Riot grrrls
riotgrrrl movement was about using punk, music, and ‘zines to spread, and gather support for feminist revolutionary ideals – as varied, complex, and contradictory as these were.
Take back the use of “girl” – add in the growl to re-claim the term as being powerful. Bikini Kill - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1ieiTaJrN4
Post-modern Parody: Often in its use and abuse of history – POMO parody confirms or reinforces the representations as they have been used in history – but it also calls attention to the construction of and issues of power within these representations. These ironic performances often seek to re-claim power where there may not have been any afforded in the past.
‘Zines self-published, photocopied and hand- distributed magazines that challenge mainstream cultures on a number of levels. They do not rely on, nor support publishing industries – often are guides to activism and ways of spreading information that would be otherwise difficult to spread.
Zine info: http://zinewiki.com/Zine http://www.zinelibrary.info
Beth Ditto (of “Gossip”) “A movement formed by a handful of girls who felt empowered, who were angry, hilarious, and extreme through and for each other. Built on the floors of strangers’ living rooms, tops of Xerox machines, snail mail, word of mouth and mixtapes, riot grrrl reinvented punk” (16). From Riot Grrrl: Revolution Girl Style Now!
In pairs: review chapters 11 and 12, outline what the principles of the riot grrrl, punk, zine movements are. What are the priorities/ characteristics/ goals? Do you see contemporary examples of the riot grrrl ethic? Who and why?
The riotgrrl movement was all about subverting and challenging dangerous mainstream power structures/institutions and representations through the power of collaboration and rebellion… What specific contemporary issue(s) do you think are in need of a riot grrrl intervention? In other words, if you could choose a current day target, what would you write about in a zine or in a song and how would you challenge it?