The looming reality of a Trump presidency has caused as much fear as it has violence. Timereports that racist incidents are on the rise since the election last Tuesday, and people are doing everything they can to fight back — that includes wearing...safety pins?
The pins have become a symbol of solidarity with victims, but while well-intentioned, they might not be as helpful as people think, especially when they're solid gold and on sale for $335 on Etsy.
The seller, Rebecca Cullen, currently lists a necklace embellished with two solid 14k safety pins. While she notes in what appears to be a more recent edit that she's been selling the necklaces since 2009, this election has given them a whole new meaning.
"This is a design I created in 2009 and have sold on and off on my site," she writes. "People got excited when they saw it. Some people purchased it in silver, and in gold to symbolize something they believe in."
Here's the thing: while Cullen adds that 10% of profits will go to Planned Parenthood, she's still receiving a lot of cash for herself while somewhat capitalizing off of other peoples' struggles. Twitter users pointed out as much when they took to social media to complain.
If anyone is tempted by a fucking $300 safety pin necklace you could spend $10 on BLM pin & give $290 to groups working to make people safe.
— sparklefists mcgee (@emilytheslayer) November 13, 2016
If someone has $335 to spare, that money is better spent as a donation to a charity that will actually help people rather than on a "symbol" that, while nice in theory, doesn't actually do much for the very thing it's supposed to symbolize.
Cullen responded to the backlash on the Etsy listing, writing, "If you like it, buy it. If you don't, you don't need to buy it. I love what the safety pin has come to symbolize. I too, stand with Hillary. I think we should all go forward with positivity and hope. If I have offended anyone with my jewelry I apologize."
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Americans Are Wearing Safety Pins For This Election-Related Reason