November 7, 2007, - 4:39 pm

Men, the New Women, Alert: No, Balls of Yarn Are not Cojones

By Debbie Schlussel
In my ongoing examination of our society’s largely successful attempt to feminize America’s men (and masculinize the women), I’ve been watching the growing trend of knitting for boys and men. Just when less and less women in America are knitting, we compensate for it by . . . having young boys knit?! And men, too?! Yup, it’s been the craze for a couple of years or so.
The latest point on this downward decline of masculinity is the book, “Knitting With Balls: A Hands-On Guide to Knitting for the Modern Man.”

knittingwithballs.jpg

The book came out last year, but for some reason–ie., the growing push by stupid mommies to make their boys knit–it’s getting a lot of press now. Gushing press. One of my hometown newspapers raved about it over the weekend. I’m guessing the woman who wrote the review also likes her son to figure skate and is sending him to flight attendant school next.
Here’s a note for those who mistakenly think knitting is for men: It ain’t. Despite the title of this book, cojones do not equal balls of yarn and two wooden sticks. And the same holds true vice versa.
If you’re a scientist in a remote Antarctic camp of all men studying the extreme cold and you need a new scarf or hat, then knitting is okay. But, other than that, if you’re a guy, don’t scratch that itch. Knitting ain’t very manly.
Just an observation. If you must knit, the jockstrap does not fit.
For the record, I do knit. Or did. Takes waaaaay too long to make anything decent. It’s strictly for the very bored, IMO.




Tags: , , ,


40 Responses

I disagree. Any man with an inclination to knit should be encouraged to do so. Rather such a poof occupy himself with that than other activities that would actually annoy the rest of us. If they knit instead, there would be no ACLU to harrass and molest American culture. They could knit holsters and winter socks for the troops, instead of trying to join the military themselves. Knitting could possibly solve many problems by giving such “men” something more productive to do with their idle hands.

melchloboo on November 7, 2007 at 5:36 pm

Balls of yearn? What a great typo!

LoveAManInAUniform on November 7, 2007 at 5:49 pm

Ah, Debbie … if more ladies saw things as you do, we’d be a lot happier as a country. I’m all for open expressions of feelings and what not, but I’m male, and want to do male things! It’s like I woke up one day and females found girly men attractive!

CaptShady on November 7, 2007 at 6:41 pm

I wonder if all those Muslim male youths in Dearbornistan are at home knitting? Somehow I doubt it.

sonomaca on November 7, 2007 at 10:41 pm

Sorry Debbie…I take serious issue with you on this one…I really think you gave a knee jerk non-thinking reponse…one that you really should backpedal from…
My grandfather was a San Quentin warden staff person responsible for teachinig hardened criminals business machine repair skills and finding them jobs. He was also a Private First Class, United States Army veteran of WWII. What did he learn in the Army? How to knit among many things. Rather than spend money on winter wear, he instead knitted socks and sweaters for his three daughters as they were growing up.
This skill was taught in Army as I’ve been told by some all the way through the Vietnam War. I would not be surprised if it were a skill offered today in the Swiss Army, New Zealand Army, the Russian Army and any armed service world-wide that is “snow country” oriented such as the countries of Finland, Sweden, etc.
Oh, let us not forget that when I was in the Boy Scouts back in the early 80’s, it was offered as a course with referenced reading material just like any other skill offered via the Boy Scouts.
To put it simply in both comtemporary and historical senses, knitting is not a female or male thing – nor a machismo thing or lack thereof…
…it is simply one of many survival skills that have been taught for quite some time.
Please retract or at least modify your earlier statements.
Sincerely…
[MR. R: YOUR GRANDFATHER WAS IN A DIFFERENT DAY AND AGE. THE BOYS AND MEN WHO ARE BEING ENCOURAGED TO KNIT ARE NOT DOING SO TO SAVE MONEY, ENERGY, AND OTHER RESOURCES. THEY’RE SLACKER DUDES BEING ENCOURAGED TO DO SO IN YET ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO BLUR THE GENDER LINES. DIFFERENT TIMES, DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES AND CONTEXT. COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. YOUR GRANDFATHER SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT GUY AND A GREAT AMERICAN. DS]

mrrabbit on November 7, 2007 at 11:40 pm

Agree with you, Debbie, whole heartedly. Give me a break: knitting as a survival skill? It’d be more expedient to just use the sheep skins or felt/weave the raw materials than knit. Besides, the innate skills of Men [as opposed to mere “males”] are better suited to the tasks of hunting, building, etc. When push comes to shove, “survival skills” requiring less strength [knitting, stirring soup, repairing clothing] are for girls and women.
Oh, and I’ve about HAD it with all the post-modern-mothers [and the wimpy males they’ve made babies with] who seem to be letting their sons nine years old & up color, highlight, and oh-so-prettily style their hair. If the “dads” in this country don’t start popping some testosterone pills soon, we’re going to be out of luck.

wholebrainer on November 8, 2007 at 12:25 am

I dislike the wimpifying of the western male as much as any reasonable conservative does, but it is interesting to note that it was a male who invented knitting and in medievel times, most knitters were male. It was a paying profession, like any other.
Yes, I’d much rather my son be taught how to trap and kill rattlesnakes, but, whatever. I also love to watch ballet and you can’t have a good ballet without a great male dancer in tight tights!

AmericanJewess on November 8, 2007 at 3:21 am

“it was a male who invented knitting”..I thought knitting, weaving, etc went back so far that no one has any idea who invented them.
[PCB: I HEARD AL GORE INVENTED THEM. DS]

photoncourier.blogspot.com on November 8, 2007 at 9:33 am

If he MUST knit: Cashmere. Only. Mostly black, and only in my size.
We’ll tell no one.

Tru on November 8, 2007 at 9:53 am

I have a great idea for a mens knitting ad campaign. Sylvester Stallone, surrounded by all kinds of big guns, sitting on a couch and happily knitting a sweater.
(Bonus points to whoever can identify the movie with this obscure reference.)

cirrus1701 on November 8, 2007 at 10:21 am

I agree with you Debbie. Knitting is for feminine men with weak wrists. Kinda like a man who owns a cat. Super gay in my opinion. Im a real man who loves getting greasy working on my drag car, who drinks good brew and loves eating meat and potatoes.

RadicalRightWinger on November 8, 2007 at 10:49 am

cirrus1701: Demolition Man!
The skill and desire to knit were implanted in Stallone’s mind while “on ice” in prison. The intent was to wussify him, but it didn’t work.
I thought of this one too as I read the post.
Happy to report that my eleven year old son enjoys playing “Atomic Bomb” while throwing rocks in the river. I think he’ll be OK.

timjansing on November 8, 2007 at 10:54 am

Wow a woman that can not knit or refuses to knit. Well why do youhave the need to womanize or masculinize a craft. Maybe is your short comings as a woman that are injeopardy. Find your inner woman. People like you is what’s wrong with the world. Since when does having two sticks and a piece of string is a feminine trait. You are a very …. person

knittingwithballs on November 8, 2007 at 1:21 pm

Hysterical! I for one, think it’s cool that you know HOW to knit, but choose NOT to. That’s the RIGHT kind of pro-choice!

PhilEBinson on November 8, 2007 at 1:30 pm

RadicalRightWinger,
I’m with you on the meat, potatoes, good brew and especially the drag cars but I gotta draw the line at the cat thing. 🙂
I myself have four cats. Here’s food for thought. For single guys, cats do work great as a conversation starter with the ladies. I believe that having cats is as effective as the puppy dog in the park prop.
Back to the original subject. I whole heartedly agree with your viewpoint “Knitting is for feminine men with weak wrists”. We have allowed the testosterone to be drained from our young men by so many factions. Schools have led the way in this effort. Unfortunately for us and the nation they have been very successful!! “Oh, we never hit back” has proven to be so much bullshit shoved onto our young boys. We need to be teaching these young men that if someone hits you then you return the deed only twice as hard so that they get the message that you will not be phucked with by anyone. This is the reason why we cannot tell the Moozlums, Mexicans, United Nation, Russians and any other group of assholes to go pound sand!!

newinnewark on November 8, 2007 at 1:41 pm

Wow!
‘beg forgiving for delving a bit deeper past the main subject, but…
“stupid mommies?”
Where in the world do you get off insulting someone’s way of raising her child?
…and well, if you really want to get off on that whole masculine thing…go ahead and insult some man’s mother and her choice of raising him — to his face…or is it just that you’d rather be more comfortable doing so hiding behind a keyboard and computer screen?
I was taught how to knit by my grandmother, who survived the Great Depression and lived through WWII…without the help of any man, but yet holding her own — great gods, where would all these manly men be without Rosie the Riveter?
I was taught to knit at the age of 5, and have been knitting ever since — even through my time serving in the military AND Operation Desert Storm.
…and if I may be so bold, I see that you support Veterans, at least from what I see from all of the Veterans’ blogs links that you have posted — please tell me, a proud Veteran, who KNIT HIS WAY THROUGH THE FEWEST OF SPARE MOMENTS WHILE FIGHTING AND SURVIVING DESERT STORM to help remind you of the freedoms that you have to wantonly insult our mothers and our upbringing; please tell me of my decline of masculinity.
Please, by all means tell the WORLD as you are right now.
I think I’ve earned my right to knit. I think I’ve earned my right to do whatever I want to do.
What have you done to earn your right to mis-use and abuse the freedoms you take for granted?

rjcb3 on November 8, 2007 at 2:48 pm

Debbie,
This is a major fad today. As a 25 year old man of today, I am being constantly assaulted by the fad of men my age thinking it is cool to be effeminate. The whole pink/lavender/pastel colored shirt thing really gets to me. I find it truly offensive to the senses to see other men wearing that nonsense.
This whole knitting thing is probably being foisted on these poor, young boys by domineering, feminazi mothers who want to let their child “explore his individuality” by doing this, even though the kid probably begs for a toy gun or GIGOEs, only to be told “no, that encourages and excacerbates our violent gun culture.” The boys father is probably an ultra-metrosexual, wet noodle pansy who either sees nothing wrong with the sissification of his son or else is too under the thumb of the domineering feminazi wife to say anything about it.

JasonBourne81 on November 8, 2007 at 3:47 pm

Photoncourier, I read it in a book on knitting. I think the first evidence of knitting was in ancient fishing nets, and they were likely created by fishermen.
Theoretically, there is nothing in the world wrong with men knitting, but I tend to agree with Deb that what’s wrong has to do with the era we live in. Boys and men are being immasculated. Perhaps it is not the right time to teach them things that are traditionally associated with women.

AmericanJewess on November 8, 2007 at 4:15 pm

What is your problem, lady? Why is it that every right wing, conservative idiot with a computer has an opinion on what everybody else is doing? Really, who gives a phuck? There are far more important issues in this world than who’s right it is to knit. Frankly, it’s none of your business what people choose to do with their lives. Don’t you think it’s time for you and your “highly educated fan base” to move out of the shallow end of the gene pool? – Gimme a break!

bored on November 8, 2007 at 7:52 pm

Well Debbie if that is your opinion you had better get your arse,big boobs and fake blonde hair back to where they belong, the kitchen, bare foot and pregnant.

colchec on November 8, 2007 at 8:20 pm

Debbie’s take is spot on with this.
I know of mothers around me that freak out if their boy wants to play cops and robbers and gawd forbid wish to play with a toy gun…yet they will push them to do things they don’t wish to do that are feminine. I have a real issue with that.
I think that is what Debbie’s point was. I have seen this with my own eyes in the *mommies* groups..and I frankly come away shocked at the silliness of it all. I want to shake them and say..let the boy be a boy for pete’s sake!

Highrise on November 8, 2007 at 10:58 pm

Good post girl! Seems like a few nancy boys have stumbled across you blog… they’re probably the kind of fruit cakes that troll the net looking for people who make gay jokes…

travis on November 9, 2007 at 1:38 am

Debbie,
Thank you for emphasizing that men should never learn anything beyond butt-scratching and making money for me to spend! You are so right to point out that knitting is only for the weak and the retarded. I am proud to be the same gender as you. Next week, could you please let men know that they never need to cry, read, or do their laundry? Come on, you knitting pansies, put down those needles and go stick your dick in something!! time’s a-wasting!
p.s., i may be full of hate, but you are full of stupid.

lessknitmoredaterape! on November 9, 2007 at 1:29 pm

Debbie,
Thank you for emphasizing that men should never learn anything beyond butt-scratching and making money for me to spend! You are so right to point out that knitting is only for the weak and the retarded. I am proud to be the same gender as you. Next week, could you please let men know that they never need to cry, read, or do their laundry? Come on, you knitting pansies, put down those needles and go stick your dick in something!! time’s a-wasting!
p.s., i may be full of hate, but you are full of stupid.

lessknitmoredaterape! on November 9, 2007 at 2:14 pm

Wow, you know writing is a little masculine for a woman, why do you do the knitting so we men don’t have to. While your at it, get in the kitchen and cook, then clean the house (wearing high heels and a dress with a petticoat ala Mrs. Cleaver). Then when your done lay down so we can make some babies for you to feed.
Seriously, knitting may not be masculine to you, but a man who can be self sufficient and cook and clean for himself usually means the man is more responsible, clean, genteel, well mannered and therefore more of a man than one who scratches his balls and watches football. Get in the new millenium lady, Men can cook, clean, babysit, be nurses, knit, quilt, design dresses, ballet, cheerlead or whatever they want. That’s what women wanted eqwual rights for. So don’t begrudge a man for crossing to what you obviously consider your side. Either that or go eat out Ann Coulter. You too would make good bedfellows.

Lasher820 on November 9, 2007 at 7:28 pm

I am a 36 year old male who knits. It has given me much enjoyment and have met several friends through knitting groups. I ahve traveled the world and knitted in public in several contries. I have found that it is Americans who just can not get over knitting being a hobby that belongs only to the female gender.
I will give up knitting if YOU make the following sacrifices in your life. They are as follows:
1. Give up your career ambitions (attorney,columnist), they are “masculine” jobs and belong to “men only”. Women should not have jobs, or much less an opinion.
2. Cancel your blog site. No one should listen to the opinions of a women for we all no women have no intelligence.
3. Take a match to all degrees recieved. Its a “mans world”. Women should not be educated.
4. Stop voicing your opinion. Women should not have a opinion. They should be quiet,passive and ALWAYS agree with their husbands opinion.
5. Stop voting, women should not be allowed to vote.
6. STAY AT HOME! Womens place is in the house and not in the work force. Cook, clean, and always have dinner on the table.
7. If your not married, give up all hopes of finding a man. Convince yourself that no man would ever want a woman over 25.
8. If married, submit to all demands and requests of your husband.
9. Give up birth control. Women should have as many children as their spouce demands. Oh, and submit to him sexually as much as he wants. Sex is for men, not women.
10. Cancel all credit cards in your name. Close all bank accounts in your name. If the man brings home the bacon he should decide how you should spent it!
11. Last and not least, be “pretty” for your husband at all times. Don’t dare gain a pound or change your appearance. Ask for your husbands permission when changing your appearance. Always remember you are his property.
Now, follow these simple steps to a more “feminine” Debbie! Your starting to demasculate this 36 year old male.
Debbie, step out of your prehistoric cave (with the cavemans permission of course) and begin to accept that both men and women have come a long way since the dawn of time.

markpaul36 on November 9, 2007 at 10:44 pm

It’s closed-minded, stereotyping, and pretty freaking stupid people like you who promoted slavery, agreed with prejudice, and delayed suffrage. Sure, this is obviously not as big of a social issue, male knitters. But DANG, girl, your attitude SUCKS. How the hell did you get this weblog of the year finalist? Just because you find it boring doesn’t mean others can’t find it relaxing or enjoyable, including guys. And for your information, my mom didn’t ask me to learn how to knit, but now that I do, she appreciates the thoughtful and practical gifts I’m now able to make her.
I hope your closed and insensitive heart soon learns what individuality is. Really, by your logic, you should definitely be knitting – isn’t that part of your own stereotype?

fish0matic on November 10, 2007 at 7:29 am

More knee-jerk silliness that is unworthy of a woman of your intelligence, Debbie. And yes, I am speaking as a knitter. What, exactly, is so intrinsically “girly” about knitting? It’s just making something with your hands, something useful in this case, and often essential for survival, in some parts of the world. Many knitters (myself included) donate their work to charity. In the Asian country where I live now, most people cannot afford to buy store-bought sweaters, so nearly everyone wears hand-knits, because they’re far more economical. In this country, buying the wool to knit a sweater costs about one-tenth the cost of a sweater off the rack. So yes, maybe it’s a frivolous hobby in some more affluent parts of the world, but definitely not here. And it’s not manly? An acquaintence of mine works for Canadian Fisheries; virtually all the guys who work on these boats knit to pass the time when they’re away at sea, and these are the grizzliest, gruffest, manliest men you’re ever likely to meet; a person would call them “girly” once and once only. And yes, it’s true that knitting in Europe and the Middle East during the Middle Ages was a highly respected male trade, with its own guilds, and probably not many sissy-boys among that lot, either. People who have introduced knitting and crochet to boys who have no pre-conceived ideas about it being a “girl thing” have found that most of those boys love it and usually get into it in a totally healthy and boyish way, competing with each other, favoring “manly” colours like black, navy, brown, and grey, and boasting about their completed projects. Boys are tactile creatures; they LIKE doing things and making things with their hands, and the ones who have the hardest time sitting still and listening in school often find they can sit still for an hour or more working on a knitting project, and it’s not wasted time – they’ve developed their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, their counting skills, their concentration, and they’ve actually MADE something. So what the hell is your problem with that?

angloirishslav on November 10, 2007 at 8:53 pm

You are such a jerk. I thought you seemed familiar…you were like that hussy from “Mean Girls”, only from way back in the day (c. 1957). Look, I don’t know where you get off, but when you do, I hope you step in a huge steaming pile. May your tongue grow fur and your menopause last for thirty years.
Have a lovely day.

markfifersmyhero on November 10, 2007 at 10:07 pm

I can’t believe how ridiculous your comments are. First off, you said that knitting was becoming unpopular with women: that just shows immediately that you don’t know what in the world you’re talking about.
Then, the stereotype that knitting is somehow a feminine activity proves that you have no balance in your life. If you had balance, then you’d know that creative expression comes in many forms. I think it’s wonderful that we live in a time where people have enough leisure time that they can persue whatever hobby they want (as long as bitchy blonds don’t kill their buzz).
Would you be so critical of some woman who wrote a book on woodworking? Probably not. Knitting is meditative and calming. I know very few knitters who would go spouting off about how other people chose to spend their free time.
I started reading your article and was appalled, but now I just feel sorry for you. Such a narrow view you have of people, and such an over-inflated view of yourself.
I recently met Michael, the author you so glibly panned. He is a little shy, quite charming and very accepting of other people. Perhaps you could learn by his example? Probably not. You’re here to tell us what to think, not to listen! That much is clear.

Tabooli on November 10, 2007 at 10:40 pm

Dear Ditzy Debbie,
Real men don’t let dumb broads tell them what they can and can’t do. Now shut up and go make my dinner.

Toasterlad on November 11, 2007 at 1:30 pm

I’m sorry – I just don’t understand why learning a skill makes you feminine? No matter *WHAT* skill it is. And of all of the “traditionally female” skills to learn, knitting is pretty low on the list of “girly” in my book.
Since when is macho the be-all-end-all for men anyway? Every culture has different roles for men and women. In the animal community, females are traditionally the hunters, even though the males are stronger. Logically that makes no sense, but it is the way that their social structure works.
Centuries ago, men were the ones wearing wigs, makeup and dresses. And they were the very ones who built the foundation our country is based upon! We appear to have recovered from their “metro” lifestyle and maintained men who know what they want for their lives, and in most cases, care for themselves, and their loved ones.
In America, our idea of culture and gender roles are skewed from what is beneficial to our souls and to the world in general. I am all for appreciating the beauty of the gentle home arts, and also appreciating the mastery of a difficult skill that requires a great deal of strength. I applaud any person who can accomplish those tasks with skill, regardless of gender.
While I think its important to value the place and the roles that our ancestors have had in society, I also think that we should take advantage of the opportunities that perhaps they never had, to put aside fears and prejudice to embrace skills and talents and interests regardless of what is “socially acceptable” based upon a flawed world view.
I like that my husband takes out the trash, changes the oil in the car, and can kill any spider known to man without blinking an eye. He brings home the bacon, serves in the Army, and mows the lawn… But I also love that he cuddles, likes a well-decorated home, gets up with the baby in the night, helps raise the kids, and cleans the house whenever he can because he loves to.
….Someone also mentioned that knitting really CAN be a practical skill. This is true for our family. While we are doing better financially now than we ever have, there have been times when knitting or crocheting an item saved us a great deal of money. Even now, I have been able to knit up a tunic out of a wool-blend fiber that would normally have cost about $50 in stores, for less than $5 since I found the yarn on sale, and used a skill that I learned to create the item for her birthday.
Hats and scarves can be made for under $1, and keep my family warm and cozy.
Several men that I know who still serve in the military today, are knitters. They knit and donate their knits to their fellow service members overseas. Helmet liners, socks, beanies, and scarves all help out our soldiers. The helmet liners are not provided by the military, and are not readily sold. Knitters around the world are coming together to provide these for the men and women in need of them.
All that to say that there are MANY reasons for knitting, and many different people who knit. It isnt simply a hobby that determines gender and circles around gab-fests and prissy frilly shawls (though those are fun too). It *is* practical, and serves a real purpose for so so many people.
Who are we, and who are you, to question the freedoms and rights that our ancestors have fought so hard for? If a man wants to knit, so be it.

homegrownrose on November 12, 2007 at 2:35 am

This is a joke, right? I mean, come on, the whole post *has* to be a tongue in cheek farce. No one can be that silly, can they?
Wait…you’re serious?
Shame, shame, shame.

Emily on November 14, 2007 at 1:05 pm

I was directed to this site by several knitting friends. Your column is further proof that few people in the entertainment media do any research whatsoever before opening their flaps.
There was a time in history when knitting was a jealously guarded male craft simply because it was highly profitable. Women were not allowed to join hand-knitting guilds in Europe. The moment knitting became mechanized, ownership of the factories became male-dominated, and the unprofitable activity of handknitting became a means to cheaply clothe one’s family — and therefore less jealously guarded by males.
My grandfather was a first-generation Irish-American who fought in the First World War, who was a firefighter AND a prizefighter. He and the men at his firehouse knitted to pass the time between calls. And while he did consider lace and other “fancywork” to be “for the ladies,” his men made socks, scarves and blankets for men in the veteran’s hospital. These men were Irish — knitting was a practical skill, not a gendered hobby. Many were descendants of fishermen and sailors who commonly knit to pass their resting time on deck, and to have warm garments.
My father served in World War Two, and when he was a boy all children in his immigrant neighborhood were taught to knit simply because you could not run to Wal-Mart and buy a pair of socks.
I knit and do not dismiss others’ hobbies as “for the very bored.” In our overscheduled world, very few people have the luxury of boredom. Most hobbyists I know pursue their crafts not out of a need to fill a dull vaccuum in their lives, but out of a need to relax. Yarn, woodworking, painting, embrodiery … what have you … all are healthy, non-chemical-dependent ways to soothe the mind and have something more to show for it than a hangover, obesity or lung cancer.
I strongly suggest that you visit the website of the Craft Yarn Council of America (www.craftyarncouncil.com) and find some interesting statistics on “fewer and fewer” women knitting.
I find it pathetic that some people are so insecure that they must categorize the world by polarity — male versus female, conservative versus liberal, black versus white. It’s a lowbrow way to compartmentalize life, but perhaps it helps the dull-witted shore up the boundaries in their own little worlds.
Montessori schools teach knitting to boys and girls because it is a two handed activity that creates connections between both sides of the brain.
If you insist on subscribing to gender roles, obey your own stereotypes and get off the air. There was a time when women’s voices were not allowed in news or editorial broadcasting because the ultra-conservative point of view that you hold in such high esteem believed that women’s voices did not have enough autority to convey news or political opinion.
Oh, and get off the computer too — isn’t that for nerdy men with tape on their glasses?
While you’re at it, why not go for the whole ball of wax and get your tookas back in the kitchen?
I work in disaster response. I live in Louisiana. Believe me, I am FAR from bored.

mambocat on November 16, 2007 at 12:47 pm

Who shoved a pound of sand into your ignorant vagina? You’re spouting so much ignorant, hateful drivel, it should be criminal. Read a history book -, men used to knit all of the time, and indeed control knitted textiles. By the way, get a life.

theLady on December 11, 2007 at 3:09 am

Words fail me. Almost.
I think a number of the large, straight, stereotypically, traditionally masculine men I know that knit would take even more offense to this than I, a short skinny man, do.
Seriously, would you rather have a boy playing “boys will be boys” games, taunting and bullying other kids, getting in fights, or knitting? Do you like the idea that a boy who knits is likely to be ridiculed or attacked by other boys who have been taught that that is ok? Kids are not born violent or hateful…they are taught those attitudes and behvaiors. Would you want your kid picked on for doing something they enjoy? I sure hope not.

ernieducks on February 8, 2008 at 11:31 pm

i really date to hear such ignorance. were you raised by pigs on a farm? good god woman. i would hate to be your kids, its called karma, and i would pay money to see you in 30 yrs with son who knits. stupid bitch

yarniarni on June 4, 2008 at 11:22 pm

Wow, you’re incredibly sexist and ignorant! Or are you just pretending to create some controversy and get more people to read your blog? I really hope that’s the case, because it pains me to think there are such narrow-minded, mean-spirited people out there. Rigid, made-up gender differences have no place in modern society.

m8888888 on September 22, 2008 at 12:15 pm

This is, I’m sorry to say, the most sexist, stereotypical rant I’ve read. Ever. I sincerely hope you’re trying to drive traffic to your blog by writing such a machista post. It’s amazing. I tell you, I never thought there were people this ignorant in the year 2008. I’m so sorry for you.

Lilliana Viquez on October 31, 2008 at 9:07 am

I can’t believe how ignorant this post is. I whole heartedly agree with the comment above.
For your information circa 1268 knitting guilds were professional organizations comprised of men who knit by hand to provide their families with a living. Women only began knitting when there was a need for knitting garments during war time and the men were not available to do it.
Why must people like you label everything and everyone? It’s ok to not like to do something but if you do, why should you be thought of as masculine or feminine just because you do?
The world would be a better place if comments like this were not shared.

Someone with a clue on February 23, 2009 at 6:38 pm

Leave a Reply

* denotes required field