Spille di sicurezza..."Fidati di me" 安全別針…“請相信我” 安全ピン…「私を信じて」

La Spilla da Balia ha un significato molto interessante, significa infatti Sicurezza e Solidarietà. Chi la indossa è come se inviasse un messagio ben preciso agli altri: "Puoi fidarti di me".

The safety pin has a very interesting meaning, it means Security and Solidarity. Whoever wears it is as if he is sending a very precise message to others: "You can trust me".

Safety Pins: A Symbol Woven with Security, Solidarity, and Controversy

In the wake of societal shifts and anxieties, simple objects can unexpectedly transform into powerful symbols. The safety pin, a ubiquitous household item, experienced such a metamorphosis in recent years, becoming a potent emblem of security, solidarity, and, inevitably, controversy.

The "safety pin movement" emerged following the Brexit vote in the UK and the 2016 US Presidential election. Driven by a surge in reported hate crimes and a climate of fear, individuals began wearing safety pins as a visual declaration of support for marginalized groups, including immigrants, refugees, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Muslims.

The idea was simple: wearing a safety pin signified that you were a 'safe person' - someone who would stand up against harassment, offer help, and provide a supportive presence in the face of rising intolerance. It was a quiet, yet visible, signal of allyship.

More Than Just Metal: Decoding the Symbolism

The choice of the safety pin itself was deliberate. It's a small, inexpensive, and easily accessible item that evokes a sense of security and connection. Just as it holds fabric together, the safety pin was intended to symbolize the unity and interconnectedness of communities threatened by division. It was a silent promise: "I am here to help hold you together."

The movement resonated widely, particularly online, with the hashtag #safetypin trending globally. Many saw it as a practical way to embody values of inclusivity and compassion in a tangible way. It allowed individuals who felt powerless in the face of societal upheaval to actively express their solidarity.

From Allyship to Appropriation: The Controversy Emerges

However, the safety pin movement wasn't without its critics. Some argued that it was a form of "slacktivism" – a superficial gesture that didn't require genuine action or engagement. Critics questioned whether simply wearing a safety pin was enough to combat systemic oppression and argued that it could even be perceived as self-serving, allowing individuals to feel good about themselves without making concrete change.

Others raised concerns that the symbol had been co-opted by individuals who were not genuinely committed to supporting marginalized communities. The anonymity afforded by the safety pin made it difficult to discern genuine allies from those merely looking to appear virtuous.

Furthermore, some members of marginalized communities expressed skepticism. They felt that the focus on individual acts of solidarity detracted from the need for systemic change and political action. For those who have faced discrimination their entire lives, a safety pin offered little real comfort or protection. They argued that true allyship requires more than just a pin – it demands active listening, advocacy, and a commitment to dismantling oppressive structures.

Lessons Learned: Solidarity Beyond the Symbol

The safety pin movement, while fleeting, offers valuable lessons about the complexities of solidarity and the importance of moving beyond symbolic gestures. It highlights the need for:

• Action over Optics: True allyship requires more than just outward displays of support. It demands active engagement in dismantling systemic inequalities.

• Listening to Marginalized Voices: Understanding the needs and concerns of those most impacted by injustice is crucial for effective allyship.

• Continuous Learning and Growth: Solidarity is not a static state, but an ongoing process of learning, unlearning, and challenging our own biases.

The safety pin may no longer be the ubiquitous symbol it once was, but the conversations it sparked remain relevant. It serves as a reminder that while symbolic gestures can play a role in expressing solidarity, they must be accompanied by concrete action and a genuine commitment to creating a more just and equitable world. Ultimately, the true measure of solidarity lies not in what we wear, but in what we do.

Mary Cosmica is a veteran costumer at the Venice Carnevale. I enjoy photographing her very much because her costumes are always very different and each has a deep meaning to it.

The Venice Carnevale is not solely about masks. Local Italians and an increasing number of foreign costumers now prefer historical costumes or painted faces. There are further costume subgroups such as Steampunk and Vampires. During Carnevale, the whole Venice becomes a real life theatrical stage, and many of these historical costumes carry deep perspectives...

And as usual, the portraits are just done on the busy streets of Venice and using natural lighting only...It is not an indoor photo studio, there is no artificial lighting, flash or reflectors...With my costumed friends, we just take our street portraiture to an all new level....

The Venice Carnevale is not all about masks...this is the real Venice Carnevale...