You might one day be offered the opportunity to display symbols of loyalty. Make sure that such symbols include your fellow citizens rather than exclude them. Even the history of lapel pins is far from innocent. In Nazi Germany in 1933, people wore lapel pins that said “Yes” during the elections and referendum that confirmed the one-party state. In Austria in 1938, people who had not previously been Nazis began to wear swastika pins. What might seem like a gesture of pride can be a source of exclusion. In the Europe of the 1930s and ’40s, some people chose to wear swastikas, and then others had to wear yellow stars. From On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century (p. 35) by Timothy Snyder.
This is making me glad that the Democrats were pushing the American flag and patriotism during their convention. Those symbols do not belong to one party or movement, they belong to all folks in the US. Using inclusive symbols can even muddy the waters, reminding others that they’re not alone.
I didn’t want to quote some of the other examples Snyder used. I will note that history has proven that dehumanization, especially when it’s from party or political leadership, can easily result in death and destruction. Call out those who repeat Trump’s use of “vermin” or “cancer” in referring to people. If a local channel or news source is airing an ad that uses those tactics, you can call or write them to express your disappointment.
Living ~400lbs 