Knitting Bigotry
I read this yesterday and it really explained a lot about why I knit at home by myself. To me this is just another form of prejudice. I know that knitters like to think of themselves as really open and nonjudgmental, but they aren’t.
I have gone to about three different knit groups in my local area a few times each, and have always ended up deciding that I would much rather knit at home, alone. It is very hard to get accepted by most established knit groups, and I think the only way to make sure you are accepted is to start your own knit group.
I live in a very affluent area of California. I have noticed a couple of things about the knit shops in this area, the main being that they are in extremely white neighborhoods. In three of the knit shops in the area, the first time I ever walked in, I was followed around the store, not to give me help, but to make sure that I am not stealing from them. In one of the stores, when I picked up a hank of rather expensive merino, I was told by the sales person that I would probably be better off shopping at Wal-mart, because the yarn was much more reasonable in price. This clerk had no clue as to my income, which most likely is four or five times more an hour than what she makes. She didn’t know that I went into the store with the intention of spending at least $100, because yes, I know how much merino costs. The only thing she knew about me was that I am not white. It upsets me when I realize that people assume because I am of Mexican heritage, I don’t knit, I am only there to steal.
It’s not just knit shops where this happens. I have been stopped by the police right down the street from my home (which I own) and questioned as to why I am in this particular neighborhood. Profiling at best, bigotry at worst. I like nice clothes, but have trouble getting help in the better stores because of my skin color. I have been told to leave stores before I got more than two feet in the door.
So, it really irritates me to read “and everyone has their spot at the table. We have camaraderie. We know each other so well that I think we’ve managed to scare off some new folks. But as new folks show up only when they need help, well there’s just no room at the table.” Believe me, new people can really feel that they are an intrusion and will not return. I do not show up because I want help, I want camaraderie too! And if it’s the first time I show up at a knit group, I probably won’t have something on my needles from the store, but if I am welcomed and enjoy myself, you can bet that I will spend my money there.
There is one store, a new one, in my area in which they make me feel welcome every time I walk in. I will buy lots and lots of yarn and books from this store (even though I know their prices are a bit high) because I have never felt like an outsider there. I am in love with this store.
So, the next time someone comes in to check out your knitting group, remember you don’t know this person, so don’t judge them until you take the time to get to know them.
I have gone to about three different knit groups in my local area a few times each, and have always ended up deciding that I would much rather knit at home, alone. It is very hard to get accepted by most established knit groups, and I think the only way to make sure you are accepted is to start your own knit group.
I live in a very affluent area of California. I have noticed a couple of things about the knit shops in this area, the main being that they are in extremely white neighborhoods. In three of the knit shops in the area, the first time I ever walked in, I was followed around the store, not to give me help, but to make sure that I am not stealing from them. In one of the stores, when I picked up a hank of rather expensive merino, I was told by the sales person that I would probably be better off shopping at Wal-mart, because the yarn was much more reasonable in price. This clerk had no clue as to my income, which most likely is four or five times more an hour than what she makes. She didn’t know that I went into the store with the intention of spending at least $100, because yes, I know how much merino costs. The only thing she knew about me was that I am not white. It upsets me when I realize that people assume because I am of Mexican heritage, I don’t knit, I am only there to steal.
It’s not just knit shops where this happens. I have been stopped by the police right down the street from my home (which I own) and questioned as to why I am in this particular neighborhood. Profiling at best, bigotry at worst. I like nice clothes, but have trouble getting help in the better stores because of my skin color. I have been told to leave stores before I got more than two feet in the door.
So, it really irritates me to read “and everyone has their spot at the table. We have camaraderie. We know each other so well that I think we’ve managed to scare off some new folks. But as new folks show up only when they need help, well there’s just no room at the table.” Believe me, new people can really feel that they are an intrusion and will not return. I do not show up because I want help, I want camaraderie too! And if it’s the first time I show up at a knit group, I probably won’t have something on my needles from the store, but if I am welcomed and enjoy myself, you can bet that I will spend my money there.
There is one store, a new one, in my area in which they make me feel welcome every time I walk in. I will buy lots and lots of yarn and books from this store (even though I know their prices are a bit high) because I have never felt like an outsider there. I am in love with this store.
So, the next time someone comes in to check out your knitting group, remember you don’t know this person, so don’t judge them until you take the time to get to know them.
