Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Memorial Day AIDS The world is not free from red tape. The ribbon is folded to resemble an inverted V and pinned to the chest or collar of the garment. This is not a mere decoration but contains history and meaning.
In 1988, a group of art professionals founded Visual AIDS as a response to AIDS’ impact on the art community and a platform for organizing artists, art institutions and art audiences for direct action against AIDS.
Quoted from the page Visual AIDS, in 1991 the group created a meaningful symbol at the height of the AIDS crisis. The symbol is used to show support and affection for those living with AIDS and their caregivers (caregiver). This project was named ‘The Ribbon Project’ which is now better known as ‘Red Ribbon’ aka red ribbon.
The color red was chosen because it is associated with blood and the idea of passion. Not only anger but also love. The ribbon was chosen because it is easy to recreate and wear. The original instructions read ‘cut the red ribbon 6 inches long, then fold it over the top into an inverted ‘V’ shape. Use safety pins to attach it to the clothes.’
The movement with the red ribbon is getting wider. The group of artists together with friends, supporters cut, folded ribbons for national distribution. As demand grew, other groups were involved including the creation of the Armory Ribbon Bee Project, initiated by artists Hope Sandow and Frank Moore. Here the homeless women of the Park Avenue Shelter are paid weekly to make ribbons.
Slowly red ribbons colonize the red carpet prestigious events. In June 1991, Visual AIDS partnered with Broadway Cares and Equity Fights AIDS to put a red ribbon on the guests and hosts of the 45th Tony Awards. This event was chosen to raise awareness of AIDS and its impact on artists.
Jeremy Iron became the first presenter to wear a red ribbon. Then the red ribbon symbol became popular as an international symbol of AIDS awareness. From here, the red ribbon was worn at the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys. Celebrities, musicians, athletes, artists, and politicians also wear red ribbons on various occasions.
Red ribbons then visited Europe on a mass scale during Easter 1992. More than 100,000 red ribbons were distributed during the Freddie Mercury AIDS Awareness Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium. The program is broadcast on television so it is certain that more than 1 billion people from all over the world recognize the red ribbon symbol. Princess Diana also made red ribbons more and more worn thanks to her concern for PLWHA.
“The fact that it was widely copied is amazing. We couldn’t believe it,” said Allan Frame, one of the Visual AIDS artists involved in making the ribbon symbol. UNAIDS.
Today, the red ribbon is worn as a symbol of international solidarity and support for PLWV/PLWHA. Red ribbons are a simple and hands-on way to fight the stigma surrounding AIDS.
(the / chs)
– .
