Social media sites were buzzing on November 8 of people posting selfies of “I Voted” stickers on their chest, but the days that followed the election after Donald Trump’s victory saw an accessory that was different – a safety pin. These represent a coming together of the Muslim, immigrants, blacks, Latinos, LGBTQ and minority communities who now feel scared and threatened. The safety pin movement started in England after Brexit and represented a “safe place” for people who felt threatened by the increased reports of racist assaults and increased fear in the communities of ethnic minorities.
Thousands of Americans that included, celebrities, mental-health workers, educators, students and activists have started to put safety pins on not only their chest but also their ears and waists in an effort to provide support to those who feel marginalized. If you check out the hashtag “#safetypin”, you will even see some people even got tattoos of safety pins on their wrists.
The Safety Pin has now become a symbol of a Safe Space
As you can imagine, not everyone is happy with this gesture. The backlash on Twitter casts skepticism on how much this symbolic accessory can really help. After all, it is easy to put that safety pin on your chest, wrist or where ever, but how many will stand up when someone else is confronted with hatred, racism or misogyny?
Before you don the safety pin, it would be a good idea to look at the Twitter feeds and essays that defend both sides of this issue. You will have those who wear it as a symbol of solidarity, but they will also have to back up their stance in real and uncomfortable situations. Then you have those who are being persecuted saying that it is comforting to see others willing to support them.
