skull and crossbones NYC

Have you noticed a reoccurring pattern in the streets of NYC?

Everywhere I look I see that little fellow, not sure if he's a friend or foe yet, but he is everywhere. The skull and crossbones is here to stay. Yesterday I was sitting next to a person on the subway and I was admiring their Spring blouse, which at first glance looked like it had little white flowers printed on it, but after a closer look I realized it was him, the little fellow. He is cuter now, more rounded and in repeating patterns. Now that I am aware of him, I notice that he is everywhere. He is printed on shoes, shirts, bracelets and other more unexpected places.

He is definitely in fashion, an edgy pattern for designers reaching out to younger markets. But is he more than a commodification of rebellious youth? Could he be a sign of our times? Are we looking at death and coming to terms with it? Bringing it into our daily lives, as is done in other cultures. Mexico's Dia de los Muertos, comes to mind, a day to honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed. Maybe American culture is coming to terms with death?

To me the connection is clear, unending wars in the East, daily violence here. We can't stop it but now we can wear it.

Sisters in Strength Strikes Back: Our Struggle with Street Harassment

Organized by Girls for Gender Equity

WHERE?
Grand Street Settlement Beacon Center at Marta Valle Secondary School 145
Stanton Street, New York, NY

WHEN?
May 5, 2007 * 1pm – 5pm

WHAT?
The Street Harassment Summit is a free public event for education,
community interaction, and the sharing of personal stories. WAR ZONE
(directed by Maggie Hadleigh West) and a short film created by the Sisters
in Strength interns will be screened and workshops will be offered on
different issues – such as strategies for ending street harassment, how
women can respond to street harassment safely, how street harassment
effects the GLBTQ population, and how men can be allies to victims of
harassment. Women, MEN, girls and BOYS of all ages are welcome to attend
and learn about this overlooked issue.

All attendees will receive a gift bag including items from our sponsors.

RSVP?
For more information on the work of Girls for Gender Equity visit
www.ggenyc.org. For updates about the Street Harassment Summit or to RSVP,
visit www.myspace.com/sistersinstrength or email sisters@ggenyc.org.

WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
We need people to help with flyering for the event, spreading the word,
and diong various tasks on the day of the event. Email sisters@ggenyc.org
to volunteer.