Un symbole, une cause

I saw the Sign

I Saw the Sign

Un símbolo, una causa

I saw a Sign - Un Simbolo, una Causa

Various symbols accompany protest movements and social change. But where do their origins lie? The peace sign is universal and yet few people know its origins. The rainbow flag symbolises hope, freedom, and resistance for queer people, while the raised fist is a sign against police violence and racism.

A circle with three intersecting lines: the emblematic logo of nuclear disarmament and the hippy movement, the peace sign is one of the most famous in the world. But its inventor, activist and graphic designer Gerald Holtom has remained a little-known figure.

Peace

Originally designed as a symbol for nuclear disarmament, it is now a widely recognised sign of peace.

"Somewhere over the Rainbow”... The song created for Judy Garland in the film "The Wizard of Oz" became the anthem of the American gay community in the 1970s. The rainbow flag did not appear until the end of the decade, under the impetus of the American artist and activist Gilbert Baker.

The Pride Flag

Appearing in the 1970s, the rainbow flag symbolised the LGBT movement.

The 1968 Olympic Games were marked by a powerful image: Tommie Smith and John Carlos, two black athletes raised their fists in protest against the oppression of African-Americans in the United States. More than fifty years later, the gesture of the raised fist has been taken up by the Black Lives Matter movement. But where does the raised fist originate?

Black Lives Matter

The raised fist has become associated with Black Lives matter movement, but where did it originate?

At a concert in 1992 paying tribute to Freddy Mercury, who had died of AIDS a few months earlier, many famous artists wore a red ribbon. It soon became an international symbol of solidarity with people living with HIV/AIDS.

Red Ribbon

April 1992: At a concert paying tribute to Freddy Mercury, who had died from AIDS, many famous artists wore a red ribbon.

The Anonymous collective became famous through its acts of civil disobedience. But what is the real story behind the creepy smiling masks worn by its activists?

I Saw the Sign

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I Saw the Sign

Peace

I Saw the Sign

The Pride Flag

I Saw the Sign

Black Lives Matter

I Saw the Sign

Red Ribbon

I Saw the Sign

Anonymous