Post Brexit, people wear safety pin in campaign against racial abuse

Of all the effects of Brexit, ie, Britain's exit from the European Union (EU), the one that was already hit hard and fast is racism. As reported by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), the rate of hate crimes have gone up by 57% in comparison to this time in May.

That is not surprising since one of the major reason behind the EU exit, was for Britain to regain control over immigration policies. In words less subtle, to rid Britain of immigrants.

But all hope is not lost, yet. There is also a major section of Britain's population who want the immigrants to feel welcomed at a place they have called home for years.

Twitter user @cheeahs, came up with an idea which does not quite end the snowballing racism but at least offers some solace.

The user asked people to wear a 'safety pin' on their shirt to show solidarity with the immigrants on her Twitter account.

So I have an idea similar to #ridewithme to help protect those eing abused as result of Brexit referendum - but I need your help.

— miss pommery 1926 (@cheeahs) June 26, 2016

I'd like to come up with something that can be made by anybody anywhere to pin on their jacket or coat to signify that they are an ally.

— miss pommery 1926 (@cheeahs) June 26, 2016

A safe person to sit next to on a bus, walk next to on a street, even have a conversation with.

— miss pommery 1926 (@cheeahs) June 26, 2016

I quite like the idea of just putting a safety pin, empty of anything else, on your coat. A literal SAFETY pin!

— miss pommery 1926 (@cheeahs) June 26, 2016

Adding fuel to the spark, the idea was picked up on Twitter and spread like wildfire.

No piercing, so my #safetypin is going next to the other symbol of helping others - my stethoscope pic.twitter.com/u5aOhpHYWc

— Dr Keith Grimes (@keithgrimes) June 29, 2016

Wearing my #safetypin today and every day until I live in a country where I don't have to anymore pic.twitter.com/3pn9vWmi8F

— Janis Thomas (@JanisThomasMktg) June 29, 2016

Good morning,dear TL...this is going so well.
You are doing something simple and good and powerful.#safetypin pic.twitter.com/L3NuRNAbD7

— Citizen G (@johannariley) June 29, 2016

Whole family wearing a #SafetyPin today. Together we stand against racism. pic.twitter.com/NGp45vp60S

— Simon Munk (@psimonk) June 29, 2016

However, there were some who ridiculed the idea of wearing a safety pin, questioning if it would actually help.

This is utterly absurd: #safetypin

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 29, 2016

I'm not wearing a #safetypin to prove that I'm not a halfwit.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 29, 2016

This #safetypin thing is just another reason for a load of bellends to post selfies on the Internet and make it all about them.

— Conor (@Conjob123) June 29, 2016

you'll wear a safety pin, but are you going to speak up when someone's racially attacked on a bus?

— varaidzo (@veedzo) June 29, 2016

Even though the thought behind the idea is noble, will a safety pin and online vigilance really help in tackling an issue as deeply rooted as racism?

It seems unlikely, but a walk of a mile begins with a step.