It has never been about the "safety pin"; It is about the safety.
Dear Critics of the "Pin,"
Even as we are working to realize the Safety Pin Art Project ( an idea that is less than a week old by the way); we are asked to explain ourselves. That is the beauty and the problem of the digital age; anyone can be visible via the internet. One merely needs an internet connection and a social media site to become relevant in ways not previously possible, and on the other hand, anyone can be a critic, and they often are.
In the days following the election, social media flooded with stories and information about the "safety pin movement." People across the country began wearing a single pin in solidarity and support of those caught in the tide of persecution, intimidation, and violence erupting across the country. Just as quickly, came the inevitable snarky criticism of those wearing the pins. Various news stories and social media commentary decried it as an "embarrassing trend, " and an "empty gesture" meant to make "white people feel good." Within the space of a few minutes and clicks, what seemed like a noble (albeit small) action, now made many well-meaning people feel feeble and ashamed. One could argue that the tone and intent here were not helpful but, in some cases were just deliberately mean-spirited.
Other, more useful op-ed pieces and articles were also plentiful; enabling us to understand better what the wearing of a pin, without any real activism, looks and feels like to individuals from targeted communities. One of the most relevant commentaries on the "Safety Pin Movement," can be found in a skillfully written article entitled, "So You Want to Wear a Safety Pin" by Isobel Debrujah on the blog 'What a Witch.' Not only does the article ask those to consider their motivation and intentions for wearing the pin but, also requires the wearer of the pin to look at how they would deal with a situation that demands action in response to an aggressor. What if you need to make good on the promise of your pin and protect someone from harassment? Are you prepared? Are you fully committed? Do you have a plan? Understandably many had not considered it thoroughly, and just as quickly took the took the pins off, detoured and discouraged by the allegations that they were foolish, trendy and clueless.
Make no mistake; critics and naysayers don't detour us. We believe in the Safety Pin Art Project. We also inherently understand something that they may forget; symbols are not just little images, they are incredibly powerful tools. To be clear; a pink ribbon has never cured cancer just as the American flag has never won a war. Yes, the Safety Pin Art Project has embraced the safety pin as a symbol of solidarity with, and support for, those individuals and communities suffering threats, intimidation, and violence. But we aren't here to mindlessly promote a small symbol. As Earnest Hemingway once said, "Don't mistake motion for action." We know we have a responsibility, we must take action. The safety pin is our symbol, but it is hardly the sum of our purpose. We will focus on creating safer communities, seeking and fighting for justice and creating a more honest dialogue between all people. It has never been about the safety pin; It is about the safety, safety from fear and violence.
The primary goal of the Safety Pin Art Project is to utilize art to drive awareness for ourselves and in others, planting the seeds for activism and change within individuals and our communities. We are excited to see if we can achieve this, and we just might, because these days anything actually can happen. Finally, we hope that if this project doesn't resonate with you or you feel like it is a waste of time, that you will put your energy elsewhere. Fuel a new tomorrow in whatever way you can. Use your talents, time and money to make a difference in the way that feels right for you, but resist the urge unleash more negativity in this world. These are scary times; let's be kind to each other.
If you have time, please check out this article, it is worth reading!
https://isobeldebrujah.wordpress.com/…/so-you-want-to-wear…/