White ribbon
The
white ribbon, as other
ribbons, is used by political movements to signify or spread their beliefs. It is usually worn on garments or represented in
propaganda (posters, leaflets, etc.).
After the
École Polytechnique massacre on
December 6,
1989, where 14 women were killed by an anti-feminist, a movement appeared in
Canada of wearing the white ribbon to signify opposition to violence against women.
The
White Ribbon Campaign appeared in
1991 in relation to this movement. Started by
Toronto politicians like current
New Democratic Party leader
Jack Layton, it has now spread to over 35 countries around the world. It is now an international effort of men and boys working to end violence against women. Its basic principle is the importance of men and boys to speak out against all forms of violence against women.
The
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is observed annually on
December 6 in Canada.
It has been appropriated by some
feminists as a symbol of their
movement.
In the beginning of
2003, a custom, largely influenced by the
Échec à la guerre collective, emerged in
Quebec of wearing the white ribbon to show a belief in the need for
peace (mostly in
opposition to the impending war in Iraq). The roots of the choice of the white ribbon are probably the traditional association of
white with peace and the White Ribbon Campaign.
Premier Bernard Landry took to wearing the white ribbon and the other two main party leaders in Quebec,
Jean Charest and
Mario Dumont, followed suit.
At
county and
state fairs in the
United States, a white ribbon denotes a third-place finish in a contest.
In some judging competitions â€" particularly in 4-H and FFA livestock and horticultural competitions â€" it can be given to a project that is particularly deficient or inferior. Superior projects and exhibits are awarded
blue or
red ribbons.
*
Ribbon*
Stop Violence Against Women, a campaign of
Amnesty International*
White flag*
Symbolism of white*
White Ribbon Campaign website*
Articles and issues concerning male violence
