The great Maya Angelou once said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Women, Muslims, Black folks, those suffering from physical disabilities, Native people (calling Elizabeth Warren “Pocahontas,” using the name as a slur), Mexicans, the President; Donald Trump had himself a field day — many field days — doing his darnedest to make those who didn’t look like him feel as if they were less than. We will never forget how he made us feel. We will never forget the trauma he visited upon young children. How he made them cry. How he made them feel.
Children tell Jorge Ramos of their fears of a Trump Presidency
Enter the #safetypinUSA movement. The campaign seeks to assure those in fear that they are not alone.
The “safety pin” symbol was inspired by the 2014 #illridewithyou movement in Sydney, Australia. where people offered to sit next to Muslims who felt threatened on their commutes — at the time, there was fear of an Islamophobic backlash after a terrorist attack in Sydney left two hostages and the gunman dead (one of the hostages was killed by a bullet ricochet). And its spirit is in line with a guide to stopping Islamophobia that recently went viral and offers solutions to bystanders and witnesses.
The #safetypinUSA campaign seeks to create safe spaces for those in fear, those under attack, those who need to be protected. This is the movement to make people feel safe again.
The Promise
The Promise
If you wear a hijab, I’ll sit with you on the train.
If you’re trans, I’ll go to the bathroom with you.
If you’re a person of color, I’ll stand with you if the cops stop you and/or whenever you need me.
If you’re a person with disabilities, I’ll hand you my megaphone.
If you’re LGBTQ, I won’t let anybody tell you you’re broken.
If you’re a woman, I’ll fight by your side for all your rights.
If you’re an immigrant, I’ll help you find resources.
If you’re a survivor, I’ll believe you.
If you’re a Native American, I’ll stand with you to protect our water, your burial grounds, and your people.
If you’re a refugee, I’ll make sure you’re welcome.
If you’re a union member, fighting for one, or fighting for $15/hour, I’ll be there.
If you’re a veteran, a college student, a member of the working or middle class, I’ll fight against austerity measures and for more publically funded assistance for all.
If you’re sick or just human, I’ll take up the fight for universal healthcare.
If you’re tired, me too.
If you need a hug, I’ve got an infinite supply.
If you need me, I’ll be with you. All I ask is that you be with me too.
~~~
This is a noble cause and one that deserves our support. We stand in solidarity.
h/t to Yasuragi.
