×

Pins a statement against hatred, intolerance

x    Have you seen people wearing safety pins around Alpena lately? The issue began in Britain after Brexit in an attempt to visually assure people that everything would be fine — as a message of safety and unity. From Nov. 9 until 16, a short time period of a week, the Southern Poverty Law Center has indicated that there have been over 400 reported incidents of hate against Muslims, blacks, Jews, LGBT and immigrants — a huge uptick. Teachers talking about increased incidents by children acting out in school has just resulted in the following statement by State Superintendent of Schools, Brian Whiston “a number of reported incidents in Michigan schools of students harassing, bullying, intimidating and using hateful speech toward other students … Our schools must be safe havens for our children — free from hate; free from intimidation; free from bullying; and free from fear.” I know a number of Americans, who woke up Wednesday morning afraid for their personal safety for the first time. Different groups in Alpena, including two that I belong to, are wearing the pins as a statement to stand up against fear, hatred and intolerance. It is a quiet but positive statement about what we believe.  For some it is also a pledge to intervene or report abuse if they see it. The issue is not without its critics but from my perspective, if one person finds reassurance, it has merit.

For more information, read the following article:

http://www.vox.com/presidential-election/2016/11/10/13586322/trump-brexit-safety-pin

Judi Stillion

Alpena

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today