Bracelets Against Tyranny? Someone Missed the Memo!

So here we are: it’s 2024, democracy’s hanging by a thread, and your plan, my liberal white sister? Beaded blue bracelets. Yes, seriously. Now, when you see a woman in the wild wearing this special color-coded accessory, you can give her a subtle but knowing nod because, you know, you’re both on the same side of the not-a-Trumper divide. It’s a secret handshake, but with crafty couture.

I’m just trying to picture it. Am I supposed to channel Elle Woods here, pulling out the ol’ Legally Blonde charm? Staring down another woman at the hair salon like, “When was the last time you wore the yellow tea rose?” Maybe wearing a blue bracelet is our way of signaling that we, too, passed the Delta Nu initiation. Is that the vision? It’s like we’re all supposed to be swapping stories of how we totally stood up to fascism—with a little help from Michaels’ bead aisle.

Look, I get it. Election Day (or Week) was a shock! It’s comforting to know you’re not alone, especially in a political climate that feels like it’s always two minutes from imploding. But let’s be honest: a demure, mindful blue bracelet is never going to rival the evil momentum of a wave of butt-ugly red MAGA hats.

And I know, nobody actually thinks a blue bracelet is going to bring down authoritarianism, either. It’s merely a mark of camaraderie—a little nod from the “silent warriors” to each other, while feeling that hopeful flicker of kinship. A quiet “I’m with you.” And that’s fine. But let’s not kid ourselves that this is anything beyond that—a symbol that stays neatly on the wrist, never making a peep.

Now naturally, the opportunists have jumped in to monetize the grief, turning it into another damn Etsy category: blue bracelets premade or in kits, handcrafted ally bracelets, and similar sad-sack accessories, all for sale. Because why settle for quiet unity when you can profit off it, right? So while the bracelets stack up, democracy keeps teetering, and we’re left with the question: are we satisfied with low-effort solidarity?

Democracy isn’t in need of fashion statements; it needs action, not accessories. How about this? In addition to spending a few bucks on wrist decor, put even more of your hard earned money—and your time and energy—into something that actually moves the needle.

Help us continue to hold elected officials accountable, calling them out publicly when their words or actions suck. Write letters, make calls, and show up to town halls to face the creeps down. Financially support watchdog organizations that keep an eye on policy changes, even if it’s only a dollar or two. Volunteer with local initiatives that protect rights and freedoms close to home. Even if you work from 8 to 5, find just five minutes in the day you can take a stand. Maybe, you can post on social or text your friends during your bathroom reading time, I don’t care. Do it.

Because when democracy’s on the line, no amount of beaded wristwear is going to do a damn thing to help save it!