foxonthego

the circle for Women who think, write, create

Hello! Any Bluestockings out there? I recently started a Substack called ‘The Blue Stockings Society – 21st C Edition’. You can check it out here and subscribe if interested. I confess I started it with only a vague notion of what it would or could be about. What do I want? I guess I’m looking for a community of like-minded women.

The original Bluestockings met in person in their circles to discuss and debate ideas, literary matters, art and share their creations. It was for educated women who thought, wrote, created art in a time where women had little independence, fewer freedoms and rights than today. Men too were invited but the main focus was on women. I love this.

It sometimes seems to me that we live in an age of banality. Selfies have taken priority over lived experience. What I mean is people seem to have experiences but there is more of a focus on documenting it and making their experience public. Attention seeking? Validation? Our attraction to spectacle? Rather than deep immersion, being in the moment, reflection and contemplation, enjoyment of the now… maybe I’m wrong. Maybe that’s still there. Or maybe I’m looking in the wrong places.

Showing my age, and while not my favourite decade, I also remember the 80s when women were inspired by women like Madonna and Cindy Sherman who took control of their image, their personal brand – a liberation of sorts at the time. Has it morphed into something less meaningful, competitive with an air of desperation? Everyone clamouring to be seen and heard, stressed by the pressure to succeed with likes on social media. To be an ‘influencer’ seems to be the ultimate goal. And who are these influencers? It’s all sound bites and superficiality. Or, so it sometimes seems to me. As that old, mid 80s ad used to say ‘where’s the beef?’ Maybe a renaissance – a rebirth – is needed of more spaces for educated women. This could be one.

Living in a remote, semi-rural location in Sardinia the creation of an in-person circle of this Bluestockings sort is somewhat challenging and options a bit limited. There is community here, of course, and here there are a lot of creative women. Sardinia has always been quite a matriarchal society and is full of educated, creative women. In fact, there are quite a few famous ones, like the writer Grazia Deledda and artist Maria Lai. But… yes, a but… does it have to be in person? In the 21st century with technology, why not open it up? Could be more interesting, no?

In case you were wondering, I’m not Sardinian. I grew up in Canada with European immigrant parents and have 3 nationalities as a result. After completing an MA in women’s studies and comparative literature, I roamed the globe for a few decades, working for a cultural relations organisation which valued equity, diversity, and inclusivity. I’ve now settled here in Sardinia mainly because it’s where my husband calls home but also because, why not? It’s an amazing place and the quality of life, the slow pace, the abundant nature, and good weather all contribute to living a good life and a more creative life. I have to admit I do also have a preference for writing over talking. I think I’m what’s called an outgoing introvert.

Can one create a community on this sort of platform? I’m not sure but let’s find out! As host of this fledgling circle, it seems a bit one way – all me me me – but I’m thinking the comments section could become a space for discussion and debate which I would very much welcome.

So, what do you think? Are you in? Up for some discussion and debate on ideas, literary matters, creativity, art? come join me on Substack!

ciao per ora bellissime sorelle

F ox

PS I’m hedging my bets on community building with a Facebook community group of the same name where there is more space for people to initiate discussion. Search Facebook for @bluestockings or go directly using this link on Facebook The Blue Stockings Society – women who think, write, create