In reply to Louis.

Hi, Louis!

I could explain why MAGA hats are seen as symbols of hatred by many people, myself included, but it would just be my words and one person's voice is easily ignored. So here is a google link: https://tinyurl.com/quurjhp

The search term was "when is a maga hat a symbol for hate?" and returned a number of credible sources. I hope you find one in the list you will read.

Hello, everyone else in the conversation!

One of the other people posting here has stated that it is a matter of safety; I feel so as well. Because I know people who wear MAGA hats and I have listened to them, I know that many of them are irrational when you disagree with them. Body language jumps to a threatening level very quickly; I'm sure I tense up or something because I feel that the threat just keeps escalating if I continue to interact with them. So I avoid interacting with them, even avoiding eye contact. They aren't important to me as long as they keep to themselves, and I know they are racist, sexist jerks so why would I want to interact?

I also would like potential threats in my environment to self-identify. Those MAGA hats are a great way to announce to the world that you hate other people based on arbitrary dividing lines like skin color or who you marry. In truth, anyone wearing flags, strips, stars or other patriotic swag gives me a sense of unsafety...sad, isn't it?

I thought about suggesting the safety pins but that does put the onus on the people who feel unsafe to say something. Snopes has a huge article about that here: https://www.snopes.com/news/2016/11/14/safety-pin-solidarity/

Frankly, I'm already vigilant against threats in my environment. Against myself and against other people. It's exhausting and unfair, especially to people who are vulnerable and who are already worn down by the constant watchfulness. I'd love to be able to relax at a WordCamp but I don't think that is possible.

Well. I guess if you want to wear a hat, thank you for self-identifying. You are telling me a lot with that hat.

And everyone else? What if we adopt a symbol of our own? I suggest a peace sign. Tie-dyed from the Beatnik era, maybe.