Safety Pins Show Support for the Vulnerable

[sheshe2]

The recent presidential election inspired a notable amount of accessorizing, with hats and T-shirts, as impassioned voters wore their positions on their sleeves (or head or chest). The postelection atmosphere suggests this trend is not slowing down any time soon.

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After the election of Donald J. Trump, fears are growing that segments of his base may physically or emotionally abuse minorities, immigrants, women and members of the L.G.B.T. community. As a show of support, groups of people across America are attaching safety pins to their lapels, shirts and dresses to signify that they are linked, willing to stand up for the vulnerable.

“It’s a matter of showing people who get it that I will always be a resource and an ally to anyone and everyone who wants to reach out,” said Kaye Kagaoan, 24, a graphic designer from the Philippines who lives in Brooklyn. “When I saw it on Facebook, it was so simple. It resonated with me.”

On Friday, the actor Patrick Stewart posted a photo of himself to Twitter wearing a pin on his jacket, and the photographer Cass Bird shared an Instagram post about why she’s wearing one that started with “If you wear a hijab, I’ll sit with you on the train” and ended with: “If you need me, I’ll be with you. All I ask is that you be with me, too.” Between the two statements, sentences began with “If you’re a person of color … ” and “If you’re a refugee … ” and offered various forms of support. The actress Jaime King posted the same words to her Instagram account.

In wearing the safety pin, participants are taking a page from protesters of the Brexit referendum results. After British citizens voted to leave the European Union in June, the nation experienced a 57 percent rise in reported xenophobic incidents. An American woman living in Britain tweeted a suggestion that people wear safety pins to show support to those experiencing abuse. Two days later, #safetypin was trending on Twitter.

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More: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/14/fashion/safety-pin-ally-activism.html?_r=0



https://twitter.com/SirPatStew/status/797143600341585920

[Solly Mack]

1. K&R

What has happened and what continues to unfold with each day is horrifying, but we can't let that make us too afraid to stand up for what is right. To do the right thing.

You see someone in need, you help. Don't shut your eyes and ears to what is going on around you. Don't pretend it isn't happening.

[sheshe2]

2. Yes, Solly.

I posted something elsewhere tonight about VAWA and spousal abuse. The fear is it will escalate and not be reported since our #notmypresident sanctions it. I will post the article tomorrow. It is late here.

[uppityperson]

3. I am with others whether or not they are with me. Help each other, be watchful, speak up.

Don't let shit pass because someone else might help, you don't want to get involved. Be involved, be with other people, support others.

[sheshe2]

4. Agreed!

[pablo_marmol]

5. Works for me! NT