I’ve grown used to random compliments from strangers. It’s normal
now. I have to think back years to what it was like without that. And
they’re not just compliments, but also expressions of solidarity,
revelations of the existence of people who agree and aren’t afraid to
say so — or maybe that I’ve just helped them to become unafraid to say
so.
These compliments, which can initiate discussions and deeper
engagement, have nothing more to do with me than the shirt I’m wearing.
And anyone can wear the same shirt. Experience may vary depending, of
course, on where you wear it. A shirt can be a means of getting a
message into an event that forbids signs. It can be a means of gathering
together at a public place for an event. But it can also simply be what
you wear when you want to meet people, or just be complimented, or just
be periodically reassured that all the people around you are not now
fascists.
I’ve tested these shirts for years, and these are some of the most
effective, along with what you’re likely to hear people say to you if
you wear them:
“Wow, you said it. That’s the truth. Nice shirt!”
“I love it! Me too!”
“Thank you for wearing that! Thank you for alerting us!”
(Here’s a global version of that U.S. shirt.)
“Absolutely nothing!”
(upon hearing which you can turn around):
“Where can I get that shirt?”
(The answer for any of these shirts is on the back):
“Wait, what? Oh yes!”
(Specially designed shirt that is incomprehensible to the people most likely to object to it.)
“Great shirt! I’m with you!”
“What about Putin, you as&^#^%$%?”
Hey, if it was all compliments, whom would we be educating?
All of these shirts and sweatshirts and other gear, in various sizes and colors — and lots more too — are available here.
Hope to see you looking good out there!
Send photos of you in your shirts that can go on the World BEYOND War website to [email protected]
Peace.
—David Swanson, executive director, World BEYOND War
World BEYOND War is a global network of volunteers, chapters, and affiliated organizations advocating for the abolition of the institution of war.
Donate to support our people-powered movement for peace.
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