Jo-Ann: the store and the story

By Todd Stadler · Friday, May 5, 2006 10:36pm

We went to the opening of the new Jo-Ann fabric store a few days ago, because hey, there was a coupon in the newspaper.

Unfortunately, it was a coupon that only became valid the next day, but the store was a short and digestively necessary walk from the dim sum place where we had brunch (and quite possibly suppeakfast, calorie-wise). Anyhow.

As always, Julia purchased several skeins of yarn for various projects (I think she's working on a cozy for our house — to save on heating bills). It was pretty much like every other trip to buy yarn.

But as we left the store, I felt compelled to speak. Silent no more! "I don't like going to Jo-Ann," I told Julia.

"I know, baby," she replied.

"No," I countered, "I don't think you do. It's not just that it's a fabric or yarn store — I love fabric stores! I think they're really fun! Really!"

"Um ..." she offered.

I continued, "But Jo-Ann ... It's not very guy-friendly."

"Sure ..." she proffered.

But I was not swayed. "I'm not saying that knitting and sewing are girly things. What I'm getting at is that Jo-Ann discriminates against men. They actively create an environment that is hostile to us. Men, that is."

Julia thought for a second, then said, "What ... ?"

"No," I countered, "Because I think a lot of men would really like to get involved in crocheting and the like. Who wouldn't? But then I step into a store like Jo-Ann, and I can feel the prejudice.

"I mean, first of all, who wants to be the only man in a store practically crawling with women? It's just uncomfortable. And then the music! Contemporary soft rock hits are a well-worn code word for 'Men get out! You smell!' And don't get me started on the not-so-subtle message in the cross-stitching patterns. Kittens, rainbows, adorable child angels — might as well have a sign that says 'You must have two X chromosomes to shop here. (P.S. Men stink!)' Where are the Rambo cross-stitch sets? Or a nice patterned fabric that has a red Lamborghini with a blonde in a bikini splayed out on the trunk? Hmm?"

"Are you done yet?" Julia asked, turning towards me with one eyebrow raised.

I was done — for now. But I could tell that this fight for equality was going to be a lot of work. A lot of work.