Kathy Bail: Portrait of a Rolling Stone a Feature by Phip (Phip Murray) Kathy Bail gives hints on how to deal with cock rockers, whether HQ is better than Rolling Stone and whether the Paxtons deserved it. DIY Feminism (submitted by Phip.) DIYster (submitted by Phip.) What is DIY feminism? Does it involve sensible shoes? It's phrase I came up with to describe an attitude to feminism that's prevalent among twenty- and thirty-something women. It stands for 'do it yourself'. Women will call themselves feminists if they can define what it means to them. A DIY feminist needs to be light on her feet and always ready for a quick getaway so good shoes are essential. Why did you format DIY Feminism as a compilation? What was the criteria for inclusion? I knew many women who had worthwhile things to say about feminism and women's issues yet their voices were not often heard in the media. Also I didn't want to put myself in a position where I was speaking for women. I'd prefer to open up opportunities for others to talk about changing and improving the position of women. Is it a little bit simplisitic? Of course. But I wanted to recognise that change can come from the ground up - it's not always top down. Rather than focusing on a few key commentators or theorists, I decided on an inclusive approach. The book features a diverse group of women who all have a stake in feminist projects. Not all of us have the opportunity to do what we want. Does the DIY ethic presuppose some level of opportunity? I've never proposed that women just do what they want. In DIY Feminism I wanted to show that any woman can make a contribution to feminism (achieving equality for women) whatever their circumstances. A CV is not a prerequisite - act when you need to. Is feminism in the 90s all about individuals slogging it out for themselves DIY style? Is there any room for collective action? Can we still all burn our bras together? DIY isn't a new attitude or style. It was part of the punk ethos of the 1970s that said you could by-pass cultural hierarchies - get out there and do your stuff. Punk meant being different. DIY culture is still largely misunderstood, especially its link with feminism. Often it's assumed that it is an argument for going it alone, avoiding collective efforts, even for pursuing purely personal goals. DIY wasn't that when the punks used it and it isn't that now. It's often a way in which people with limited resources get together or help each other out to achieve something that would otherwise depend on institutional support. DIY does not mean that your actions should be self-serving or that you avoid any co-operation with others. I don't think many bras have been burned in the name of feminism even in the early 70s. I wouldn't even want to encourage it. Besides I like wearing them. Why did you move from Rolling Stone to HQ? After four and a half years as editor I was ready for a change. I was offered the job at HQ and felt excited about working on a general features magazine. We cover music, and I still keep up with what's going on there, though in HQ we can cover other ground as well - politics, science, health, books. HQ is also appealing because it is an Australian title (rather than a licensed title like Rolling Stone) and there's great potential to cover what's happening locally. How does it feel to be a woman working in the really masculine fields of rock music and publishing? I'm now working in an all-girl editorial team. I don't feel that special. How do you deal with cock-rockers? Don't take them too seriously - they're an endangered species anyway. Any good responses to show us yer tits'? Only if you promise to stop dribbling... Do you sometimes feel you are placed as the token women of rock/publishing'? Not so much lately. I just get on with it and accept invitations to do things if I'm interested. I don't really care why I was asked. It's what you make of the opportunity that counts. Have you experienced cultural gatekeeping? Many times, mainly when I was trying to kick in the door. Now that I'm in a position to open them, I'm trying to let in people who have talent and something smart to say. How do you feel about the claims that all young feminists are whinging, gutless victims? I did a book to counter those stupid claims. DIY Feminism is full of evidence that young feminists are questioning and gutsy, and making their way in a difficult world. Did the Paxtons deserve it? I always meant to join one of the Paxton fan clubs. They were set up but they all seemed to use it to their advantage in the end. Are young people dismissed in mainstream media? Are we really ungracious, dangerous, spiky-haired whippersnappers? I'd take that as a compliment! Yes younger people's concerns are often patronised and trashed in the media. I think it's a mistake though to talk about the "mainstream media" as if it represents one set of views, one ideology. It's more complex than that. Some of our best writers and commentators work in so-called mainstream media (Check out HQ!). You can find diverse and challenging views in publications or radio programs produced by established media outlets - they are not found exclusively in so-called alternative media. What do you think of the Spice Girls? Do you want to be Spice Bail? I watched a bit of that TV special the other night and I had to turn the volume DOWN. I don't mind looking at them, especially their more acrobatic performances, though the music is unbearable. Their Girl Power message won't do any harm either. No I don't want to join the Spice Girls. I'm having a good time being Kathy Bail. If you could invite three people (fictional, living or dead) to a dinner party who would it be and why? My boyfriend (of course), Ida Lupino (the actress/director who brought feminism and sophistication to Hollywood) and Nabokov (who liked to eat in a reclining position and in silence so at least we'd all get a word in). Who would you not invite and why? John Howard (the guy who wants to put women back in the home) would be in the kitchen doing the washing up. How did you become involved in publishing? I tried it out at school. If only I knew about zines then, way back in the seventies! I've always been publishing something. What do you wish for in the future? Everything. Good health really. Why has Madonna captured the imagination of so many women? Because she has combined art and business and she's running the show. She's smart. What do you think of Courtney Love's transformation from Heroin Chick to Hollywood Chic? I don't buy her new line at all: Versace frocks and cosmetic surgery are liberating for women? Give me a break! I'm still fascinated by her though and I'll aways be interested to see what she's doing. I'm looking forward to the new Hole album. What's on the Kathy Bail soundtrack? Right now, a Free Kitten CD that the folks at Au-Go-Go kindly sent to me. endz Created on Fri, 21 Nov 1997 and last modified on Fri, 27 Feb 1998.

LOUDonline - http://www.loud.net.au - Wed, 8 Jul 1998