We're Opening a Store in New York
Miista
Wed Jul 17 2024
There’s a lot to be mad about right now.
It feels like our collective anger with the status quo is heavier than ever – which is no surprise considering the relentless political stupidity and human suffering we see in the news every day.
As an independent brand we’ve always expressed our feelings, and when we can, we want to help you voice yours too. In the US, politics is an absolute mess: divisive, violent, alienating, hopeless. We heard our community on that side of the world is understandably frustrated, so as we prepared to set up shop in New York, we decided to help them vent some of their righteous anger.
A couple of weeks ago we threw a rage room performance in our new Orchard Street store. We built a set that looked like the most depressing office block in the world, using discarded supplies we picked up around the city, then invited some NYC Miistas in to smash it all up. Because while we might not be able to lead a US protest movement or run for political office, we can at least open our space up to our friends over there to blow off some steam.
Take the current US political landscape: after that disastrous Presidential debate, how can you not feel exhausted by the options currently on the table? Worse still, deadly violence now seems like a predictable part of American political discourse, from Charlottesville and the storming of the Capitol to this past weekend's assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
American politicians are focused on profit and power, serving the priorities of its oligarchy over the needs of its people. And as their handling of Ukraine versus the Israel and Palestine conflict shows, its foreign policy is rife with hypocrisy.
The typical US office, which we based our rage room set on, is also full of problems. Corporate America is still overwhelmingly run by white men, women still earn less than their male counterparts, and mothers are still far more likely than fathers to have to stop working altogether because of childcare responsibilities.
Most of the time, it doesn’t look like people in charge are doing much to improve the situation. Actually, in many cases – like Roe v. Wade being overturned – they’re actively making things worse.
Outside of the US, the picture isn’t any better. Across Europe, populist parties are still steamrolling through elections, and globally there are humanitarian emergencies everywhere you look, from Afghanistan to Bangladesh, Sudan to Syria, to name just a few.
The news is a constant barrage of distressing updates, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. Which is why we think it’s so important to channel your anger and make your voice heard, in whatever way you can. Organise in your local community, show up at protests, volunteer for the causes you believe in, pound the pavement, get out and vote.
For our part, we want to continue doing what we can to help you find a cathartic release. From Friday 19th July, when we open the doors to our New York store, we’re inviting you to visit and jot down on a Post-It note what you’re angry about at this exact moment, whether it’s big or small, personal or political.
As we approach November’s momentous election, we want to build a living, breathing document – a “community rage wall”, made up of those Post-It notes – full of your thoughts.
Our relationship with our US community started out virtually many years ago, before we were finally able to make it out for a pop-up in 2019 to meet a load of you in person. Now, we can’t wait to welcome you all into our physical space, spend some quality time with you and hear what you care about.
And we’re only just getting started. Our New York store is our pledge to be a lasting part of this community, and our rage wall a commitment to keep on challenging the status quo.
If you have the resources, you can consider joining us in donating to the three charities below.
PALESTINE CHILDREN'S RELIEF FUND
Established in 1992, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund focuses on the medical and humanitarian crisis facing Palestinian youth. They provide direct humanitarian care and aid, as well as sending injured children abroad for free treatment. Donate here.
WORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE
The WRI is a global research non-profit organisation that studies sustainable practices for business, economics, finance and governance, with the purpose of better supporting human society in six areas: food, forests, water, energy, cities and climate. Donate here.
NATIONAL NETWORK OF ABORTION FUNDS
Formed in 1993, the NNAF directly helps people by providing financial assistance to cover the costs of abortion procedures, ensuring economic barriers don't prevent access to reproductive healthcare. They also offer logistical support, such as travel, lodging, and childcare, to individuals needing to reach abortion providers. Donate here.