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Julia Gillard: damned if she knits, damned if she doesn't Julia Gillard: damned if she knits, damned if she doesn't
(3 months later)
In her latest attempt to appeal to Australia, prime minister Julia Gillard has been photographed by the Australian Women’s Weekly knitting a toy kangaroo for the royal baby. She was apparently convinced to do so by her media advisors and, as a charm offensive, it’s offended more than it’s charmed, and given many the opportunity to say our prime minister is spinning yarns.In her latest attempt to appeal to Australia, prime minister Julia Gillard has been photographed by the Australian Women’s Weekly knitting a toy kangaroo for the royal baby. She was apparently convinced to do so by her media advisors and, as a charm offensive, it’s offended more than it’s charmed, and given many the opportunity to say our prime minister is spinning yarns.
It’s not a new thing, though – Gillard has long been a knitter and regularly post updates on her twitter feed of her projects and various knitting events. Remember before she became prime minister? When people hugged her for going to the footy and being a bit of a suburban dag?It’s not a new thing, though – Gillard has long been a knitter and regularly post updates on her twitter feed of her projects and various knitting events. Remember before she became prime minister? When people hugged her for going to the footy and being a bit of a suburban dag?
No more. The days of political adulation have been stripped bare, and no matter what her (increasingly) struggling media advisors recommend, Gillard fails to find a positive connection with voters.No more. The days of political adulation have been stripped bare, and no matter what her (increasingly) struggling media advisors recommend, Gillard fails to find a positive connection with voters.
So who has the prime minister annoyed this time? The list is endless.So who has the prime minister annoyed this time? The list is endless.
Those critical of the "gender card ploy" claim she is being hypocritical for associating herself with a feminine craft while deriding others as sexist.Those critical of the "gender card ploy" claim she is being hypocritical for associating herself with a feminine craft while deriding others as sexist.
Traditionalists believe she should dress with more suited authority and less windswept homeliness.Traditionalists believe she should dress with more suited authority and less windswept homeliness.
Her serene and slightly regal countenance is at odds for someone who looks about to drop a stitch.Her serene and slightly regal countenance is at odds for someone who looks about to drop a stitch.
Kevin Rudd is most likely upset because no one cares he knows the Mandarin for "fine merino".Kevin Rudd is most likely upset because no one cares he knows the Mandarin for "fine merino".
Tony Abbott is confused as to how to respond, because he’s not a father to a knitter and can’t relate.Tony Abbott is confused as to how to respond, because he’s not a father to a knitter and can’t relate.
Republicans are aghast a self-professed republican would be knit a toy for an unborn future monarch.Republicans are aghast a self-professed republican would be knit a toy for an unborn future monarch.
Monarchists are upset because everyone knows knitted toys are naff presents.Monarchists are upset because everyone knows knitted toys are naff presents.
One woman was upset that Gillard was knitting a baby’s toy so close to a dog, claming it was unsanitary (this is not a joke – this was a real criticism online).One woman was upset that Gillard was knitting a baby’s toy so close to a dog, claming it was unsanitary (this is not a joke – this was a real criticism online).
Hipsters in Newtown and Northcote are apoplectic to see so much wool with no plans to yarnbomb.Hipsters in Newtown and Northcote are apoplectic to see so much wool with no plans to yarnbomb.
Macrame have themselves tied up in unattractive knots – seriously, when will it be their time to shine?Macrame have themselves tied up in unattractive knots – seriously, when will it be their time to shine?
Bob Katter, fast becoming Australia’s political answer to Brian Blessed, yelled because it would clash with his nice yellow cap.Bob Katter, fast becoming Australia’s political answer to Brian Blessed, yelled because it would clash with his nice yellow cap.
So, all in all, the only people who may be pleased with Gillard’s latest crafty foray will be other knitters and Etsy storeholders. What percentage they take up of the vote, however, is uncertain.So, all in all, the only people who may be pleased with Gillard’s latest crafty foray will be other knitters and Etsy storeholders. What percentage they take up of the vote, however, is uncertain.
Those who really dislike the prime minister believe it’s a flagrant attempt to humanise her and, if there’s one thing her detractors won’t stand for, it’s any attempt to humanise someone repeatedly called a "bitch", or referred to as food.Those who really dislike the prime minister believe it’s a flagrant attempt to humanise her and, if there’s one thing her detractors won’t stand for, it’s any attempt to humanise someone repeatedly called a "bitch", or referred to as food.
Because the implications of that would be really disturbing. Much safer to keep pulling the wool over everyone’s eyes.Because the implications of that would be really disturbing. Much safer to keep pulling the wool over everyone’s eyes.
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