After Donald Trump's victory in the US elections, American society became divided. While some celebrated his win, others, particularly supporters of Kamala Harris, expressed their discontent. In this moment, public sentiment found unexpected forms of expression. One of the most prominent trends that emerged was the popularity of blue bracelets, which quickly went viral on TikTok.
As is often the case, this idea was not without controversy. For some, it was a way to express their position and find like-minded individuals. However, others criticized it as a meaningless gesture with no real impact or even a manifestation of discrimination.
One American named Libby Lovage, a long-time fan of Taylor Swift, was shocked by the election results and sought support on social media. She came up with the idea of using blue bracelets, inspired by Swift's "friendship bracelets," as a symbol of support for democratic values and opposition to the political situation following Trump's victory.
This trend quickly gained momentum, with hundreds of videos on TikTok showing women wearing blue bracelets and other accessories symbolizing their protest against Trump. This became the counterpart to the red caps worn by Trump supporters with the slogan MAGA (Make America Great Again), but with the opposite political meaning.
The popularity of blue bracelets led to numerous sellers on Etsy offering bracelets, beads, and ribbons in shades of blue. The advertisement for these products often featured the feminist song "Labour" by Paris Paloma, which emphasizes the need for women to assert themselves in a patriarchal world.
While the trend gained traction, it also faced criticism. Some viewed it as superficial, arguing that wearing an accessory wouldn't contribute to meaningful change. Others expressed concerns that the trend was a way for white women to distance themselves from real issues and create an illusion of unity without addressing issues of equality and justice.
Despite the criticism, the trend continued to grow. In an effort to improve the movement, Lovage and another TikToker named Brenda Hampton started collaborating. They are planning a virtual meeting where women can discuss their concerns and future plans. Kalila Wright, the owner of the brand "Mess In A Bottle," suggested creating a collection of clothing instead of following the bracelet trend.
It's worth noting that among other demographics, the majority of dark-skinned women also voted for Kamala Harris. Some criticized the trend as a way for white women to identify other white women who share their views, ignoring the concerns of black women.
Despite the controversy, the trend has the potential to evolve into a symbol of unity among all women, regardless of their skin color or social status. The movement aims to have meaningful conversations about the political situation in the country.
