I hate watching the news. As selfish as that may sound, I can’t stand to hear or read about any more attacks on people because of their race, sexuality or religion. And, as much as I also hate talking about politics, ever since Trump has been President, the reports only seem to be growing in number. Trump's election, and the hurtful pretentiousness he used throughout his campaign, have seemingly emboldened some Americans to commit awful, prejudiced acts against women and religious and ethnic minorities. These attacks range from a Muslim student in San Jose being attacked by a man who tried to pull off her hijab to incessant verbal and physical abuse of African-Americans in various states.
In response to the hate, some Americans started the Safety Pin Campaign to spread love, not hate, and to show that they are an accepting, safe person. The initial idea for pinning a safety pin on one's shirt stemmed from a similar campaign in Britain that took place following the Brexit vote to leave the European Union. The vote helped spark a substantial number of racist attacks and abuse. In response, the safety pin campaign was started on Twitter as a way for fellow Britons to easily and publicly let others know that they are a "safe person," an ally for anyone feeling threatened or unsafe. In addition to wearing their pins in public, Britons also posted pictures of themselves wearing their safety pins on social media as a means of furthering solidarity and delivering a unified, anti-hate message.
While it is distressing that the need for such a campaign presently exists in the United States, it is encouraging to see people all over the world taking a stand for each other. Those who've been pinning safety pins to their shirts, hats, purses, etc. point out that their message isn't necessarily opposition towards the president. "More than anything, it's pro-kindness," says Sabrina Kurd, 22, a Barnard student. "It's a form of resistance to hate and negativity."
You can join in on this campaign with the Unbound Alley Pin. This gold-plated pin can be purchased on its own or with charms, including All Genders, Lady Liberty, Globe, Venus, Dual Venus, and Dual Mars. each charm is associated with a charity that gets 100 percent of the proceeds: All Genders to It Gets Better, Lady Liberty to KIND, Dual Venus and Mars to The Trevor Project, Globe to Women’s Funding Network, and Venus to Planned Parenthood. The current Spring #GirlPower Babe Box is featuring the Unbound Alley Pin with the Venus charm.
Simply wearing a safety pin won't drastically change our current situation but will spark a conversation and raise awareness. The best efforts, however, are when you donate time and money and physically and continually support your community with action.
Hopefully, the safety pin campaign and its message will continue to expand its reach, and help to counteract the unacceptable treatment of minorities, allowing people who may currently feel dis-empowered or insecure to feel empowered and protected once again.
The Spring #GirlPower Babe Box is available from March - May 2017. Order yours today and proudly pin the Alley Pin + Venus charm to your clothing and join the #SAFEtyPin campaign.
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