Two steps forward,

...one step back.

Quentin Bryce will be the new Governor General of Australia, when the incumbent's term is over. This has generally been perceived positively, with most people and media acknowledging that she is very accomplished and extremely suited for the role, as well as saying how great it is that a woman has broken another barrier.

However, even when it looks like we are making progress, that it is normal for women to be considered for and obtain these roles, there's always someone who can't accept it:

...I thought the Governor-General was there for all Australians, not just women, those who live in the bush or indigenous Australians. But then what would I know? I'm only a white, male city-dweller.

This was from a Letter to the Editor in the Sydney Morning Herald. Naturally, he was shot down the next day.

Aren't there enough white, male city-dwellers in power?

The thing that struck me about this letter, was yet again the assumption made by white men that white men can represent anyone, but any non-white and/or non-man must have some agenda that means they are out to strip privilege from those who have it. As the second writer pointed out, the white city-dwelling male population doesn't have anything to worry about.

This whole concept of the 'other' not being considered able to include the whole population is really playing out in the run-up to the US election. With both the Democrat contenders being different from the traditional old white man candidate, issues of race and gender have really come to the fore. I find it amazing that a country that believes it is world leading still has problems with the idea of diversity in it heads of states.

Project Update

Since I've been taking a bunch of photos to add to my ravelry notebook, I figured its a good opportunity to do an actual knitting blog entry.

Noni Majolica Bag Vases Full of Flowers Obviously a long way to go. I found a picture of one that had been done in Black & White. It is stunning.

This will be the Vogue Knitting Embellished V-neck.

It is another example of one where I have knitted all the pieces, but am avoiding the sewing. Rather than the suggested Merino I have used Bendigo Caprice, 50% alpaca, 50% wool. It's very nice, but its not included on the latest BWM sample card.

Finally, one where I actually have started the sewing - Little Miss Sunshine.

Progress is slow, I last referenced this in Jan '07, and first talked about it as a possible project in April '06. Friends and sisters keep popping out the babies, so the possible recipitents have increased.

Finally a finished object:

Some Baby Booties made from an old Patons pattern. There is no date on the book but it originally cost 1'6