[…] The strong visual impact of thousands of individuals marching together, their bodies adorned with at least a slight touch of pink, is flawless—and it can be proclaimed one of the largest successes of the Women’s March on Washington. It reflects union and suggests the strong power of people in a democratic regime. But, in comparison to the also visually striking, though implicitly bloodstained, images of the Black Lives Matter movement, it reminds us that solidarity, beyond fashion, needs active individuals that reclaim their lives and their rights from increasingly powerful governments. […] The image reminds us, inevitably, of the huge racial divide inherent in our societies, which is yet to be overcome. But it also reminds us that activism and solidarity, when made collective through the use of widespread garments—be it the pink Pussyhat, a black hoodie or bloodstained combat boots—can become strong symbols of resistance, helping us empower one another, and bringing us together, as humans, to peacefully, though not passively, fight against an increasingly violent society. Read the full article on FSJ.
Reference
Beltran-Rubio, Laura. “The Power of Pink and a Bloodstained Black Lives Matter Movement.” The Fashion Studies Journal. 28 February 2017. http://www.fashionstudiesjournal.org/longform/2017/2/28/fashion-and-solidarity-the-power-of-pink-and-a-bloodstained-black-lives-matter-movement