OP ED: 2024-The Year of the Yard Sign
November 21, 2024
The election is over. It’s time to bring in the political yard signs. However, what is a normal task may not be so normal this time.
Yard signs have been traditionally viewed as statements of political identity, however in this increasingly polarized era they have become indicators of tribal belonging. Sometimes they are indicators more of who someone opposes rather than who they support. I have seen some neighborhoods where multiple yard signs indicate either exuberant support of one’s own candidates, or antagonistic opposition to the “other” candidates. I have experienced people confessing that they looked to my yard signs for guidance on how to vote. I don’t know if my life is an example to them, or if they think that one of my many yard signs lifts up the other, lesser-known candidates – i.e., if one is good, the others must be good too.
My yard signs have also triggered outreach from one of my neighbors. He has confessed he is unsure of his next steps – whether he should remain and “resist,” or whether he should leave the country to remain safe from perceived threats. He reached out to me because my signs indicated I’m like-minded. I’m meeting with him later this week for coffee to discuss ways forward.
I attended a book club hosted by our local progressive group – Arvadans for Progressive Action – studying the book On Tyranny by Dr. Timothy Snyder. This short pocket-sized paperback was published in 2017 upon Trump’s election to his first term. Dr. Snyder has spent his life studying fascist and totalitarian regimes in Eastern Europe, and in this book he provided 20 steps to help guide us in dealing with an approaching and present authoritarian regime. Many of the chapters have parallels with 2024, even though written in 2017.
Chapter four of his book advises, “Take Responsibility for the Face of the World. The symbols of today enable the reality of tomorrow. Notice the swastikas and symbols of hate. Do not look away, and do not get used to them. Remove them yourself and set an example for others to do so.”
In my mind, I felt that by removing my political yard signs I was “giving in” and acceding tacit allegiance to the newly elected officials. But others in my book club reminded me that the American Flag is a national symbol and it belongs to all of us – not just the opposition. I should still proudly display our national flag and reclaim it as mine. And there are other symbols I can proudly display that align with my values. I do not need to capitulate allegiance to leaders who mock the America I love. I can display signs or wear shirts that display my beliefs and call upon others to join me in supporting our beliefs.
Here is a link to some sources for such signs and apparel:
Perhaps by displaying our values we can become a safe place for others who feel unsafe, marginalized or defeated. And we can proudly display our values for all.
I hope to see you at one of our book club meetings as we continue to discuss On Tyranny and identify ways we can continue to resist fascism. And perhaps I’ll recognize you in your protest gear at the next APA Meeting.
The next book club is on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 9 a.m. at the Colorado Tap House near 69th & Indiana.
Written by Bob McGrath
APA Member, (Part of APA’s formation in 2016)