I share Rachel Howfields reticence to label my work, most especially to label it ‘feminist’. I have visions in my head if I do so, of all the people who will instantly shut off. About a month ago, while on a break from the wellie wanging stall at the summer fair, I was introduced to an artist. He asked me what I was up to and I gave him a quick run down.
‘You got funding! he said rather disdainfully, ‘Wow – well, you’re a woman see – it’s easier for you’
‘But you’re an ethnic minority’ I said affronted ‘That trumps me’.
In our house, we’re hotly competitive as objects of discrimination. (my partner is half Trinidadian) This boiled over at a recent dinner with friends. Barack Obama was heard to call a female journalist ‘Sweetie’. I found that offensive, my partner thought I was overeacting, and so the battle was on. Who has suffered most down the ages, gender or skin colour – it makes for a lively debate – but I don’t think I’d recommend it for a dinner party!
