Why People Are Wearing Safety Pins Following Trump’s Win

No, it’s not a fashion statement, there is deeper meaning. 

A movement has started in the U.S. of people wearing a safety pin in order to demonstrate they do not believe in the campaign rhetoric of Donald Trump, which has been called racist and xenophobic.

The safety pin is a way of showing they are a safe space for those who are afraid, many of whom are minorities. 

Even celebrities, such as Patrick Stewart, are joining the movement, which reportedly began over the summer in England following Brexit, also as a way to show refugees and immigrants they had friends.

There have been numerous reports from around the country of harassment and intimidation of minorities since Tuesday’s presidential election. 

There have also been nightly protests around the country by those bucking the Trump election results. 

Trump issued two statements on Twitter on Thursday night and then Friday morning. The first tweet criticized the protesting. The second tweet celebrated the passion. 

See examples of the safety pin moment and Trump’s tweets below. 

 

**PLEASE PARTICIPATE IN THIS TOMORROW!!** I know I haven’t been active in the last couple of days; I’m so very sorry. The election has taken me completely be surprise and I’ll admit I’m having a very rough time with it. Please keep America in your thoughts. Let’s always remember to spread love. – – – – – – – – – – – – #booknerd #bibliophile #bookworm #bookaholic #bookstagram #safetypin #hillaryclinton #imwithher #strongertogether #hillyes #bookstagrammer #yalit #shelfie #booksonbooks #booklover

A photo posted by Heidi (@b00kn00k) on Nov 9, 2016 at 9:14pm PST

So #safetypin is happening: Pin one on you to show marginalized groups that they are safe with you, that you will help if they are attacked. pic.twitter.com/PGFlLVMFeN

— Jennifer Scheurle (@Gaohmee) November 11, 2016

 

#Safetypin I’m an ally… All those exposed to hate and violence, you’re not alone…

A photo posted by Fabian Santos (@fabiansantos77) on Nov 10, 2016 at 7:44pm PST

Ready to move forward with hope and in solidarity! You’re safe with me#safetypin #safetypinamerica #safetypinUSA pic.twitter.com/hkD9fnoEG9

— Kathleen (@KathleenSelke) November 11, 2016

Today for 1st time in 3 yrs, in my rural Trump town, I didn’t feel safe enough to wear my hijab. I wore my hijab #safetypin in a diff way pic.twitter.com/QDFAUV2uZt

— Muslim Momma (@Muslimomma1) November 11, 2016

#Safetypin pic.twitter.com/MGFcjx68BP

— Patrick Stewart (@SirPatStew) November 11, 2016

Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 11, 2016

Love the fact that the small groups of protesters last night have passion for our great country. We will all come together and be proud!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 11, 2016