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Politics

The Safety Pinned Ally

Fighting the Hate

Jamie Ciancitto
Jan 10, 2017
Changemakers of East Coast
11
The Safety Pinned Ally

Background:

After Trump’s victory, things started to get hectic and people started panicking. Intolerance grew and people started acting out with racial violence and hate crimes. The wearing of the safety pin rose from the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European union, which showed the same effects of rioting. Wearing a safety pin is a cheap and easy way to show support and understanding. It is a symbol for standing up against the hatred. The safety pin has joined the group of colored ribbons that we wear throughout the year for different causes (pink for breast cancer etc.), even the puzzle piece for autism.

Getting Personal:

At first I thought it was a cute idea but unrealistic because no one would be seen doing it due to the possible repercussions it might bring onto them. But one day I was on the subway and I noticed a young woman, around my age getting on. At first I was admiring her scarf, then she raised her hand to take a sip of her coffee, and that’s when I saw the safety pin. I didn’t realize what kind of relief it would be to see someone wearing a safety pin. It brought me joy and I couldn’t help but smile. Where I live, it wasn’t something I expected to see. Even though I haven’t been harassed myself, I know plenty of people who were so it was still nice to see. I have started wearing my safety pin when I go out in public because I want to make others feel the way I felt when I saw the woman on the subway.

“Slacktivism”:

Some say that the safety pin is a lazy type of activism. I say that’s CRAP. Something so simple can still make a difference. It did for me while on the subway, it can for many other people as well. seeing a person wear a safety pin is a relief. It’s a sign of comfort that won’t be undermined by negativity. Wearing a safety pin is no different than saying “I’m here for you” or “I understand” to a friend and giving them a hug. So why all the criticism about the safety pin? It’s called SAFETY pin for a reason people! Even though it is not a formal protest, wearing a safety pin is still a slap in the face to the hatred and a sign of alliance to anyone being harassed.

To the girl on the subway wearing the blue sweater:

Thank you. You inspired this article and you inspired me. Keep pushing against the hatred and don’t let anyone pull you down.

Works Cited

Ali, Rasha. "Why Safety Pins Symbolize Resistance: A Short Explainer." TheWrap, 11 Nov. 2016, www.thewrap.com/why-safety-pins-symbolize-resistance-a-short-explainer/.

Garelick, Jon. "Safety, Safety Pins, and Political Activism - The Boston Globe." BostonGlobe.com, 17 Nov. 2016, www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2016/11/17/safety-safety-pins-and-political-activism/fqoqJrbAmscC0KYtThZz3K/story.html.

Ssfronova, Valeriya. "Safety Pins Show Support for the Vulnerable - The New York Times." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia, 14 Nov. 2016, www.nytimes.com/2016/11/14/fashion/safety-pin-ally-activism.html?_r=0.

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