In February 1996, the Seattle chapter of the Raging Grannies makes its debut by singing in the rain at a Washington State Labor Council rally. They are, according to M.L. Lyke of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, "a rococo, loco, left-leaning chorus of 18 activist women, aged 49-80."
Get Off Your Fannies
The Raging Grannies are for the most part seasoned political activists who have spent decades working for peace, for preserving or restoring the environment, for decent working conditions, for women's rights, for a roof over every person's head and against ageism, sexism, racism, sweatshop labor, Trident submarines, the World Trade Organization's policies and practices, etc. As they sing (not necessarily in tune), "We're a gaggle of grannies/urging you off your fannies." Their goal is to save the world.
According to Raging Granny Ruth Liatos, 69, "We believe passionately in issues. But when you use humor, when you make fun of yourself, people's eyes don't glaze over. You see them spark up, smile, and they start listening" (Lyke).
Peace activists involved in street theater in Victoria, B.C., started the Raging Grannies in 1986. There are (in 2000) about 60 chapters in Canada and five in the United States.
