Off Our Rockers and Into Trouble

Book excerpt: When the Raging Grannies sprang up in 1987 in Victoria, B.C., they didn't realise they would be starting a worldwide movement. But that is what happened. They just wanted to protest, but in a different way. And they do. Their weapons? Satire and song. Wearing outrageous hats and warbling witty lyrics, they poke fun at the powerful people who are wreaking havoc with their grandchildren's world. But in spite of their lighthearted approach, their purpose is extremely serious. The Grannies have challenged nuclear-armed ships, forestry companies, arms manufacturers, multinational corporations, pharmaceutical giants, manufacturers of war toys, the World Trade Organization, and every level of government, from municipal councils to the American presidency. For their messages of peace and justice, Grannies have been arrested, jailed, pepper-sprayed and even hosed by the U.S. navy. They have also been praised by Ralph Nader, Peter Gzowski, David Suzuki and Pete Seeger, invited to perform far and wide, and hailed as role models. This is an amusing book, showing how groups of older women around the world take on the powers that be, win the occasional battle, and have a wonderful time doing it