What do see when you look at a green marker?
I got teary last night, watching the news, looking at the green taped wrists of Iranian soccer captain, Mehdi Mahdavikia, worn during a World Cup game in South Korea. Small signs of support, of solidarity have always been vital, especially when words are silenced. The Iranian government has forbidden distribution of any film out of the country, but the soccer game was televised inside Iran. Watching a beloved sports hero, and several others, signal the other side of the world was heartening. And if it was for me, with little substantial ties to the Iranians beyond a few expats I have known over the year, how would it be for Iran, inside and outside borders?
I’m seeing green everywhere. Twitter followers are tinting their avatars. I’ve changed mine at Facebook, identi.ca and Twitter. One clever person at Twitter added a tint application that lets you easily shade your avatar green!
If you’re interested in more information about helping the Iranians, go to Cyberwar guide for Iran elections at BoingBoing. An easy one? Set your timezone to Iran, GMT +3.30, especially on Twitter.
Showing color for support has a long, long history. COLOURLovers has a guide or two on the whys of some color usages that is interesting, and not at all political.
When I think of political colors of the past I see the yellow stars the Jews were forced to wear as stigmata in Nazi Germany, the orange of a grassroots uprising in the Ukraine. Pink ribbons to show solidarity for people with AIDS/HIV. What colors do you think of? What do you see?
No related posts.
Good to see this, Deb.
I tinted my avatar at Twitter and I posted on link to the site for the application on both of my blogs.
I can’t think of any colors at the moment, but I do feel a sense of hope and soliditary seeing the sea of green. I am amazed and inspired by how individuals are once again harnessing the power of technology to spur political change and support.
It’s a beautiful thing.
Thanks Susan. It is encouraging. I think that’s where my tears came from, because I am not a soccer fan. ;-)
And now they’re saying those soccer players have all been detained. Things have really turned dark since Khameni’s speech today.
I haven’t been able to find any news of that, Dave. In fact, Google searches bring me only yesterday’s date, and just a few posts. Dark. Yes.
And you don’t even like soccer. Great post, Deb. I’ll link, please..
Link away, love.
I did. Felt good, too.