In the realm of politics, the conveyance of messages through slogans and fashion choices is a potent means of expression and affiliation. Political slogans, marked by their brevity and memorability, encapsulate campaign promises and ideologies, fostering emotional connections within a group. Clothing has always served as a canvas for political statements, from Hugo Boss’ infamous design of SS uniforms, to the anti-establishment Punk movement subculture. From campaign merchandise to symbols and colors that denote allegiance, clothing choices also extend to subversion and parody, invoking historical references, or asserting group identity. 

Ottawa-based trans activist Fae Johnstone stirred controversy at this year’s Capital Pride Parade by wearing a black shirt with the slogan “Protect Trans Kids” flanked by a dagger and rose. Nearly a month before the parade, Fae  tweeted: “My Grand Marshal outfit arrived but no, I’m not giving any sneak peeks or hints.” 

The grand reveal garnered vocal reactions. Supporters applauded the sentiment and characterized the implied threat as a necessary response to the (perceived) existential threat posed by transphobes and bigots. Detractors perceived the shirt itself as incitement, or at least willingness, to engage in violence. The fact that it was worn by someone leading the parade, who others looked up to, made it all the more impactful.

Fae is not alone in using wardrobe to convey radical messaging– Niagara Regional Councillor Laura Ip has worn an identical shirt, and even sold them at $32 as part of a fundraising campaign. An arguably irresponsible choice, coming at a time when other trans rights events have received criticism over signs that call for explicit violence (such as “Decapitate TERFs” placards).

The same groups leaning into this supposedly-amusing form of rhetorical violence tend to be the first to accuse their political adversaries of the same. It is doubtful they would laugh at a shirt that says “Protect Conservative Kids” with a semi-automatic rifle, for example. Or one with a similar message about Muslim kids. 

I am a proud Muslim. Growing up, the portrayal of Muslims by the media was often intertwined with violence. This did not match my own experiences, and seemed absurd on its face. Still, I learned certain jokes were not safe to make, lest they be taken seriously. 

Dark humour was not easily afforded to everyone. Today, it is seemingly afforded to no one. Good satire is a luxury. Apart from wit, it requires courage. And maybe a bit of recklessness. 

On June 9, 2023, I documented a march led by Billboard Chris and Save Canada in Ottawa. That was the first time I observed a large group of Muslims participate in the anti-SOGI protest circuit. I saw a group of children stomping on Pride flags, and my heart sunk. They were acting out hateful behaviour without fully understanding the implications– the kids I saw were too young to know anything about sex or romance, and there were language barriers in trying to communicate with their parents to ask why this was being condoned or encouraged. I also worried about media coverage, and how the broader Muslim community might be attacked or scapegoated. I know first-hand that self-described “antifascists” and “anti-racists” can spout vicious racism and feel righteous about it. 

To some extent, my fears have been validated: plenty of protest footage has surfaced depicting mostly white people chanting at mostly brown people to “Go home!”. An Ottawa police officer grabbed a young girl by the hijab during the 1 Million March for Children. During a September 16 Zoom meeting with union leaders from across Canada planning to counter demonstrate, one white organizer unequivocally described the 1 Million March protesters, many of them visible minorities, as “fundamentally racist”.

No group is monolithic, including Muslims. But the stereotypes kept alive by those with a political agenda or axe to grind, serve to further entrench division. Liberals and progressives who pat themselves on the back for being accepting of immigrants, may feel betrayed that people from different cultural and religious backgrounds do not share their views or values. And when reality doesn’t match arbitrary expectations, disappointment can turn to anger. 

The contempt exhibited by some trans rights activists when they shout at Muslim protesters to “go back where they came from” reveals endemic paternalism and arrogance, to the extent that newcomers are expected to trade in their belief systems in favour of purportedly better, shiner ideas. But when you attack those from different cultures with insults and threats of violence, it’s unlikely that you will inspire trust, dialogue and new understandings. 

This image of a police officer pulling a Muslim girl’s hijab is haunting my brain.#cdnpoli #onpoli #Ottawa #1MillionMarch4Kids #NoSpace4Hate #HateGate pic.twitter.com/y3R3KilnWs

— Caryma Sa'd – Lawyer + Political Satirist (@CarymaRules) September 22, 2023

In the end, Muslim kids have a lot to lose, particularly those who are or will eventually identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. In an ideological tug-of-war, none of this noise keeps them safe. 

And so, I have decided to wear a shirt that says “Protect Muslim Kids” and features a scimitar to the Toronto protest led by Billboard Chris and Save Canada on September 22, 2023. This shirt was not mass produced and will not be available for purchase. I made it so we can think about what kind of messages are being sent by our mainstream political leaders and community activists:

Do we consider some forms of violence to be more righteous than others? Do some causes get a free pass? Is there a double standard? Who gets to decide who wields the right to be violent? And what does that say about our own internalized biases? 

The more you lean into rhetorical violence, especially where you accuse your political adversaries of rhetorical violence, the more you guarantee that the result is a downward spiral.

It is unhelpful to up the ante, especially at a time when introspection is necessary across the board. We all have a responsibility to de-escalate, if there is any hope to build bridges across deepening divides. Anything less is contrary to peace, order, and good government. 

I cannot use a sword, but my words are mighty enough:

Protect all kids by denouncing violence. Period.