The Safety Pin Movement
Article by Amber Lawrence
Illustration by Sarah Matz
There is no doubt that this year’s presidential election was a rocky one.
After the election of Donald J. Trump many people have been struck with fear that his presidency might come with abuse to minorities, immigrants, women, and members of the LGBT community. To show support for these individuals, people across the country are accessorizing with safety pins. This has come to be known as the Safety Pin Movement.
The Safety Pin Movement shows that those who wear the pins will stand by those who may feel vulnerable, no matter what. The pin symbolizes standing together, and fighting for what you believe in. Many people believe that this can help to let people know that they aren’t going to stay quiet. Those who wear the pins point out that they aren’t necessarily going against the president-elect, but going against negativity and hate in general.
“The pin should be literally what it says: a pin of safety,” says Laura Bennett, a local supporter of the Safety Pin Movement.
“I wear a safety pin to show my support for anyone who feels marginalized by today’s atmosphere (political or otherwise) of racism, sexism, xenophobia and ableism. I support and stand by my fellow humans, be they LGBT, immigrants, refugees, people of color, men or women. I am steadfast in my support as I always have been, but now I also wear it on my jacket,” adds Bennett.
Even though this movement can be seen as a positive thing it is receiving some backlash. Coal Cracker reached out to some individuals who are opposed to it. Although they felt strongly about the situation, none of them chose to share their thoughts on record.
According to online research, people are opposed to the Safety Pin Movement because it is a “bystander form of activism,” as reported by Fusion.net on November 22. Others believe that it’s just a pin and won’t have any effect on the situation.
Those who are in favor believe otherwise. Most of the participants realize that wearing the pin will not change anything overnight, but that wearing one can spark the start of change and show minorities they have a friend wherever they go.
To supporters, the pin isn’t just an easy way out of taking action. It is taking action against cruelty the world has to offer. “There is little I can do in the face of overwhelming hatred, but my hope is that my small, silent symbol of support adds to the overall good in the world,” says Bennett.