Here are my thoughts re the safety pin. I think it is ingenious because it is multifaceted.

First: each according to his ability. The abilities of a 90 lb. grandma and a 200 lb. young man might be completely different, but so what?

I’m a tall, athletic woman with martial arts training, so, when I donned a safety pin, I knew, for myself, that I would be willing to intervene physically. Do I expect that of everyone? Certainly not. Do I like the idea that I can cast my eye around to see who might be backup? You bet.

Second: the visual. The pin is not just a signal to potential victims, it is a signal to other allies and perps. It’s very presence, especially in numbers, may prevent intolerant speach or acts.

I think of it as a reverse swastika. If I was in a subway car full of swastika tattoos, I would be very nervous. If bigots are in subway cars with safety pins everywhere, maybe they will keep their thoughts to themselves.

The same applies to the workplace. If some misogynistic cad sees safety pins all around, maybe he will be less likely to harass his coworkers and they might feel stronger standing up to him if he does, because they will know they are not alone in condeming the behavior.

Third: it’s a universal safety net. This is what I really like. There are so many shades of bullying, harassment and inappropriate behavior, it’s nice to have a symbol that says I oppose all of it.