Ani DiFranco: 'Feminism is not only for women'
Sunday 08 January 2012
Related articles
When I first started writing songs and being very explicit, it was hard But one of the main things people respond to in my writing is that "just say it" attitude of my songs. There really is nothing personal or private, it's all universal, if you can just find the courage to be open about your life.
My song 'Amendment' explores a subject matter you don't hear in songs – civil rights for women I've had conversations with young artists, and [they've said], "Your envelope-pushing emboldened me." It's great to hear, but I wonder how far I can take it. If it's my job to go out on a limb in order to encourage others to climb the tree, how far along that limb can I go?
Patriarchy is a fundamental imbalance underlying society And it's one we rarely address because it's so universal. But as I get older, I see that peace is a product of balance. You can't start with imbalance and end with peace, be that in your own body, in an ecosystem or between a government and its people. What we need to strive for is not perfection, but balance.
Feminism is not only for women It's something everyone can participate in, and evolve together, as the first step in the right direction. I see feminism as a tool to achieve that balance and peace.
I've been in dialogue with Occupy [washington] DC There are some incredibly lucid, articulate political thinkers involved – we're plotting some action together. I'm just excited there are people out there getting involved and willing to bring about social change.
I feel lucky that I built an audience by word of mouth rather than corporate muscle. Running my own record label has been very challenging, but a great blessing. I experienced a lot of condescension and exclusion, but then the music industry imploded, and now people look at me with envy.
Taking three years instead of three minutes to make a record is helpful: they're much better that way.
One word: mom That's my main job now. That's the be-all-and-end-all of my big slowdown. It's the best thing that ever happened to my work: to be taken away and come back refreshed.
Ani DiFranco's new album, '¿Which Side Are You On?', is out on 16 January
Arts & Ents blogs
Brighton Fringe 2013 – Is everyone sitting uncomfortably?
Fancy seeing a play about serial killers? How about inviting a funeral director into your home for a...
The Fall ‘Darkness Visible’ – Series 1, episode 2
There are a good many moments in the second episode of this psychological thriller that deserve refl...
‘Vicious’ – Series 1, episode 4
The opening titles squeal ‘Never Can Say Goodbye…’. Oh Lord how I wish I could heave this series off...
- 1 Man and woman arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder victim of Woolwich machete attack, named as Drummer Lee Rigby
- 2 'Sickening, deluded and unforgivable': Horrific attack brings terror to London’s streets
- 3 Grace Dent: I’m not sure how these people can avoid being called ‘bigots’. And the more ‘civilised’, the worse they are
- 4 Woolwich murder: They killed, then they performed - these men should be starved of our attention
- 5 Woolwich attack: The EDL will seek to exploit this evil crime for their own evil ends
Get your summer started with British Military Fitness
BMF is the UK’s biggest and best loved outdoor fitness classes
Visit York
Find out what The Independent's resident travel expert has to say about one of the most beautiful small cities in the world
Making reading fun for kids
Nook is donating eReaders to volunteers at high-need schools and participating in exclusive events throughout the campaign.
Introducing the 'Get Reading' campaign
Get the latest on The Evening Standard's campaign to get London's children reading.
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
The man who's eaten everywhere
A Berliner in 1963 – but did John F Kennedy once admire Adolf Hitler?
Banned Iranian director to attend Cannes Film Festival
The 10 Best salt and pepper sets
Ferran Soriano: Predicting success if Manchester City 'vision' is followed
Edward VIII’s phone calls - and how MI5 bugged them


Comments