“Very few self proclaimed Riot Grrrls would, if asked, like to explain exactly what the term means. Many call is punk rock feminism, even though Riot Grrrl has moved beyond punk circles. When a groupd of girls in Washington, D.C., started Riot Grrrl in the summer of 1991, their intent was to make girls and women more involved in D.C.’s predominantly white, male punk scene, in which girls participated mostly as girlfriends of the boys. In the late 1970’s, punk initially had been very pro-feminist (the ideals of feminism fit in with punk’s do-it-yourself (DIY) ethic of self-empowerment and independence from authority, but as it became commercialized around 1977, its ideals became assimilated into the mainstream patriarchal belief system.”
“In the summer of 1991, K Records of Olympia help the International Pop Underground Festival, and the first night was designated Girls’ Night. As the zine Girl Germs noted, “The idea was formulated by several Olympians, who saw an opportunity to demarginalize the role of women in the convention and in punk rock.” Let by bands such as Bikini Kill, Bratmobile and Heavens to Betsy and zines such as Girl Germs, Jigsaw and Chainsaw, more bands and more zines came into being and a network of Riot Grrrls was created, based largely on those zines.”
“Perhaps because it was based on the punk scene, Riot Grrrl is much angrier than was the second wave of feminism of the 1970s. Riot Grrrls are loud and, through zines, music and spoken word, express themselves honestly and straightforwardly. Riot Grrrl does not shy away from difficult issues and often addresses painful topics such as rape and abuse. Riot Grrl is a call to action, to “revolution Girl-Style now” At the time in their lives when girls are taught to be silent, Riot Grrrl demands that they scream.”
“More recently, Riot Grrrl has formed a community on the Internet. Although discussion topics range from racism to music, from zine promotion to company boycotts and legislative politics, girls write most often about their days – something small that has upset them or something great that has happened. In that environment, what they create is genuine and accessible. Because the feminism of Riot Grrrl is self-determined and grassroots, its greatest power is that it gives girls room to decide for themselves who they are. It provides a viable alternative to the skinny white girls in Seventeen and YM (Young and Modern) magazines.”
“Lailah: The goals of Riot Grrrl are really wide. They’re not really concentrated. It’s very widespread. It’s important to be really widespread (and include) people from different walks of life. I’d been involved in different movements, some socialist youth organizations, an organization that worked with kids internationally through the United Nations, a group of youth from a progressive summer camp I used to attend, and a few clubs at my former high school, that weren’t really doing it for me.”
“Jessica R: What are the politics of Riot Grrrl?
Erin: The basic underlying one (is) be who you want to be, regardless of sex, race, class. (Riot Grrrls are) not limited. They’re typically very liberal, but a Riot Grrrl can be a Christian antiabortionist. The main thing is don’t compromise others’ beliefs. Think strong for yourself even if you don’t agree with other Riot Grrrls. Opinions about abortion is a good example of this. I’ve come across Riot Grrrls who are like, “No, this is who I am and you can’t hold it against me.”
“Jessica R: What is Riot Grrrl saying?
Jake: Talking about the unfair advantage people have over others – the social commentary… Society in general is messed up. People who have power and people who don’t. This is about opening their eyes to what is going on – dieting, the fashion industry. There’s a lack of knowledge about others – Racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia – for no reason. It pisses me off. It’s frustrating. It’s not getting through. The whole supposed liberation movement – women are still being raped, sexually harassed, earning seventy-five cents for every dollar a man earns. There’s still a lot of ignorance and bigotry. Riot Grrrl is speaking out against this, (saying), “This is wrong. Change it.”
“Jessica R: Why is it important that Riot Grrrl has become a community?
Jamie: A lot of girls feel the same way. Before Riot Grrrl they thought they were the only ones. And then, after Riot Grrrl, they’re writing zines and singing about the same problems these girls have. It gives them hope that, if these girls can do it, why can’t they?”
“Jake: Riot Grrrl basically says, “We’re here for you. If there’s something bad, we want to help stop it too. Whatever you need.” The whole concept of girl-love. There are other people who’re being discriminated against. Necessarily there’s the concept that people are going through the same thing. It’s easier to talk with strangers or people who have been there – to stand by and really support you. I don’t know why. Girls support and stand by each other.”
By Sarah Gill
