got to be hving with my father's was a lovely feeUng. famUy. In 1978 I went to Johannesburg, looking for a job and for accommodation. I hved with I was brought up by my father's eldest sister, who was much older than him. I caUed my sister—although I was not aUowed to because of the apartheid laws which prohibit her Gogo, which is Zulu for grandmother. She had left her husband because he had domestic workers from sharing their rooms with anyone. I felt very lonely because the wanted to take another wife because Gogo had not given birth after many miscarriages— space was so cramped. We got on each other's nerves. I spent lots of time reading. but she did not want to share him with anyone. That was quite revolutionary in her I finaUy got a job at a factory at Doornfontien in the centre of the city where I earned time. She had buUt a house not far from my father's home. R11.00 [about $22] a week. It was boring work but at least it was something to do. Be­ Gogo had a garden with bananas on one side of the house and flowers in the front. cause I was not aUowed to Uve with my sister I had to leave the room at a certain time One day I decided that I would play at being a teacher. I pretended that the plants and come back at a certain time. were pupils and I was their teacher and would teach them aU the things I had learned at One day it was raining and I was walking toward the bus stop when I needed a toilet. school. When the flowers refused to learn, I would beat them up. I saw this public toilet and I went inside and closed the door and began to read. It was My grandmother would sit me down and tell me that everything that grows has feel­ very cozy and very clean. For many days afterward I kept on going back there to wait for ings and that flowers had feehngs in the same way I had feehngs. It hurt them [to be the bus. One day I decided to buy myself a notebook and I used to write in that toilet. I beaten]. I never forgot that. These days when people are so concerned with the environ­ wrote my first Enghsh poem there. It was my httle study. ment, I remember her telhng me that. Although my grandmother was a strong woman I later went to Uve in Alexandra township where I met other writers, which was good and strong in her convictions, she was stiU very caring. Being with her was a lovely basis because writing can be a very lonely thing. There was an organisation called PEN for for my chUdhood. writers and when they had a conference I went and met people hke Ezakiel Mphahlele, When I was 10 years old, my biological mother came to visit me at Easter time. I had Eugene Skeef and Nadine Gordimer and Lionel Abrahams. It was the first time I had forgotten about her—I considered my father's wife as my mother. When she turned up, met professional writers. It was from these meetings that I was introduced to the people I remember how I used to laugh at her because she spoke Xhosa ... She went away and at Staffrider magazine. I wrote an article for Staff-rider and also had poetry published she probably was sad that I had acted that way. My hfe returned to normal and I didn't in other magazines. People began to hear about me and wanted to know who Gcina think about her again untU the end of the school year in Standard Two [Grade 4]. Mphlope was. I was very excited. I had passed and we were going away with Gogo to Port Shep- I started to go to poetry readings in the townships. They would have aU-night poetry stone. Our bags were packed and everything was ready. I was alone at home when a readings with the music of drums and flutes to accompany the readings. I felt so alive white car suddenly showed up. In it was my biological mother and her madame —the there. I felt that I could incorporate what I had seen a praise poet do with a contempo­ woman she worked for in Durban. They had come to pick me up. They dragged me into rary style of poetry. One day I performed my poetry, without drums or anything. I was the white car and 10 hours later I found myself in the Transkei. the only woman there but that did not bother me. I wanted to grow and become more Gcina Mhlope involved with this kind of performing. I never wanted my poetry just for publication or I had been stolen. We chUdren had grown up with a fear for a white car that would to be read sUently. I have begun to write and perform chUdren's stories—traditional African folk tales that aUy beheve that there are many people who are working to make change real. There are steal chUdren who did not eat their food or pohsh their shoes. It was hke the "bogey­ Gogo told me. I think I am so busy because there is a shortage of women in the arts. I people who work in very minor ways, hke the work done in literacy because the educa­ man." My family in Hammarsdale did not know where I was. They advertised on the ra­ [Eventually] I performed at conferences and writers workshops and at rallies hke those would have enjoyed being directed by a woman if there were more women directors. In­ tion systems faded so many chUdren. dio and in the newspapers—they had descriptions of me and the clothing I wore that held by the South African Federation of Women, which I joined. That was my introduc­ stead I had to become a director myself. I would have enjoyed acting in another woman's There are people who are working to aUeviate the housing problem. There are so day. After three months, my mother told them where I was. She felt that I was her chUd. tion into the hfe of public performances—I have never thought of it as show business. I play if there were more women playwrights. There is a shortage of dignified roles for many homeless people in South Africa. People seem to worry more about the elephants My grandmother was heartbroken. I had been her hfe. am not a pohtician. I do not hke writing speeches. Some people wrote speeches, I wrote women. I have had to try to create dignified roles for other women and for myself. than people without homes. Other people are working towards empowering workers so poetry. that they can understand the forces that determine their work hves. They learn about In Hammarsdale I had been joUy and funloving. Now I cried aU the time ... I had I hved in the women's hostel [in Alexandria]. These single sex hostels are the sick­ the economy and about recessions and how the fluctuations in the money markets affect to learn to fit into the hfestyle of the Transkei. There was no time for playing with If They Do Not Have Skills... est thing that the apartheid system created. In this one buUding there were almost 2000 them. dolls and teaching flowers. There was no fancy clothes or trips to visit relatives. In the I really love storyteUing and I really love chUdren. StoryteUing incorporates so many dif­ Transkei one had to work. And probably because I didn't look hke the Transkein people ferent art forms—mime, singing, acting. StoryteUing also breaks through cultural barri­ It is ridiculous the way the media has portrayed the fighting among the people as be­ ( I didn't discuss this with my mother) my mother drUled me. Whatever the culture ex­ ers: everyone loves hstening to stories. And this is so important in a country hke South ing tribal. The Xhosa and the Zulu have hved together for centuries and we do not hate pected a httle girl to do I had to do weU. I had to learn how to balance a bucket of watei Africa—a country of so many barriers. I transcend these barriers as I sit in front of poor each other because we speak a different language. My mother was Xhosa and my father on my head, to collect firewood to do aU these things properly. My mother was very hard white chUdren. And when I stand in front of all these chUdren at the school assembly I was Zulu. I am the product of the love between these two cultures. People realize now on me. can feel my grandmother smUing at me. that the [violence] was instigated to slow down the process of change. It was hke some­ I also use the opportunity I have at the schools to tell the chUdren that even though one put a boulder in the way of a fast moving car. Our struggle is moving very fast. We Because there was no hope of me going to highschool, I was terrified—girls my age are very aware of the way that we have lost a sense of community. were being married off. I was told many times that certain things had to be done be­ Those women will not stop fighting now. the Bantu Education they receive is so inferior they should use it to get a better edu­ cause of tradition. And I knew any day would be my day. I used to hsten to the horror cation for themselves. When I was at school, even though I had such a good academic The apartheid system divides families through things hke the single sex hostels and stories of the first night of marriage when you got raped basically. There is no other way They had to fight for their children record, I only knew about 20 percent of what I should have known. And I feel that even the migrant labour system, where the father has three weeks of the year to visit his wife to describe that. though protest and marches in the street are important, if we do not have any skiUs we before he [returns to work], leaving her pregnant again. How can the feminist cause work and now they are fighting for every child... cannot do anything really important. We cannot take over the country and rule it if we in a situation hke that? My oldest sister [my mother's chUd] had run away from her husband and come home, do not have skiUs. So at the end of my performances at schools when the chUdren ask to everyone's surprise. She had heard how good I was at school. She knew that my The situation has made people who would not normally be involved in poUtics very me questions I tell them to go for sldUs. I tell them that show business is not glamourous poUticaUy conscious as their chUdren were taken away and thrown into jaU. ChUdren and mother wanted me married but she had saved money for me to go to boarding school. ... So I tell them that they must go for sldUs and make that their weapon. She presented my mother with the forms that said that I had been admitted to the parents look to each other for support as they fought the system. They join organiza­ boarding school and the uniforms for the school which was near Flagstaff. Within two Living in South Africa in 1990 has been strange. It has been a very fast moving year. tions hke the Detainees Parent Support Committee and learn more about pohtics. Those days of her arriving I was off to boarding school. I couldn't beheve it. Everything about the country is so unpredictable. One never knows what is going to women wUl not stop fighting now. They had to fight for their chUdren and now they are women. The budding was five stories high. There were five women to a room. The room happen next week or next month. The release of Mandela and other pohtical prisoners fighting for every chUd and that is really something ... Let me just talk about my mother one more time. I've only been talking about the just had five beds and a single hght. It was very difficult to be a writer under those cir­ and the pohtical rallies in the streets of major cities were the high points. The kiUings I find it very strange that people from so many places all around the world say that bad things I remember about her. There was a young aunt of mine who told me sto­ cumstances. among Black people were some of the low points. ries about my mother and the good times in her hfe. My mother's name was Nomanina they care about what happens in my country, but do they care about the Native people It is very difficult for a writer to try to see where it is going. I do not even know how which means "the favourite of the mothers." She was invited aU over the Mount Frere re­ But I persevered because there was something driving me inside. I really wanted to in their own country? How can they think that they can make my hfe better when they to write about it. It has been so weird. I visualize it as growing pains or teething prob­ gion to dance at weddings. When I heard these stories I would try to imagine my mother write. I used to wait untU everyone was asleep and then I would hght a candle next to cannot improve the hves of the American Natives or the Aboriginal people in Australia? lems. There are so many different ideologies and different ideas of how to get to the same srmling and happy and not angry about anything. My mother had a beautiful body and my bed and write. I used to wait untU people left on Fridays to go out or to visit their I feel a kinship with the Native people in these countries. I have been reading their po­ goal: a free South Africa. But there are more than enough people who have a good heart it was easy to imagine her a httle younger dancing and being happy. husbands. I would stay up aU night and write. And that's how I would spend the whole etry and I believe that aU people of colour have a way of surviving. And I also think that weekend. Then one day someone gave me a typewriter because they could not beheve I in South Africa in order to make South Africa a peaceful country. People are very con­ they find it unbehevably easy to forgive. I do not ever want to hate every white person I Liked Myself, I Liked My Voice... wrote aU those pages by hand. I had never used a typewriter before but I sat down and cerned about the chUdren and they want to ensure that the chUdren are able to have in South Africa. I have no right to do that. It is not true that every white person makes At boarding school I saw a traditional praise poet. A traditional praise poet is a person just used it. It made a terrible noise. But I didn't stop. The day Gcina Mphlope stops what the adults had to hve without for so long. every Black person suffer. who dresses colourfully and accompanies the chief/king and performs poetry that boasts writing is the day Gcina Mphlope stops hving. The chUdren of 1990 have suffered so much. They have been to jaU and been tortured War drives people to so many lows. They cannot accept that they were wrong. It's hke about the achievements of the tribe and its growth—about the way the king was elected In the 10 years I have hved in Johannesburg, I have found myself growing and moving by security poUce who sexuaUy molest them. They have seen their parents being kUled in a game of soccer. It is quite a male game. And I sit late at night and wonder what would and the tribe's history. He sometimes criticizes things, too. into aU sorts of things. I stiU perform my poetry but I also act on stage and direct plays. front of them. They have seen so many dead bodies. There is so much work to be done happen if women had more power than they do. But I do not think that I wiU find out in to correct these things. Sometimes people think that I am being too optimistic but I re­ the next fifty years.

K'NESIS l<|NESISDec/Jan. 91

Taking voice, shaking silence by Gladys We One is the family story and the other garet HoUingsworth as "a grinch, a gremlin, translation. This is unfortunate, as many is a song. To take these without consent a gnome on my shoulder—a httle voice that Quebecoise writers are working from a is to steal—Akeywakeywaszee (earth El­ pipes up in my ear every time I put pen different perspective, of culture and his- LANGUAGE IN HER EYE: der) Saulteaux." Maracle writes: "women of to paper: should you?—is it correct?— tory/herstory, and the contrast with the En­ Views on Writing and Gender by colour are entitled to author their own sto- glish writers would have been highly stimu­ Canadian Women Writing in English how will this be evaluated?—how many ries...In the minds of some white women, friends will you lose ?" Paulette Jiles de­ lating and provocative. Ed. by Libby Scheier, Sarah Sheard and many white men, women of colour do scribes feminist thought as "thought po­ and Eleanor Wachtel The other hole is the absence of Ori­ not enjoy equal rights." hce," with "the obligation of worrying Toronto: Coach House Press, 1990 ental writers. Many cultural origins were about whether my writing was 'feminist Anne Cameron, the non-Native author of presented. Himani Bannerji wrote about The editors of Language in Her Eye enough' or whether I would get criticized for Daughters of Copper Woman, tells of be­ the Indo-Canadian experience and the diffi­ asked women writers in Canada for their writing in pohticaUy incorrect ways, and so ing asked by Lee Maracle "to take a step or culty of translating, not just words, but en­ opinions on feminism and writing: "Has on." Aritha van Herk warns, "Every pohti­ two to one side. Not down. To one side,"and tire thought patterns. Other women wrote feminism had an affect on your writing? Do caUy appropriate position is dangerous be­ to aUow Native women to teU their own about being Ukrainian or Jewish and Cana­ considerations of race, class or sexual orien­ cause one can be appropriated by the po­ stories. Cameron equates this with her ex­ dian and femimst, and of the clashes of tation affect how you write? Are you famil­ sition." Margaret Atwood adds, "Does it iar with the various currents in feminist ht­ perience at a conference where "women those words/worlds. However, I would have make sense to sUence women in the name erary theory?" with tenure were standing up in their ex­ enjoyed reading Joy Kogawa's thoughts on pensive clothes telhng other middle-class of Woman? We can't afford this sUencing, being Japanese-Canadian, or Evelyn Lau's There were as many types of answers white women about the problems of welfare or this fear." And GaU Scott wonders, "But thoughts on the differences between tradi­ to these questions as there are writers moms, working poor moms, my mom." how, precisely, does a feminist conscious­ tional Chinese and Canadian cultures. StiU, in this book. Some wrote stories, others ness frame this movement towards the ex­ on the whole, I feel that Language in Her wrote about the process of writing a story. Marlene Nourbese Philip offers a broader cessive (the unlawful?) without becoming Eye offers a comprehensive look at the Some wrote poems, others wrote mini- context for the debate on the appropriation law itself?" Feminist writers must explore state of femimst writing in Canada today. autobiographies. This collection was a place of voice by situating it in the context of cen­ this dUemma—of speaking outside a society Some of the essays are academic in orien­ to express their feehngs about the relation­ sorship, which becomes a method of ignor­ without creating a new society with equaUy tation and theory. However, most of the es­ ship of feminism to their hves, and the rela­ ing the racism inherent in the appropria­ inviolable rules. says demonstrate the struggle for hfe, for tionship of the pohtics of feminism to their tion of another's words. When the Women's place and for recognition in a patriarchal writing. Press of Toronto refused to accept certain As I was reading Language in Her Eye, and racist society, a struggle in which fem­ For many women, writing is a means of stories for an anthology because the writ­ inists wUl see parts of themselves and their ers were not part of the communities about the writers of the essays began speaking to self-discovery and finding a voice. However, each other. They spoke of the voyage of self- own hves. for many other women, writing and lan­ which they wrote, the Press was accused discovery which each of them had taken. I feel that feminism is a process, other­ guage is just another means of colonization of censorship. Philip notes, however, that They spoke of the oppression women feel wise it becomes a stagnant ideology. I was and oppression, not only by a patriarchal "the 'right' to use the voice of the Other in a patriarchal society. They spoke of the once told, as I began the process of becom­ society, but also by other women. One of has...been bought at a great price—the si­ oppression of racism, even in the women's ing a feminist, that there are as many types the major subtexts in this book is the issue lencing of the Other; it is in fact neatly movement, and of the fear of speaking out of femimsts as there are women. In Lan­ of racism. Lenore Keeshig-Tobias and Lee posited on that very sUencing." H their sto­ and being pohticaUy incorrect. However, guage in Her Eye, a coUection of essays by Maracle write of the "loss of Native sensibil­ ries are told by others, then women of colour they aU speak out anyway, and open then- women on their thoughts on writing, this di­ ity" in stories which are appropriated from are left with nothing to say. thoughts to the reader. In their doubts versity of thought shines through. I am sure Native women and told in white women's and questions, they explore the pluralistic I wiU be dipping into this book for inspira­ words. Silencing Ourselves thought of feminists today. Language in tion in the future. Keeshig-Tobias prefaces her essay with The issue of self-censorship is another sub­ Her Eye is a vibrant book, full of the voices the quote: "There are two things in hfe text in Language in Her Eye. This form of of a virtual "who's who" of women writers Gladys We is seeking her own iden­ that must not be taken without consent. censorship is visuahzed by playwright Mar­ in Enghsh Canada. tity as a writer. She participates in the Women of Colour caucus at Kinesis There are two gaps in this book. The where many, of the issues raised in Lan­ first, as the editors acknowledge, is a lack guage in Her Eye are also discussed. See of a Quebecoise perspective, apparently due Bulletin Board for information about to lack of space in the book and time for the caucus' next meeting. Heading into VIEW by Jeanette Ashley

Vancouver audiences wUl be chaUenged by adventuresome performing arts in the up­ coming Women in VIEW Festival when artists from across Canada perform at the Fire­ hall Arts Centre and neighbouring venues Jan. 22-27. VIEW offers 76 performances of the­ atre, dance, music, performance art and hterary readings, as weU as a forum and a series of workshops. This year's forum wUl investigate racism in the arts. Here's a sampUng of some of the festival's offerings. Gina Bastone—a real clown—is back in a workshop called "Make Me Laugh and Make Me ReaUy Laugh." "So TeU Me..." concerns interviewing techniques, and Rita DevereU leads the exploration of how to retrieve our personal stories. Marlene Swidzinski appears in her one-woman show Confessions of a Polka Princess, where she examines her prairie- Slavic origins. In Tales from a Broken Heart the audience is invited to join a group of friends who have met every year since high school to review what has happened over the past year. Random Acts returns with a presentation of Coffee Break Characters. In dance, three local choreographers wUl be featured. Jennifer MascaU brings to the stage a new solo work. Gisa Cole's Tabula Rasa has gripping music and demanding choreogra­ phy. Cole also collaborates with Katherine LabeUe and Florence Lui (pictured left) to cre­ ate three Uluminating vignettes bridging the gap between abuse and the courage to heal. Barbara Bourget wUl perform her startling solo work, Impending Death. The musical hneup includes the award-winning 35-member choir Elektra. Lori Freed- man is back with her bass clarinet, and Secrets of Suzanne is a 20th century opera about a woman who is a secret smoker. Shawna Dempsey appears in her performance art piece, Mermaid in Love, a look at love, feminism and poUution. In Nenuphar, Sandra Lock- wood explores a woman's relationship with her hfe support system. The festival's hter­ ary readings highhght two 90 minute exchanges of poetry, plays and short stories. Read­ ing writers from western Canada include Maria CampbeU, Susan Musgrave, PhylUs Webb and Helen Potrebenko. Tickets and programs can be picked up at the VIEW Box Office, #14-2414 Main St, (875-6210) Dec. 3-Jan. 23. Gift certificates, bonus tags and super tags are avaUable. Tag holders must choose shows and pick up tickets before the festival. Tag sales start Dec. 3 for one week. Individual ticket sales Dec. 14-19. Starting Jan. 24 the festival box office is at the Firehall Arts Centre.

22I

Changing language: Being lost, then being found again

by Cathy Stonehouse bian, an incest survivor, a white woman, naming through four previous books of po­ After reading this, I wanted Warland to to "speak the unspoken, the taboo of [her etry. She shares her vision of the lesbian write in more depth about class and lan­ PROPER DEAFINITIONS hfe]" and so discard the "precept that any writer as: "along with other marginalized guage. How work or poverty shape our re­ by Betsy Warland good writer worth his salt can write about writers, the voice(s) of the future." lationship to words, how class structure has Vancouver: Press Gang Pubhshers, 1990 anything." This process of self-naming is for Warland unravels the homophobic struc­ imprinted itself on language—for me these Warland one of taking responsibiUty. In "a take the red marking pen tures of language, the heterosexist conven­ are sUences too. In Proper Deafinitions. white page" she writes as a white woman tions of love poetry, that conspire to sUence she has chosen at times a difficult, scholarly and write with it for whom "the bottom hne is that I don't lesbian experience, and reweaves them into approach to Enghsh, with her use of dictio­ your dialect... beheve we (as women writers) can write as her own chosen shape. She describes how, in nary definition, quotation, Latin and Anglo- i beheve our survival depends on it her last coUection Double Negative, writ­ Saxon roots of words. I wanted her to ex­ ing in collaboration with her lover, Daphne amine this choice in relation to the white Proper Deafinitions is a collection of Marlatt, became an integral part of this pro- European tradition of literature as a closed theorograms, pieces of writing that map the space, the property of upper- or middle- edge between poetry and theory, between class, educated, (predominantly male) read­ personal insight and pohtical vision. Writ­ ers and writers. ten between 1984 and 1990, each theoro- gram moves the reader in a radical way, When writing about her experiences of shifting the very ground we stand upon— remembering incest, Warland's language our learned assumptions about writing, the becomes less playful, making clear that words we use to name our experience. sometimes the process of "telling it" is Betsy Warland writes as a feminist There are indeed chaUenge enough. She gives voice to the language-centred poet; her work takes off brokenness, the fragmentation of repressed from the premise that the way we learn to many paths memory: "that terrible nothingness...the put words together structures our experi­ thick membrane of amnesia i had to pass ence. For Warland, a male- defined language towards self-naming through." underhes the sUencing of women: "the mas­ The struggle involved in recoUecting the culine is not the mascuhne but the gen­ pieces echoed for me the imaginative de­ eral." To challenge this is to make visible the scription of her Norwegian lather attempt­ roots of words, the way their meaning has ing to write a letter in Enghsh: "every word changed, and to invent words and sentence- had to be negotiated, every word had a structures that name a woman's experience hfe of its own." In writing this, Warland and call new patterns into being. For War- suggests there are indeed many paths to­ land: "to change language/is to change ev­ cess, to bring both lovers into dialogue. In wards self-naming, many strategies to chal­ erything." doing so, she calls upon us aU as women to lenge the 'deafness' of society's definition of To read Proper Deafinitions is to foUow resist objectification. words, its presumed 'proper' ownership of Warland's questioning resistance through a For Warland, to claim her work as ac­ what we can and cannot say. labyrinth of spiralling words. It is an expe­ Betsy Warland cessible to aU women, would be to claim rience of being lost, then being found again. it as universal, a concept she resists. This Proper Deafinitions is a rich and many Warland interrupts herself with hsts, word­ a narrator or protagonist who is a person tension, between speaking to and speak­ layered coUection that resists summary. As play and quotation, blank spaces, her 'texts of colour." Naming herself involves naming ing for [other women], is one of the Warland states: "It is in our difference that interrupting themselves to hear what is be­ who she is not. She has "finaUy come to Us­ book's most powerful themes. She describes we perceive each other," and to read this ing said.' As readers we are called upon to ten, not to take." how, in Double Negative, "the lesbian book is to be challenged by her courage and participate in her writing, to become con­ passion, invited in to find your own voice. Through her coming out, coming into body...enlarges its symbolism to embrace scious, for example, of articulating the word herself as a lesbian writer, Warland calls any woman who is impassioned with her "mother," how this feels in the mouth. upon us aU as women to name ourselves, own quest...for self-determination," At the Her journey is to make visible her own to "become self-responsible." In "moving same time Warland states: "as a lesbian i Cathy Stonehouse is a British writer relationship to words and writing, as a les- parts," she traces her own path of self- do not speak Universese." currently living in Vancouver.

4T &0* Studio •• Two poets worth a read •ffe - Sect •• 11 h 3 by Jill Mandrake One way to avoid writing reviews of po­ about piecing together a new plan for rlfflj (604) 980-4235 etry which the reviewer finds mediocre is hving. Brandt acknowledges that Donald ' "IfB 261 East 1st Street AGNES IN THE SKY to focus only on poems which have a par­ Barthelme's novel The Dead Father, in­ North Vancouver, B.C. V7L 1B4 ticular meaning and to concentrate on po­ spired her poem. The novel involves a group >g. Trademark of Women's Work Screen by Di Brandt " ' it & Design Studio * Winnipeg: Turnstone Press, 1990 ets whose work stands out. Di Brandt and of people who are attempting to bury the Sandy Shreve are both fairly new poets dead father but are unable to do so, no mat­ THE SPEED OF THE WHEEL whose work is worth ferreting out, either ter how huge a hole they excavate, because IS UP TO THE POTTER by getting their recently published books "the dead father" is an ancient idea not by Sandy Shreve or finding the various anthologies they've person. Kingston: Quarry Press, 1990 made their way into this past decade. Brandt describes this as foUows: Contemporary smaU press poetry books Di Brandt's poetry, hke the way she getting rid of the dead man that do not generaUy meet with any sort of fan­ reads it, is subdued— almost restrained— was the easy part digging uneasUy fare from reviewers—in fact, a lot of new but with the angry force of unheard voices through rubble to the fresh dirt poetry doesn't even get reviewed. There are behind it. In fact, she devotes a whole sec­ growing new fingers to rummage two reasons for this: First, for some review­ tion of Agnes in the Sky to this forced in the earth nurture new seedhngs ers it is difficult to review a newer poet's sUence (the section is entitled "if i told This struggle to let go of oppressive sys­ work when she hasn't a lot of earlier stuff even a shver of what i know/who would hs­ tems and then try to buUd something new to compare it with. It's a bit defeating to ten"). Taking this further, a woman's view write a 1,000 word review for 1,000 words is also painfuUy present in poems Uke "fa­ of the evolution of love-language is featured thers never leave you" and "why my father of poetry—you end up talking extensively in "piecing together the alphabet of desire": about poetics whUe almost ignoring the po­ beat us (when we were httle.)" The reasonr ems themselves. hke a chUd's cry the first k "So we would swaUow the Punisher." oldest grammar torn from our Possibly one of the best poems in Agnes Second, some reviewers feel that a large hps k made eloquent through amount of the new poetry is poorly written in the Sky is "teaching in prison (for my the years' twisting untU we're students at Stony Mountain)", for inmates and there is no point wasting paper (as in, stretched thin hke parchment save-a-tree) on reviews that just trash some­ hving on the lonesome tiers inside, trying to transparent if we're lucky k continue with snippets of formal education body's work—why bother trying to analyze occasionally luminous poetry you are totally apathetic towards? as though grasping at straws, or more ac­ If it really is poorly written, as opposed to To be "occasionaUy luminous" is about curately: "the way you hsten to words/not just 20 years ahead of its time, it wUl trash aU we can hope to achieve in this hfe. itself sooner or later. "the dead father (after barthelme)" is See POETRY page 24 KINESISQ People and book in trouble

by Christine Morissette York City whose community is changed by seem caricatures, one dimensional, without as unnoticed as their deaths. But Schul­ this devastating health crisis. The charac­ depth. man notices their hves with exacting detaU. PEOPLE IN TROUBLE ters connect through the impact of AIDS, through the actions of Justice, a guerriUa Schulman has not written a very com­ At meetings, people's wristwatch alarms go by Sarah Schulman plicated story, but she has clearly evoked off, reminding them to take their AZT; New York E.P. Dutton, 1990 activist group (ACT-UP?), and through a real estate mogul, Ronald Home (Donald the distress of daUy Ufe with powerful de- friends worry about each other when mes­ The problem with book jackets is they Trump?), who "presides over the city with taU. And it is this detaU which provides sages left on answering machines aren't re­ make promises they rarely keep. The cover eviction notices and a strange new kind of turned (have they forgotten, or have they Ulustration may vaguely suggest the plot or died?); shopkeepers have lesions on their the characters, but the hner notes invari­ necks, their wrists; young men walk the ably describe a story in some other book. AU of the characters are people in trou­ streets wearing black ribbons; afternoons Too often I wonder if, hke the urban leg­ ble, yet only some of them drew my sym­ Schulman...has are spent going to funerals of friends and end of babies switched at birth, someone pathy. Kate, an artist, sees the disintegra­ strangers; those who have died are identified switches books and covers before they leave tion around her in visual terms, respond­ clearly evoked by their dates: Thomas Ho 1957-1987, Ron­ the printer's warehouse. nie La VaUee 1954-1987, Joseph DeCarlo ing through her art, but not through her 1960-1982. Everywhere there is "a sincere Sarah Schulman's latest novel People in heart. She plays at sexuahty, at relation­ the distress and famihar grief, a practised one." Trouble, is such a book. The opening hnes ships, never truly connecting to the world sound promising enough: around her: of daily life. It is a time of confusion and a time of It was the beginning of the end of the ...here we are trying to have an illicit les­ world but not everyone noticed right change. In People in Trouble, the main bian love affair...and aU around us people characters are unable to transcend this away. Some people were dying. Some peo­ are dying and asking for money. ple were busy. Some people were cleaning the colour, though not the substance, of her confusion, whUe the secondary characters, book. She sets the disintegration caused by those most affected by AIDS, surmount their houses whUe the war movie played Peter remains inert throughout the story, on television. AIDS against the backdrop of a city disin­ their troubles and ultimately change. sleepwalking through the turmoU in his per­ tegrating: street people panhandle in every The key people in trouble include: Pe­ sonal Ufe. MoUy, a woman committed to neighbourhood, the homeless erect a tent Although not the story I set out to read, ter and Kate, whose longtime relationship AIDS activism, takes two years to realize city in a downtown park, drugs and gangs it is nonetheless a crisp and concise view of is shaken by Kate's lesbian affair and her she is getting nothing from her relationship are a common sight. AU represent the di­ ordinary hves in extraordinary times. increasing fascination with cross-dressing; with Kate. Despite their possibihties, the minishing value of human hfe. MoUy, who works in a dead-end job, has main characters seem contrived rather than a dead-end affair with Kate, and "tries to complex. Kate's adventures whUe cross- Into this tableau of New York city, Schul­ keep her heart in one piece" as her friends dressing, Home and his "invented real es­ man places the people affected by AIDS, Christine Morissette lives and writes die from ADDS; and the gay men in New tate," and the armageddon-style ending aU ordinary people whose hves are no doubt n Victoria.

POETRY from page 23 thor's friends and New Brunswick her­ fect but lack a compeUing idea—Uke hav­ CCEC Credit Union for the meaning but for the sound of/them itage; "Crumpled SmUes," work poems ing nothing to say and taking a long time deep in the throat the way you/remember upon which Shreve has buUt her reputa­ to say it. Others have brUUant thoughts be­ behind these walls hunger..." tion; and "Vanishing Point," about violence hind them but the written expression is un­ against women and violence in general (ti­ clear. This reverts to what I was saying ear­ Serving cooperatives, One thing Agnes in the Sky lacks which tles hke "public execution" explain it at a lier about published poetry that ends up was present in Brandt's first book of poetry, community businesses, glance). not getting reviewed. I can only add that at questions i asked my mother (Turnstone Representative verses for the first sec­ least people are out there writing—working & the non-profit sector. Press, 1987), is a certain type of comic re­ at it, trying to share their experience— lief. For example, in questions, there was a tion can be found in "Distances," where the author compares rural memories with the rather than, for example, zoning out for six series of six spiritual/sexual awakening po­ hours nightly in front of the television. In ems called "missionary positions", foUowed present reality of city commuting: by the one-liner: "just kidding ma". the sterile scenery carries • Lower interest rates o I'm sure. In any case, Agnes contains no fragrance, except for the fumes loans to societies and some consistently good poems which are from other cars of other commuters best summed up by the author's phrase, or a poignant blast cooperatives. "prairie love songs." from a pulp miU imposed some miles up the coast • Operating loans. The Potter's Wheel As a member of the Vancouver Indus­ Sandy Shreve's first book of collected po­ trial Writer's Union, Shreve has written a ems, The Speed of the Wheel Is Up to number of work poems, the best one prob­ the Potter, is designed to be read at a ably being "White-Out." My introduction fairly quick pace. It is succinct and orga­ to this and other poems by the author was • Term deposits. nized, with a language of flowing clarity. In in a union newsletter almost a decade ago, when such work poems were long-awaited other words, this potter's wheel has speed. • Chequing accounts and and tremendously popular. I've often won­ The collection is divided into three dered how many office assistants have read categories: "AUegiances," about the au­ other banking services. this stanza with a kind of boding empathy: the brain balks, savours four Sandy Shreve o'clock—then veers toward fears of permanent dyslexia terms of how to gauge a piece of work hke from fluorescent-lit "Taking Back the Night," imagine a poem statistics is hke an arithmetical computation: 3 + 3 The situation gets worse. The boss— + 3 = 9. It's either the wrong answer or it's clearly a one-minute-manager type—comes perfect. in and says what an easy job it must be, The poem says that there is so much • HI \ m copying someone else's work aU day. The work to do, in the form of action more than poem's ending seems to indicate that the words, before we can safely relax. Let's hope best use for white-out is as a means to paint that Hnes hke these can throw a httle non- decorative, subversive messages on one's of­ fluorescent hght on the subject: fice buUetin board. no time now for that In her final section, "Taking Back the after dinner stroU 2250 Commercial Dr. Night" stands not only as one of the best when we could breathe in the hush Vancouver, B.C. V5N 5P9 poems in the book, but as an urgent and of early evening air. Already motivating message to aU women. These five it's night, and so far Mondays & Wednesdays 11 am - 5 p stanzas teU us what we are doing instead of only our slogan taking back the night. Time is ticking away. has retrieved it from fear H I say that "Taking Back the Night" is Jill Mandrake's poetry appeared in an example of a perfect poem, I'U define it the anthology East of Main (Pulp Press, 254-4100 this way: some poems are technically per­ 1989).

24 KINESIS Dec/Jan. 91 //////////////////^^^^^ ///////////////////////^^^^^ LETTERS

invaded by the Ulegal warriors society from nounce the abuses of power perpetrated by Kahnawake and Akwesasne...the existence our authorities against the Mohawks and of an Ulegal force such as the paramilitary other first nations of America. We also de­ group calUng itself the warriors wUl only nounce infringements upon the freedom of hamper matters and destroy real efforts the press committed during the Oka crisis Aid for of settlement...The leaders for the "War­ which threaten the integrity of our democ­ Oka: from the rior...Society" a paramilitary force, are not racy. sanctioned or approved by any Iroquois Na­ We ask that the promised public enquiry women prisoners tion government." other side into the events at Kanesatake and Kah­ Kinesis: As for "the public in general" being nawake be convened as soon as possible; I would hke to bring to your readers' no­ "frighteningly quiet" on this issue I have not tice a smaU group of IsraeU women volun­ I would hke to respond to the letter in Oc­ that it be independent of the government found this to be so at aU. I am surprised and and that it be composed of individuals rec­ teers, both Jewish and Palestinian, known tober's Kinesis, by Ellen Frank and Noreen as 'Women's Organization for Women Po­ Shanahan. pleased at how many "ordinary people" are ognized for their integrity and competence. not taken in by the government Une on this We ask as weU that the members of this htical Prisoners.' The group's aim is to de­ Frank and Shanahan wondered why there issue and have a great deal of sympathy for commission have full powers to investigate fend the human and democratic rights of was not more attendance at the Oka vigU by the Native people over it. This is a sign to the actions of the army, the pohce and the Palestinian and Israeh women imprisoned members of the Vancouver women's move­ me that the swing to the right that we suf­ authorities without restriction. Finally, we because of their social and pohtical activity ment and the left. Also why public re­ fered through during the 80s may be revers­ ask that this enquiry take into account the in the struggle against the occupation. The sponse is "frighteningly quiet." I have some ing itself. historic roots of the problem. first such group was established in Tel Aviv guesses about why and, since I hve in a in 1988 and the Jerusalem group in early small community, removed from the Van­ In support of this I would hke to tell you We beUeve that the negotiations with the 1989. couver women's movement, I am not so in­ that the Sechelt newspaper, The Press, Mohawks promised by the governments of (not renowned for its leftwing views, to put Quebec and Canada should take place in The latter group attempts to monitor the timidated by others' definitions of "pohti­ treatment of women prisoners held at the caUy correct" as a feminist Uving in Van­ it mildly) did a survey of passersby, Na­ a chmate of equahty which excludes intim­ tive and white, during the summer. People idation by the pohce or government. It is Russian Compound in Jerusalem, a prison couver might be. known for its harsh conditions and brutal were asked for their reaction to the Oka cri­ essential that our leaders acknowledge, in Like Frank and Shanahan I too have been treatment of women and chUdren detained sis. I do not recaU one person surveyed who good faith, the fundamental claims of the appaUed at the Canadian and Quebec gov­ there. It is the largest detention centre for did not have sympathy for the Native po­ Mohawk people, that they negotiate with a ernment's heavy-handed approach to the sincere desire to redress the wrongs of years women from Jerusalem and the West Bank Oka crisis. However, I do not, hke them, sition, though some expressed reservations and includes a Security Service Investiga­ about the Warriors and their wUhngness to of history. Our government must recognize see this as "not a complicated issue." (Most that the Indian Act of 1869 imposed poht­ tion Branch (SHABAK) which applies var­ important issues do have some complexity, use violence. This crisis would have tremen­ ious pressures to squeeze confessions from dous public support, the government would ical structures foreign to the Mohawk Na­ though this is not a popular notion among tion. It is imperative that the government detainees. those who hke their ideology as simphstic as be made complete fools of, if Native peo­ accept the negotiators the Mohawk commu­ The group has produced two reports of possible so that they do not have to strug­ ple would take a non-violent, Gandhian ap­ nity considers to be their legitimate repre­ conditions in this prison and of violations of gle with their own consciences or, heaven proach. sentatives. human rights both of individuals and of de­ forbid, admit that the other side may have Sincerely, tainees as a group. Members of WOFPP are at least part of the truth.) Anne Miles Finally, we deplore our government's ha­ bitual relegating of Native issues to a sec­ present at the prison every day and have a The way I see it, the Oka issue is com­ Gibsons, BC ondary position. Priority must be given lawyer on call to assist them and unrepre­ plicated by the fact that the Warrior Soci­ sented detainees. ety has involved itself. Even though they are to many weighty and pressing issues such AU of this is expensive and WOFPP Native and their original cause is just, the as the development of James Bay and would appreciate any financial assistance in­ Warriors appear to me to be just another NATO low-level flight tests in Nitassinan, dividuals or organizations can provide. If bunch of macho rednecks who haven't felt Labrador. We ask our government to adopt more information is desired please contact important since they were in the war. an entirely new attitude to Native issues, one that is based on a respect and concern me at (604) 298-9638. Contributions can I'm 42 years old. I remember the atroc­ for true justice. be sent directly to: Legal Aid for Women ities against women and chUdren commit­ Oka: for Sincerely, Detainees, Account No. 707317, Discount ted in Viet Nam. Most of these men are Bank, Branch 63, 4 Shlomzion Hamalka St. Viet Nam vets. Now I'm supposed to sup­ justice, respect Freda Guttman, Carole Beauheu Jerusalem, Israel. and over 250 others port a bunch of militaristic assholes be­ Kinesis: Sincerely, cause someone tells me the whole Oka thing Que'bec is about the Canadian army persecuting As citizens we wish to express our disap­ [Ed. note: This letter appeared as a full- Elizabeth Briemberg women and kids? What about the Warriors proval of the manner in which the Quebec page ad in the Montreal daily Le Devoir Burnaby, BC using frightened chUdren as shields? Do and Canadian governments have dealt with in mid-November.] they think the Canadian people wUl blame Native peoples not only in the case of the only the government forces if those chU­ Oka crisis, but for many decades. dren get hurt? Have Frank and Shanahan We beheve the Mohawks as weU as other wondered whether maybe the involvement Native peoples have full rights to self- of the Warriors may not be why response to determination as weU as to the territories So who Ange Spalding vigUs is lukewarm? (The very name "War­ they have been inhabiting for centuries. It riors" speaks of patriarchal, militaristic val­ is about time our society recognizes the in­ licked the Kinesis: ues.) justices that have been committed and that The women's community in Vancouver Allow me to quote a letter from the Mo­ it at last respect the cultural, pohtical and stamp? has lost a proud, out lesbian—-a lover, friend hawk CouncU of Chiefs at'Akwesasne that territorial autonomy that it has long sought Kinesis: and aUy to many. Ange Spalding, who was reprinted in the Green Mutilogue. to deny Native peoples. turned 42 on July 30th this year, died of This letter was addressed to the Native peo­ We're writing to say how much we relate The assault by the Surete du Quebec cancer on Thanksgiving Day, October 8, at ple of Canada and it makes statements hke to the dog in Liz Clark's cartoon strip. against the Mohawks on July 11, 1990 which St. Joseph's Hospital in Peterborough, On­ the foUowing: Sincerely, ignited the crisis was an intolerable act of tario where she had returned in late May of "We understand the...community of aggression in a society which considers it­ Jae (hu-wumin) and this year to dairy farm—the Big Love in her Kanesatake had originaUy taken a peaceful self civiUzed. We refuse to see our soci­ Dandehon (canine bitch) Ufe. route to settle the dispute before they were ety sink into racism and we publically de­ North Vancouver, BC In addition to her brother Rog and many long term friends from the Toronto area, Ange's support team for the last 8 weeks of her hfe included friends and lovers from the west coast—Lamar Van Dyke from Seattle and Vicki Trerise and Pat Hogan from Van-

Ange left an impression wherever she went, with whomever she touched. She wiU always be remembered for her bright and adventuresome spirit, her strong wUl, her love of animals, flowers, colours, httle kids, her wonderful laugh, her total silliness two- stepping evenings together, and her pride in being a dyke for over 20 years. We'd hke to thank aU of the women and groups whose donations helped us to be with Ange in her last days. If you'd hke to help with outstanding debts and expenses, please call Pat at 253-7189 for more infor­ mation. Sincerely, Pat, VicM, Lamar Vancouver, BC.

KINESIS VS.X\.\NNNNX\NNV\.NX\.V\N\.V^^ BULLETIN BOARD

READ THIS EVENT SBE V E N T SIE V E N T S WHAT DOES SHE WANT INTL. CRAFT FAIR PATTERNITY Nov. 24-Jan. 13, 1991. An exhibition of AU listings must be received no later than Crossroads International will be hosting This new three-hour video installation by the 18th of the month preceding pubhca­ feminist video programs by women work­ a fundraising fair at Kits House Dec. 9 local feminist video artist and historian ing in performance art, film and video, tion. Listings are limited to 50 words and from 10 am-3 pm. A small entrance fee Sara Diamond focuses on representations should include a contact name and tele­ which deal with changing family roles and will be charged for the fair, which fea­ of memory, generational and gender dif­ relationships, the nature of female desires phone number for any clarification that may tures world-wide crafts, music, food, en­ ferences and the family, through conver­ be required. Listings should be typed or and sexuality, how media defines iden­ tertainment, etc. For more info, call An­ gence of public/private histories. At the tity and gender; the relationship between neatly handwritten, double-spaced on 8 1/2 gela Sasso at 251-9993. Vancouver Art Gallery, Jan. 19-Mar. 3 by 11 paper. Listings wiU not be accepted family history and the development of over the telephone. Groups, organizations creativity. Among the artists are Yvonne and individuals eligible for free space in the PRAIRIE VIDEO COFFEE BREAK CHARACTERS Rainer, Martha Rosier, and Ardele Lister, BuUetin Board must be, or have, non-profit Video In presents two evenings of mixed Performers/writers Nora D. Randall and At the Vancouver Art Gallery. objectives. Other free notices wiU be items video from the prairies: "Harsh Light: Jackie Crossland present their new work of general pubhc interest and wUl appear at Prairie Video" Dec. 13-14 at 8 pm at in upcoming shows: Dec. 31 at First WORLD AIDS DAY the discretion of Kinesis . 1102 Homer St. Featured will be such Night (8:30 pm and 9:15 at the VP Li­ Is Dec. 1, Focus on Women. Events Classified are $8 for the first 50 words or artists as Sandra Tivy, Celine Godberson, brary); at the VIEW Festival Jan. 24- and Nikki Forrest. For more info, call 688- 27, and in Victoria at the Open Space include: portion thereof, $4 for each additional 25 1) A gathering, Nov. 30, Van. Art words or portion thereof. Deadline for clas­ 4336. Gallery nightly at 8 pm, Jan. 31-Feb. 3 (these shows include "Great Expla­ Gallery, 8 pm. Informal evening with mu­ sifieds is the 18th of the month preceding sic, entertainment. Proceeds to local and pubhcation. Kinesis wiU not accept classi­ HORROR AUTOXICUS nations"). Also, "Great Explanations" is available on cassette for $11 plus $2 ship­ international women's AIDS groups; fieds over the telephone. AU classifieds must Nell Tenhaaf's "Horror Autoxicus" will be ping. Order from Random Acts, 4785 2) Film Premiere Dec. 1. Too Close be prepaid. exhibited at the Western Front Gallery, Gladstone St., Vancouver, BC, V5N 5A4 for Comfort, Pacific Cinematheque, 1131 303 E. 8 Ave., from Dec. 15-Jan. 20. For BuUetin Board submissions send (Tel: 435-2273). Howe St, 4 pm. A film about homophobia copy to Kinesis Attn: BuUetin Board, 301- This installation features computer inter­ and HIV/AIDS. Call 685-3841 for info; 1720 Grant Street, Vancouver, B.C. V5L action and is designed to look and act as OPEN HOUSE 3) Discussion on Women and AIDS 2Y6. For more information caU 255-5499. an oracle. Opening is Sat., Dec. 15, at with international and Canadian speak­ The Women's Research Centre at 2245 2 pm. ers, Dec. 1, YWCA, 580 Burrard St, 3rd W. Broadway will be holding a Holi­ Floor, 11 am-1 pm. For info on World day Open House Fri., Dec. 7 from 3-7 EVENTS AIDS Day call 738-7075. DECEMBER READING pm. Come and celebrate both the season WANNA GET INVOLVED? The Burnaby Writers Society will be hold­ and the release of their two new publica­ With Kinesis? We want to get involved ing their December reading of poetry and tions... "Keeping on Track" and "Strate­ FOR BETTER WAGES with you too. Help plan our next issue— prose Sun., Dec. 16 at 1:30 pm. Fea­ gies for Change." For more info, call 734- Women For Better Wages: next meeting come to the Writers Meeting on Thurs., tured are writers such as Mary Higgins, 0485. on Tues. Dec. 4, 7:30 pm at the Newspa­ Jan. 3 at 7 pm at our office, #301-1720 Mavis Jones, Pam Galloway and Diane per Guild Offices, #301-828 W. 8th Ave., Grant St. If you can't make the meeting, Salmon. Admission is free. For more info, CALLING ALL LESBIANS Vancouver. call 255-5499. No experience necessary, call 525-7915. all women welcome. Your last chance to join the Intl. Les­ bian Week Planning Committee will be FUNDRAISER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Dec. 8, 8 pm. Latin America Connex­ WOMEN OF COLOUR CAUCUS the meeting held at the Vancouver Les­ Beat the January blues. Volunteer for bian Centre Sun., Dec. 2, at 7 pm. Call ions Fundraiser at La Quena. Music with Women of Colour are organizing at Kine­ the Women in View Festival, Jan. 21- 874-8567 for more info. Zolty and special guests. $3 Donation, sis and we welcome all volunteers past, 27, 1991. Volunteer opportunities exist present and future to our next meeting in production, publicity, hospitality, front- on Mon., Dec. 3 at 7 pm at #301-1720 of-house, box office and other areas. For Grant St. For more info, please call Terri info, call Elinor at 875-6682. Hamazaki at 321-0575. BENEFIT SCREENING "\ The Vancouver Folk Music Festival & JL^i- VSW MEETINGS '\ Women in View Festival are pleased \&ifc^T*& Dec. 17, 7:15 pm Latin America Con­ ,\ to present UP^ K~ All VSW members are welcome to at­ nexions Benefit night at the Starlight tend Co-ordinating Collective meetings, Theatre. "Funny, Dirty, Little War" and held at our office at #301-1720 Grant "The Official Story," two award winning St. Next meetings are Dec. 10 (5:30 pm) and Jan. 14 (5:30 pm). Call 255-5511 for films from Argentina. Tix $7. Call 737- more info. \ rERRON LAMENTING THE MURDERS EXHIBIT POSTPONED jMM|pnfB l rprnrA celebratiod "Phnntnmn of th Centra"e releas e Fermof hern new • returns to Vancouver for her first full- "Threnody" an installation by Catherine Andrea Lowe's photography show at the '^BBPIflB length concert in a number ot years. Perrin: a lamentation on the deaths of 14 Vancouver Lesbian Connection has been M SUNDAY-8PM women in Montreal, Dec. 6, 1989. Wed., indefinitely postponed. Anyone wanting w , Dec. 5, 1990, Candle Light Vigil at 7:45 to purchase cards or photos can call 876- M JANUARY 27 w JW PLAYHOUSE THEATRE pm. Exhibition opens at 8 pm Women In 3104. ^Kf Hamilton & Dunsmuir Focus, 849 Beatty St, 682-5848. Exhibi­ P?l $18 & $16 at Black Swan Records, Highlife tion runs to Dec. 14; open everyday from ^^^^ PAY EQUITY SEMINAR ."•* J| Records, the VFMF office, Women in View noon to 5 pm. ::§ office or through Ticketmaster 280-4444. Wed., Dec. 5 Dr. Jane Gaskell, of .*.'M (service charges may apply) UBC's Education Faculty, will be present­ WOMYN'S COFFEEHOUSE ing a pay equity seminar at the Mar­ Sunday Dec. 2 Womyn's Coffeehouse itime Labour Centre, 111 Victoria Dr. with Chrystos, poet, writer, political ac­ The seminar is entitled "Measuring the tivist and Martie van der Voort, lesbian 'skill' in Women's Work," and begins at •"i The Vancouver Folk Music Festival B&. is pleased to present songwriter/singer from Tucscon, Arizona. 7:30 pm. call 255-7346 for info. Sliding scale $4-8. Advance tix at Octo­ pus Books and Ariel Books. Cappuccino, desserts, a good time in a smoke/alcohol FEMINIST DISCUSSION ^k RANCH free space. Cinderella Ballroom, 185 E. On Sun., Dec. 9, the Port Coquitlam Main. Doors open 6:30 pm, Entertain­ Lesbian Support and Social Group will be £&*Xtf^il hosting a discussion group on "Lesbians JA ROMANCE ment at 7:30 pm. All women welcome. |BB-^^Kllb''fll mm? ~M These contemporary cowgirls, who Produced by Sounds & Furies. 253-7189 and Feminism" from 2-4 pm. For more ^•MflSf ODened 17 shows for k.d.lano. sinn of for info. info call the Port Coquitlam Women's Ww *** Jf ••"jj ^Hf open spaces, tall timberlands, and the Centre at 941-6311. ^^M challenges of qoinqshopDina for ^Br vintage western clothing. 1 heir FILM TALKS H -./ '' regressive country'' repertoi re Cineworks invites you to an evening with UNLEARNING RACISM incorporates western swing, honky British filmmaker Gurinder Chadha at 8 Weekend Workshops for Women: Feb. tonk, harmony yodelling, and acoustic rockabilly. pm, Dec. 5 at the Pacific Cinemath­ 8,9,10. For Women and Men: Mar. eque. Chadha will introduce and discuss 1,2,3. Facilitated by AWARE (Alliance SUNDAY-8PM her films "A Nice Arrangement" and "I'm of Women Against Racism, etc.). Racism FEBRUARY 10 (wxirjol British But...". She will also lead a direc­ hurts all of us but its effects are experi­ VANCOUVER EAST I T^TT^T J tor's workshop on Dec. 8. Call Cineworks enced very differently by people of colour CULTURAL CENTRE for info, 685-3841. I $12 at Black Swan Records, Highlife Records, and white people. Sliding scale $20-250. and the VFMF office. Held at Camp Alexandra, White Rock. 1 RESERVATIONS 254-9578 VIGIL Let us know access/childcare needs. Reg­ A vigil to commemorate the murders of istration starts Jan. 3. Phone Janet 734- the 14 women in Montreal last year will 8156, Mari 872-1743 or Sarah 251-4601. be held on the night of Dec. 6. Call Sponsored by the Unlearning Racism WAVAW at 875-1328 for info. Workshop Committee.

26 KJNES1S Dec/Jan. 91 ///////////////////^^^^^ //////////////////////^^^^^ BULLETIN BOARD

VENT SIG ROUPS MOISEIWITSCH &. LAURENCE JOIN MEDIAWATCH A collaborative installation by Carel Moi­ Concerned about Media Exploitation of seiwitsch and Robin Laurence which com­ Women? MediaWatch, a national fem­ bines fictional and graffiti impulses. Exhi­ inist organization concerned about the bition Companion essay by Hollie Owen; status and portrayal of women and girls chronology by Skai Fowler. Opening night in the media, works to improve and diver­ Wed., Jan. 23 1991 at 8 pm. Exhibition sify these images through lobbying, edu­ runs to Feb. 25, 1991. The Lateral Gallery cation, and advocacy. Call 731-0457 for at Women in Focus, 849 Beatty St, 682- volunteer opportunities and other info. 5848. Gallery hours: Wed.-Sun., noon to 5 pm. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED WAVAW/Rape Crisis Centre is looking for womon volunteers to do rape crisis work. Training begins Feb. 20th and runs 11 SUBMISSIONS weeks (Wed. 7-10 pm and Sun. 11-5 pm). Childcare and transportation costs pro­ SEXPERTEASE III vided. WAVAW strives to be anti-racist, The Intl. Lesbian Week planning commit­ anti-classist and anti-homophobic. Call tee has space forapprox. 10 performances 875-1328 for info. of individuals or groups in their upcom­ ing Sexpertease III event, Feb. 22 and Constanza Silva, Terrie Hamazaki and Raven Courtenay perform Storm After The 23. Call Mickey at 874-8567 or Mary at CLASSIF ED Calm at the Women in VIEW Festival in Vancouver, Jan. 22-27. See page 22 for 254-2553 for info and/or auditions. UNIQUE GIFTS more information about the festival. Are you one of the many having trouble TRAUMA/SURVIVAL SHOW finding that one-of-a-kind unique eclec­ The Women in Focus gallery at 849 tic special present for the one you love? Beatty St. is calling for submissions to Come to the Lonsdale Quay Christmas their Trauma/Survival show, scheduled to Market Dec. 1-12 and check out our CLASS IFIEDlCLASSIFIED open in the fall of 1991. This is a group beautiful, warm and cozy hand screen- SHIATSU TREATMENTS WOMEN'S STUDIES COURSES exhibition encompassing all media and printed shirts, buttons, and canvas bags. Ready to work on your stuff? do it with Langara Women's Studies courses for curated by Avis Lang. Deadline is Jan. After the 12th come to our studio at your body. I work from the basis that Jan-April 1991: Women's Studies 116, 15, 1991. Call 682-5848 for more info. 261 E. 1st St. North Vancouver; 11-3 pm an Introductory Perspectives on Women Tues. thru Sats. Tel: 980-4235. our bodies remember joys, sorrows, fear and frustrations. Unexpressed, these feel­ course, on Tuesdays 6:30-9:30 pm (at ATTENTION WRITERS ings play havoc in our lives, undermining VVI) or on Wednesdays 3:30- 6:30 pm (at Langara). 3 credits, university trans­ Trivia, A Journal of Ideas, publishing rad­ FEMINIST COUNSELLOR our true potential. Using touch, breath, ferable, no prerequisites. Instructors: De- ical, creative feminist thought in the form Special interests: women's issues, child­ imagery and body awareness, my Shiatsu of essays, reviews, translations, and ex­ hood trauma, substance abuse, and inter­ treatments can help you free unexpressed borrah Dunne and Frances Wasserlein. perimental prose, is now accepting sub­ nalized homophobia. Sliding scale. Karen emotions, and gain clarity. Astarte Sands, Women's Studies 274, Women and Sexu­ missions for issue #18, Spring, 1991. The Lewis, MSW. Phone 254-8279. 251- 5409. ality, on Tuesdays 6:30-9:30 pm (at Lan­ emphasis of the issue will be on collabo­ gara). 3 credits, university transferable, prerequisites are W. ST. 116 or 216 or ration, though submissions need not be COUNSELLING SPACE TAIKO TAPES! "mited to this topic. Send two copies by permission of the program. Instructor: Counselling office to share starting Jan. And t-shirts and CDs! Give the per­ with SASE to Trivia, P.O. Box 606, N. Patty Moore. Registration is week of Jan 1st. Available two-and-a-half days per fect holiday gift of music and heritage Amherst, MA 01059. Deadline Feb. 15, 1. Call Langara 324-5511 or Patty Moore week plus evenings and weekends. Com­ from Vancouver's own Japanese Cana­ 1991. 324-5370 or 254-4810 for more info. mercial Drive location. For information dian drum trio. "Chirashi" recording phone Maggie at 254-2644 or Karen at tapes $10 ea; CDs $15 ea; new "Uzume CASINO VOLUNTEERS 254-8279. Taiko" t-shirts $15 ea (female figure, ROUPS white on black, M.L.XL). Include $2 ship­ WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre is looking ping per item. Send cheque or money or­ for womyn to volunteer at a fundraising SELF-SUPPORT GROUP ACCOMMODATION WANTED der to: UZUME TAIKO, 1170 E. Georgia, casino on the evenings of Dec. 10, 11, Leaderless support group for womyn 36-yr.-old lesbian wanting to find a place Vancouver, V6A 2A8. or call 251-3908. and 12th (5 pm-3:30 am). We will pay working in helping professions (medical, with another woman to share on west honorarium of $50 to each womon. If in­ social service) who are survivors of child side. Call Sarah 736-4152. SHARED ACCOMMODATION terested please phone Sue at 875-1328 sexual abuse, exploring how we deal with (pre ferably before Dec. 5th). our abuse while helping others and the FEMINIST AND LESBIAN BOOKS 34-year-old lesbian seeks shared house or issues that arise in our interventions as Canada's largest selection in English apartment (or other women who are in­ VILLA DE HERMANAS helpers. Preference for those already in and French: literature, theory, spiritual­ terested in looking for a place together). Our all women's Caribbean beachfront therapy/supervision or who have been. ity, incest, film, erotica and more. Just I'm tidy, quiet, non-smoking, and vegetar­ guesthouse awaits you. Beautiful, LF 872-1144. write for our free annotated catalogue. ian, into mediation and other similar pur­ owned Spanish style villa on long, se­ L'Androgyne Bookstore, 3636 St. Lau­ suits. I enjoy living with people. I'd espe­ cluded beach in the Dominican Repub­ rent, Montreal, Quebec H2X 2V4. Tel: cially like to live in an all-women house. lic. Small tropical gardens, oceanside WOMEN WRITERS GROUP (514) 842-4765 Maximum rent $350. Phone 732-0792. pool, spacious comfortable common am interested in organizing a daytime eas with large balconies and magnifi­ FARSI LESSONS THERAPIST SOUGHT group to seriously critique our work while cent ocean view. Private, large, airy gue­ creating real safety to share content and I am offering to teach Farsi (the language Visible minority woman (woman of col­ strooms, sumptuous meals and drinks, pport process. Call Valerie 732-8927. of Iran) to interested students. Reason­ our) therapist wanted to lead a group for relaxing massages and healing crystals. able rates. Call 253-7673. visible minority adult women survivors of Room rates: $330 single; $440 double per incest and sexual abuse. I'm looking for week. For reservations call our Toronto someone with education and work expe­ friend Suzi, at (416) 462-0046 between 9 rience in this area. Also, the leader must am and 10 pm. have group work experience, knowledge and sensitivity to different ethnic groups, TRY CO-OP LIVING sexual orientation, and alternative spiri­ City View Co-op, a 31 unit building near BOOK MANTEL tual and religious beliefs. The leader must Victoria & Hastings, keeps an open wait­ have a clear understanding of internal­ ing list for applications for membership. ized racism, systemic racism, oppression Rent for 1, 2 or 3 BR apts. is $467, 589, or and individual differences. I will compile a 683, plus a (refundable) share purchase. \f Under New Management \j proposal and have an agency sponsor this To apply, send a S.A.S.E. to: Membership project. The earliest I could see this group Ctte, 1885 E. Pender, Vane. V5L 1W6. beginning would be April 1991. If this in­ EXCELLENT SELECTION OF OVER 40,000 GENTLY USED BOOKS terests you or for more info call Linda at 876-3506 by Jan 4 , 1991. Feminist • Literature • Philosophy • Poetry • General Selection

Moved to A WOMAN'S PLACE Display Emotional Fitness Centre: New coun­ 1002 Commercial Drive selling, educational and referral service on Advertising: V5L3W9 the North Shore. Offers feminist and les­ bian affirmative counselling, workshops, Ask us about discounts. I support groups and information - for gen­ Open 7 days, 11-7 eral personal growth and healing and Phone 255-5499 women's issues. Call Lou Moreau, founder 20% discount with valid student cards and registered clinical counsellor, 984- 8738 or 922-7930. 253-1099 WOMEN OWNED AND OPERATED

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