A blast from the past -- the blue paper clip as a symbol of solidarity

[Atman]

Here is my original thread, from November 04...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1399359&mesg_id=1399359

Here is the page on my web site, which still draws a decent number of hits. I was reminded of this today by a couple of posters who are still using the blue paper clip avatar I created. I thinks that's pretty cool. I recall even Mr. Pitt blogging about wearing one on his lapel as a conversation-starter.

Solidarity Clip



Oh, and suck on a fat one, lurkers! (You know who you are).


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[gateley]

1. Great history -- and great idea you had. Think I'll fashion a blue paperclip

bracelet. It will remind me every time I look at it.

[Atman]

2. Thanks for the rec!

:hi:

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[Buzz Clik]

3. This kind of Solidarity?

[Atman]

4. Well, yeah. Pretty much.

I've always loved that logo.

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[gateley]

5. And I don't get it. Would someone help me? nt

[Atman]

6. Sorry, but I'm not sure what you don't get. But I'll try.

It was actually a bit misleading to say the Polish Solidarity movement was "pretty much the same thing." The similarities are in that both movements/symbols represent a show of unity against an oppressive government. In the early 1980's in Poland, workers at the Lenin Shipyards, led by Lech Welesa. It was pretty amazing in its, and was the first true trade union in a communist country. It grew into a full fledged social movement with worldwide support after the government tried to crush the union via martial law. After nearly a decade of repression, the government was finally forced to back down and held elections in which Welesa was elected president.

So, while I said it was "pretty much the same thing," the similarity is in the unity against an unpopular government that the symbol represents.

There is a whole other fascinating history of the paper clip as a symbol, and I have a piece about that on my web site, linked in the first post.

I hope this helps!

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[gateley]

7. Thank you so much -- you helped a lot! What I didn't understand was that that

was "solidarity" in Polish. I couldn't read the word, and now I understand why!

Even if I had recognized it, your explanation helped explain better to me what happened in Poland. During the time it was occurring, I didn't pay all that much attention (ashamed to say). I'm grateful I have a better understanding of it now, and it certainly serves as inspiration.

Now, I HAVE learned of the blue paper clip and its history, thanks to DU, and I'm going to fashion a blue paper clip bracelet to wear daily and if people ask, great. If not, it will be a reminder to me whenever I look at it.

Thanks again -- I appreciate it!

Edited to say I that I learned of the blue paper clip thanks to YOU -- it was your post that brought it to my attention and inspired me. So I have you to thank for that, too. I have no doubt you'll generously help me along in my continuing education in the future!

[Atman]

8. LOL! I'm surprised you were able to interpret my first post of the morning!

It reads like a George Bush remark, complete with missing words and incomplete sentences! I really need to learn to finish that first cup of coffee before I post!

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[gateley]

9. You did a GREAT job! Really! Now I understand -- more than

when some of my teachers 'explained' things to me. Carry on!