*Originally posted on Tumblr 032212
UPDATE: Oh, those giddy moments after one discovers something new. Not only that it's new, but a really good idea, as well. The name was enough to pique my interest: The Snatchel Project. When one encounters a moniker loaded with as much weight as The Snatchel Project so obviously is, digging deeper becomes an irresistible imperative—it did, at least, for me.
My introduction to Government Free VJJ, and The Snatchel Project, was a Ticker prompt to visit their Facebook group page. I clicked on the link, had a look at what was there, then joined the group. After a few minutes of touring their FB group page, I followed a link to the Government Free VJJ website.
In the spirit of disclosure, that the sixteen year-old me—who still kinda lives inside my mind—was snickering himself silly provided no small encouragement to explore further. He and I share a passion for most things VJJ-related; I probably don't have to explain why.
The people maintaining the GFVJJ website don't make you strain to find out what The Snatchel Project is all about. Top-right of the page: "Dear Men in Congress: If we knit you a uterus, will you stay out of ours?" Talk about a stroke of genius! I was immediately impressed. And very curious.
In essence, The Snatchel Project sends a knit or crocheted uterus, contributed to this effort by members keen on knitting and other kinds of handicraft, to various government and other officials who seem to believe it's their role in society to dictate to women the hows and whats of their own medical and pregnancy management convention through regressive legislature, media smear campaigns, and just plain old misinformation. Some pretty heinous chicanery, no doubt. But, for those engaged in perpetrating it, a fairly standard modus operandi.
The Government Free VJJ website is stuffed with useful information. Wonder what a knit uterus might look like? (I know, right?) Well, those savvy GFVJJ webmasters have got you covered. Heading the page is a row of several color pictures of knit uteri—among them, presumably as a bonus, is a picture of a knitted vulva, as well. I was immediately hooked. Mind reeling, wide smile across my face, I read on.
Following the instructions for creating one's own Snatchel, and suggestions regarding where it should be sent, is a series of declarations outlining GFVJJ's core motivations. And these women are serious. They're fed up with the near constant legislative intrusion into their medical and reproductive management rights, and, in their own words: "We do not need misogynistic pundits calling us sluts and prostitutes."
GENIUS! It's one of those ideas I found so good, so compelling, I was temporarily kicking myself for not coming up with it. Right away, I suspected these knit lady-parts would, eventually, become coveted cultural collectibles. Someone on the staff of a senator, governor, or other representative, who supports anti-choice legislation, opens a package and finds a lovely knit Snatchel accompanied by a small note with these words, in bold type: "Get your prehistoric laws out of my uterus! Better yet, here's one of your own!"
One of my first thoughts was how lucky those Snatchel recipients were. Talk about a conversation starter! I thought, if I ever could get one, I would find a cool way to display it, and proudly show it off to anyone visiting my home. Little did I know...
Anyway, that was a few months ago. Since then, I have had the good fortune to be a part of the Government Free VJJ Facebook group. Those administering the group, as well as the many members, are smart, caring, and compassionate people. I count myself lucky to be among them. Sometimes, it's a struggle to keep that sixteen year-old me from making the me of today look like a complete ass with my commentary; I don't always succeed, as members who regularly read my comments will no-doubt attest.
One member, in particular, has recently made my membership in the Government Free VJJ Facebook group extra-cool: She knitted me a Snatchel of my very own! WOOHOO! It's so neet. Her name is Gloria—I'll let her "out" herself, if she chooses. Thank you, Gloria, very much. You really made my day. I've told many friends about The Snatchel Project. However, not everyone gets why the idea is so relevant, so needed, and so freakin' awesome! Now, I can just show them why.
To those in positions of power and influence doing the legislative meddling, let the words of the Government Free VJJ members—and the imminent delivery of your very own Snatchel—be a sober warning: "We are half of the population, and we will not be treated as children or a disenfranchised minority." And, just so you don't forget; they vote, too... might be good for you to remember that. [=
Please follow the link to the Government Free VJJ website for more information regarding The Snatchel Project; and check out their Facebook group page, as well.
http://www.governmentfreevjj.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/govtfreevjj/
LSL - 071112/21:05