Following this year’s presidential election, Donald Trump being declared the winner, there have been many riots erupting all over the country, and not all of them have been peaceful protests. The election has left much of the country feeling uncertain and afraid. Hate crimes have drastically increased throughout our nation and it is the popular belief that we are more divided than ever.
People have taken to social media to express their beliefs and call for unity among a divided nation. A new movement has surfaced that involves wearing safety pins on your clothing to signify that you are standing with all of the minorities in America. In a time when so many minorities are feeling terrified and defeated, safety pins have become a beacon of hope and acceptance. This movement was adopted from the United Kingdom, where it kicked off following the Brexit to show support for immigrants and refugees who were being attacked.
People have taken to Twitter to show their support with the hashtag #safetypinsolidarity.
One Twitter user writes, “Together we remain hopeful. Together we remind one another what it’s like to be human after this jagged little pill #safetypinsolidarity.”
The encouraging words continue on the social media site, with posts like, “I will stand in solidarity for anyone being treated unfairly. I am a safe place, I choose love #safetypinsolidarity” and “Because love can still Trump hate. Because I matter. Because you matter. #safetypinamerica #safetypinsolidarity #safetypin.”
As this movement quickly picks up momentum it will be interesting to see how it progresses on college campuses. U.N.H. students are already weighing in on the subject, voicing their concern for their fellow students.
“This is certainly a chaotic time in our nation and we must come together as a campus community, fostering positive relations with all of our students, and engaging in civil discourse with any and all students, despite political learnings,” says USGA President, Samantha Moul.
Many students are not only impressed that the movement is showing unity and understanding, but in the way it is doing so. In this time of violent riots it is reassuring to see so many coming together in a peaceful, yet unifying way.
Lisa LaFountaine says, “Instead of protesting people are deciding to use a symbol so others who feel unsafe know there are people in this world that care about them, that they don’t have to fear, and that they can go to to talk about their fear.” She continues saying, “It is more of a silent reassurance that there are people who are here that care.”
Chris Constantini agrees saying, “I think that this trend not only gives peace of mind to many people that are undergoing extreme stress from the situation, but shows support for these groups and a desire to help protect their rights.”
Moul says it best, “I really think it’s quite wonderful to see students standing together to support one another, despite our differences.”
