Wearing Blue We Show Our Strength
When the times require 'performative'
In the wake of the 2024 Presidential election—just 107 days ago—blue bracelets were floated to show unity against potential repression under Trump/Musk/Vance.
Some dismissed blue bracelets as performative, but visible solidarity doesn’t undermine work—it strengthens us. And for some, even wearing a bracelet takes courage. Should we dismiss any form of courage or resistance? Welcoming any and all resistance seems the wisest choice.
The broken chain symbol has been used by abolitionists and anti-slavery movements, representing freedom from bondage and the pursuit of justice for enslaved peoples.
The raised fist, which gained prominence during the Spanish Civil War and was later adopted by the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, symbolized solidarity and resistance against oppression.
In 1991, the red ribbon became the universal symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness and solidarity. It was created by the Visual AIDS Artists Caucus, a New York-based group of artists who wanted a simple yet powerful symbol to raise awareness about AIDS and show support for people living with it.
The iconic peace symbol (☮) was designed in 1958 by British artist Gerald Holtom for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, combining the semaphore signals for "N" and "D" (Nuclear Disarmament). First displayed during an anti-nuclear march in England, the symbol was never copyrighted and quickly spread globally during the 1960s, becoming a universal symbol for peace movements and anti-war protests.
The women's suffrage movement was represented by specific colors - purple (dignity), white (purity), and green (hope) in Britain, while American suffragists used purple, white, and gold. The movement also used powerful symbols like the Statue of Liberty, sunflowers, chains, and the iconic "Votes for Women" sashes worn during protests.
Dismissing symbols of blue was before the systematic dismantling of government institutions, before dangerous fabrications about Ukraine became official narratives, and before the clear Musk/Vance/Trump vision of authoritarianism.
Dismissing symbols of blue was before large swaths of our neighbors, friends, and family were in danger.
They have their MAGA hats. They see each other. We see them—every day.
We need powerful symbols—simple, peaceful ways to recognize our numbers. Strong symbols do vital work: They help us find each other, demonstrate commitment, create emotional connections, and remind us we're part of something larger. They enable instant mutual support.
Throughout history, people have used symbols to represent their pursuit of justice.
Wearing a symbol doesn't replace other actions for democracy—symbols amplify them.
When I see posts about daily injustices, I don't feel fatigued. I feel grateful. I "heart" every one of those memes and messages because seeing each other and knowing we're not alone is how we keep hope and democracy alive.
Perhaps wearing bracelets will catch more fire. Maybe a genius is out there about to unveil the equivalent of the peace symbol. With the grace of goodness, we’ll soon have a panoply of symbols of freedom from which to choose to show our strength.
Looking for a blue bracelet? Here are some ideas from independent artists:
Thanks, Randy! I bought one for myself and my daughter. Everything helps!
One more thing we can DO. Write, call, show up, speak up, buy this, not that, and now...wear. Excellent idea, Randy. Thank you!