Racism, misogyny, xenophobia and wide-ranging intolerance are the reasons for the election of the 45th president.
A few of us have been talking about some simple way to indicate general resistance to his political ascendancy and the unrepentant white supremacy that swept him into office.
The spontaneous resistance action that exploded onto the streets of Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, Seattle, Oakland, Portland, Nashville, San Jose, Tempe, San Francisco, Tuscon, Atlanta, Miami, Columbus, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Baltimore, Denver, Gainesville and Los Angeles might be further energized by a unifying symbol.
Before they brand us, we will brand ourselves.
Before they demand that we carry papers, or wear a pink triangle, or pin on a yellow star, or sew on a scarlet letter, we will identify ourselves in opposition to them, with something simple anyone can create, and something the other side is unlikely to co-opt.
Black—the combination of all colors—is a word that has always made our political opponents uneasy.
Black Power. Black Panthers. Black Pride. Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud. Black Lives Matter.
Black is a color of mourning in many cultures, and this election result has generated a lot of emotions that feel like mourning. For those who did not already know that this is a deeply racist culture, something has been lost... something has died. For those who have been building the beloved community and seeking inclusive justice for generations, who never lost sight of the maggots under the rock and the roaches in the woodwork, it is time once again for taking it to the streets.
Black and dark have lots of negative contexts in idiomatic expression, but there are strong positive meanings as well. Many ancient human cultures believed the evening was the start of the next day, so in that sense darkness is a symbol of the future and moving to a new beginning. Black is the color of a judge’s robes: the color of justice. It is the color of clerical clothing: the color of solemnity and spiritual reflection. It is the color of elegance: the tuxedo and the little black dress. “In the Black” is a statement about financial success. Black Star could be a further positive association for the color, at least among people of good will and progressive politics.
The six pointed star is chosen deliberately, referencing but not deliberately copying the two-triangle Star of David. And there are six colors in the rainbow (Isaac Newton added indigo because he had a thing about the number seven).
At this point we could all use a star to follow, to make sure we are all heading in the same direction as we begin a long hard journey. Following a guiding star is an act of hope, an affirmation that we are moving together toward a destination we eventually plan to reach.
All the above explains why a black star is an appropriate emblem for the situation we find ourselves in today.
Our political opponents display their solidarity symbols openly: the dixiehateflag, the swastika, Pepe, the MAGA hat.
Some of us have been using the white rose, the raised fist, the rainbow, and the upside down US flag as our symbols of defiance.
Maybe a new symbol is unnecessary, maybe it will get lost in all the other ribbons and buttons and signs and slogans and banners.
Or maybe it is an idea whose time has come.
Rise up
when you’re living on your knees
you rise up
tell your brother that he’s
gotta rise up
tell your sister that she’s
gotta rise up
RISE UP
update: This link should take you to the zazzle page where you can get the black star button. i make no money from sales of this button. Be sure to select the standard size 2 ¼ inches wide. Peace be with you.