Purple Bandana Movement

      During this time of deep division in our country and the escalating occurrences of hateful acts, it’s easy to feel hopeless and defeated.

That’s where I found myself until I watched the One Million Rising: Strategic Non-Cooperation to Fight Authoritarianism webinar this past summer. Hosted by the national Indivisible pro-democracy organization (we have a very active local chapter on Vashon Island, WA— find out more at indivisiblevashon.org), the presentation inspired me to act by providing many examples of how no action is too small, and that any action is better than none at all.

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      One thing I feel has been missing in recent protests against authoritarianism is a national symbol of unity around the pro-democracy movement. Like the knitted “pussyhats” of the 2017 Women’s March showed camaraderie around the fight for women’s rights, I want people to wear something that shows solidarity in working together to save our democracy.

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      A friend told me about the Marea Verde or Green Tide movement in Latin America. In 2003, reproductive rights activists in Argentina wore green bandanas as a symbol that they supported legalizing and decriminalizing abortion. Women started this movement, which eventually spread to other countries in the region. As a result of this mass collaboration, abortion (with certain restrictions) is now legal in Argentina, Colombia and Mexico, though the women’s fight continues because opposing forces continue to challenge these laws.

The bandana is an inexpensive, easy, visible way to express support for our current pro-democracy movement. In considering what color would best represent the current fight to sustain our democracy my friends and I landed on purple —a melding of red and blue — because we feel strongly that we all need to work together to save our county from authoritarianism. This is not a partisan fight, but an inclusive, urgent call to action.

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      The more divided we become, the more energy we waste. Fighting each other only serves to propel the current divisive agenda, when, instead, we can seize the opportunity to more effectively direct our time and skills into positive actions. We don’t all have to think alike to agree that the central tenets of our democracy are under threat. As we can see from recent events, our basic freedoms are at stake.

So, what can you do? Go get a purple bandana or square of purple material and wear it as a headband, over a baseball cap, tie it around a backpack or purse strap, or onto your belt loop, arm or ankle. Put one in your car and tape one to the front window of your house. You can buy a bandana or pick up some purple fabric or a T-shirt at a Thrift store and make your own. Display them anywhere!

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     Every morning, by putting on my purple bandana I’m taking one small action for democracy. It’s a reminder of what’s at risk and that I’m working with my friends to make a difference. We’re standing up for what we believe in because we want a better future for our kids and future generations. The bandana is also a conversation starter that helps me keep front and center more positive conversations around our current predicament — focused on what we can do to effect change rather than the downward spiral of repeating doom and gloom from the headlines.