Letter: Work together to fight harassment

In the wake of the presumed (as the electoral college does not officially vote until Dec. 19 and could change their mind, although that chance is slim) election of Donald Trump, there are a lot of scared people out there. Minorities, Muslims, the LGBTQ community have been targets of the hateful rhetoric put forth by his supporters before and after the election. It has amplified now as they feel emboldened to do so.

Last year in the wake of the Brexit fallout, Brits decided to show their solidarity by wearing safety pins, to show they were allies for each other. That is traveling here now. If you see someone wearing a safety pin, know that they are there for you. It is a way to peacefully protest the election result while also extending a hand of safety and tolerance toward those who feel threatened now. If you want to join, simply put a safety pin on your coat or shirt.

If you see someone being harassed, do not engage the harasser. Instead, engage the one being harassed in conversation. Block the harasser's view of them. Steer them, even guide them away from their harasser and stay with them until they feel safe. We can do this, together, and overcome the scary atmosphere that has now grown even scarier in our society. Please join us.

Chandra Jordan

Marion