The Pussy Power Hat: A Symbol of Solidarity and Resistance

The Pussy Power Hat, an iconic piece of protest art, became a symbol of unity and resistance during the Women’s March on Washington on January 21, 2017. This knitted pink hat, crafted by Jayna Zweiman, co-founder of the Pussyhat Project, was designed to turn the march into a ‘sea of pink.’ It served as a powerful visual statement of solidarity against the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.

Origins and Purpose

The Pussyhat concept was born from the desire to create a collective identity and visual statement during the Women’s March. Jayna Zweiman and Krista Suh initiated the Pussyhat Project in Los Angeles. They encouraged individuals to knit hats using a simple pattern shared online. Participants were urged to wear these hats at the march or donate them to others attending.

The hat’s cat ear design was a direct response to Trump’s infamous 2016 campaign recording, where he crudely boasted about grabbing women. He later dismissed this recording as ‘locker room banter.’ The project quickly gained traction, spreading globally. People shared the pattern and photos of their hats on platforms like Ravelry and Instagram.

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The Design and Symbolism

Crafted from wool and hand-knitted, the Pussy Power Hat stands as a testament to the grassroots activism that fueled the Women’s March. Its bright pink colour and distinctive cat ears made it an immediately recognizable symbol of protest. The hat’s design and widespread adoption highlighted the power of collective action. It also showcased the role of craft in contemporary political movements.

Acquisition and Exhibition

The Pussy Power Hat was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) as part of its Rapid Response Collecting initiative. This initiative focuses on contemporary objects that reflect major moments in recent history. The hat is classified under categories like Feminism and Rapid Response Collecting, indicating its cultural and historical significance.

The hat was displayed in the V&A’s exhibition, “The Future Starts Here,” where it was described as “a knitting pattern that defied a president.” This exhibition showcased the hat as an artifact of resistance. It symbolized female solidarity and the power of communal creativity.

Cultural Impact

The Pussy Power Hat’s impact extended far beyond the Women’s March. It became an emblem of feminist resistance, sparking conversations about women’s rights and the power of craftivism. Craftivism is the intersection of craft and activism. The project demonstrated how a simple act of knitting could contribute to a larger political discourse, inspiring similar initiatives worldwide.

Conclusion

The Pussy Power Hat is more than just a piece of headwear; it is a symbol of protest, unity, and the power of grassroots movements. Its place in the V&A collection ensures that future generations will remember its significant role in the women’s rights movement of the 21st century.

Sources

Victoria and Albert Museum. (2017). Pussy Power Hat. https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2018KT6001/

More on Textile Design

Pussy Power Hat A Poem

In streets adorned with pink array, A sea of hats in bold display. With ears that stand, a feline’s grace, They march for rights, for equal space.

Each stitch a voice, each thread a plea, For justice, love, and liberty. A symbol born from words of scorn, Reclaimed with pride, a movement sworn.

In unity, they knit and weave, A fabric strong in shared belief. The Pussyhat, both soft and bright, Empowers all to join the fight.

So wear it high, this crafted crown, In protest, let your voice resound. For in its warmth, a message clear: Equality for all is near.

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