last update: 20160723
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July 15, 2016
"Grrrl/Queer/Feminist Zines": The 13th lecture
memorandum (some part of lecture contents)
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In this lecture, we examined problems regarding "zine fest/fair".
What I emphasized in particular are the importance of (1) the session of 'reading (aloud)' zines and (2) setting up a 'safer space[s] policy' in holding a zine fest/fair.
In particular in Japan , these two points are apt to be overlooked.
(1) zine reading
'Reading' a zine independently is the significant act as same as 'making' a zine. It is all the more significant act to read zines aloud in public.
Because it is an attempt to share both the power of the text and the reader's feelings with participants. It is a part of the community formation through zines as a media. Moreover, it is direct, physical, and spatial communication.
The participants there become aware of sympathy and differences, individuality and sense of community. Therefore, the practice of zine reading is able to be both a 'proving ground' and 'the scene' of anarchism, DIY culture, and feminism.
And one more thing, 'Reading' (and sharing by reading) can create an order of the place. That is the autonomous order.
(2) safer space[s] policy
Mostly, safer space policy is set up in large-scale zine fests/fairs. It protects in particular the rights for marginalized people to participate in peace.
Safer space policy is established and utilized at following fields except for zine fests/fairs.
- Anti-/Alter-globalization movement
- Occupy movement
- Grassroots feminist collective
- Anarchist Collective
In such fields, creation of autonomous space is aimed at universally. We need to create there the space without discrimination and oppression as a model of the future that should be.
This is the act that is necessary in keeping the fundamental principle of zine culture―securing diversity and respecting it. In addition, the importance of maintaining our own space by ourselves should be recognized strongly.
List: [Serial Publication] Notes on Grrrl/Queer/Feminist Zines
cf. https://sites.google.com/site/feministzines2016kobe/
Author: MURAKAMI Kiyoshi
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