Paige, I may be obtuse but what do women on stilts have to do with
getting together to stop the ravages of war?
Her question gave me the opportunity to write a bit out and I thought I'd share it here as well, in the event any of you were curious.
Not obtuse at all, and in fact, a wonderful question.
I'll answer to the best of my ability at this time.
Stilts are:
*one of the hallmarks of Mothers Acting Up, as in Rise Up.(Julia Ward Howe's Mother's Day Proclamation calls for mothers to Arise!) Take Rise Up / Arise to its many ends: a new day rising, and so on.
* there's strong symbology of woman being lifted UP, lifting UP her voice, raising UP her concerns, etc. It's making the smallest voices be heard, the least be seen.
*it's a great media opportunity and whether getting together to stop the ravages of war or to advocate for proper nutrition & healthcare for the world's children, the media coverage brings larger witness to the voice.
As mothers, when we band together, we have tremendous power, lifting UP not one, but first tens, then hundreds, then thousands (and so on) of voices, and to collectively bare witness in a way that continues to ripple outward. Media is a critical part of spreading the word, of helping the voice be heard. So bring on the stilts and the aprons and the big hats. These images are simple, yet powerful.
All that said, Nashville Mothers Acting Up does not have hard and fast plans to utilize stilted walkers in our parade this year due to time / money / woman power constraints. Next year we'll be working far enough out and with greater resources to hold a stilt building / walking workshop.
If women (or others) wish to attend the event and participate in the parade on stilts, that's a wonderful and welcome thing. I simply ask that folks be considerate of their own and others' safety and ALWAYS have a spotter. That's another beautiful symbol there: the hand of a friend helping a woman to be lifted up.
We're all in this rising up together.
Also, there's this bit from the Mothership (find under "Parade Recipe"):
5. Walk on Stilts to express the joy and strength of mothers speaking
out:Having even one mother on stilts will transform the perception of mothers
and activism in your community. It also creates personal transformation; once
you’ve walked on stilts you are clear you can do just about anything. Stilts are
a MAU trademark-- symbolizing a far out perspective, taking big strides, joyful
expression--and are also ODD- thus newsworthy. Stilts also add a celebratory,
carnival atmosphere.Walking on stilts is MUCH more fun and not as difficult as
you might imagine. We suggest wearing kneepads and ALWAYS having a spotter who is sticks to you like white on rice. We’re not kidding: we never take a step
without a devoted spotter. We made our stilts and it's fairly easy (see recipe).
Also, if any of you are jugglers or can ride a unicycle, do it in the
parade.
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