This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Asa Conroy. Find them on Instagram at @asakayconroy. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Emotions are running high, as they often do after an election. People are trying to figure out what they can do. In a time where many people feel afraid, unsupported, frustrated, and just a mix of so many more fuels the rush to find a solution. However, not every solution is perfect. They will not be an instant fix. One example of this is TikTok’s blue bracelet movement. It is a movement of mixed reactions, and no one can seem to agree how they feel about it. Some people are calling it shallow, while others call it a beginning. So, what is this movement? Is it good or bad? Is it a solution or just a temporary fix to our emotions?
What is the blue bracelet movement?
Content creators on TikTok created the blue bracelet movement after the results shown that Kamala Harris has lost. This movement was primarily created by white women who voted for Harris and wanted to show their support for black women. Exit polls shows that black women were the highest demographic of her voters while other demographics lagged behind. Although, white people regardless of sex polled higher with Trump. The idea of the bracelet is meant to separate Harris voters from Trump supporters.
Additionally, it is meant to signify the wearer as a “safe person” for people of color to interact with. This may also extend to disabled people and the LGBTQ community. The blue bracelets are specifically friendship bracelets. The most common appearance for these bracelets is blue beads or jewels. Friendship bracelets in general represent time, care, and attention because they are handmade and usually made for someone else. Blue overall represents the Democratic Party. Although blue often represents peace, trust, loyalty, and sadness.
Why do people have a problem with it?
Well, there’s a few problems with it. One of the main problems is that people find it shallow and distracting. There are people focusing more on making themselves look better or “safer” than making actions to ensure that that’s true. Most people don’t want to look like the bad guy. Although that’s understandable, the steps one may take to appear less threatening are more comforting to themselves than the people they aim to comfort.
To many it sounds like a trap. Like, “I made a bracelet, I’m safe. I’m good. I’m done.” But when you’re safe and good, more often than not you’re doing more than making a bracelet. It’s a nice start with a positive message if it is genuine. The meaning you put into it has significance, but it does not mean the same thing for everyone. Which leads to an additional problem, making the decision for others.
“How is it making the decisions for others?”
The blue bracelet movement is self-identifying. Hypothetically, if you were a bracelet wearer or maker you are telling me that you are safe. It sounds like a caring notice, but I have no way of knowing if I can actually trust you. The decision to trust another person is really only something you can do yourself. You can take others advice when they vouch for someone or take note of any sign or signal. However, signs and advice can only go so far when that behavior can be replicated. In nature there is such thing as aggressive mimicry, which is what happens when a predator mimics something that signals safety to its prey. So, telling someone your safe might sound like a good idea, but it could also sound like aggressive mimicry. Trust must be earned.
This may sound overly paranoid, but marginalized communities need that sense of paranoia to protect themselves. People know the consequences of aligning themselves with close-minded ideas. That’s why they hide just how many they agree with, usually until it’s too late and all is revealed. Obviously, this shouldn’t be a problem if you are actively making yourself safe for others, but that also means not making decisions for them. The blue bracelet movement feels to many like one decision made after another for other people. The decision of the blue bracelets was made by content creators, who then posted it online. Every video, every picture, and every post about this being the agreed upon decision. Which leads to problem number three.
“If we don’t post online, how else would people know about it?”
That is a good argument. It’s one that many have used in defense, but there is a counter argument. Who else is hearing about it? Everything exists online for everyone to see. There’s no way to make videos avoid being seen by the wrong pair of eyes. One of the unavoidable flaws is that “unsafe” people could co-opt the blue bracelets and trick people looking for a safe person. Blue bracelets can be “louder” than other safety symbols which make them extremely easy to replicate.
Now, of course good people should not face punishment for bad people using their kindness against them. The kindness is noted and appreciated. This is more of a warning and a reminder. Too many people like to use social media like a private diary or a group chat. But it’s not (unless you specifically make a private diary or group chat). Other people can see your messages, and they can use them against you.
“But it sounds like a nice gesture!”
It does and for the most part it is which circles back to the possibility of this movement being performative. It sounds like a nice gesture, but what does it do other than create a signal that can be misinterpreted? That is the question the participants need to answer instead of turning off their comments. You can make your bracelet, but don’t stop there. Take additional steps and let the bracelet be step one. Let it open the door for others to see the effort you put into your causes. A conversation starter.
Another thing to do, if you do it, is to stop talking about it. There are so many people wasting time arguing whether the blue bracelet is effective or worrying about how they look than spent on action. If you’re one of the people saying, “Can’t you do both?” in regard to the performative criticism against the movement, it’s time to do both. Actions speak louder than words. That’s the good old saying, but if you’re using words, they should be precise. Don’t defend the bracelet. Defend black women. Defend everyone you claim to support and then go perform actions that show your support.
So, what else can I do?
Put on the bracelet. Don’t put on the bracelet. The choice is yours. There are valid criticisms and fears against the blue bracelet movement. The main one to counteract is the lack of effort. One of the best and easiest things to do is to shop at black women-owned business or donate causes that show support. These causes could be national or just someone’s GoFundMe. Some have even suggested buying blue bracelets from black women in support of the cause. Here are a few, but I urge you to research organizations or even just social media to find whatever you can.
- Black Girls Smile provides gender-responsive and culturally-affirming mental wellness education, resources, and support geared toward Black women and girls.
- The National Coalition of 100 Black Women is an organization whose mission is to advocate on behalf of black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment
- Black Women’s Health Imperative is the first nonprofit organization created by Black women to help protect and advance the health and wellness of Black women and girls
- List of 100+ Black-Owned Businesses: Beauty, bookstores, clothing and accessories, food and drink, health and fitness, home and gifts, and parenting Black-owned businesses
What do you think of the blue bracelet movement? Is it a good step or a bad one? Let us know in the comment section below!
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