One thing that I don't get about the poppies that they have for remembrance day is how they are attached with straight pins. Why straight pins??? Most people usually end up loosing them, scratching / pricking themself, being fearful of the poppy. Is this to remind us that we are wearing a poppy and what it stood for? Is it just a really crappy design that no one has changed for 80+ years because it's cheaper to use the old design?
Why not use some kind of safety pin? Something where it would not fall out; something that people would not be bleeding all over our clothes?
Now, I am probably coming off as an ungrateful jerk for not just shutting up and thinking about the great sacrifice the poppy represents. It's just that I took off my poppy the other day because I kept on stabbing / scratching myself. I'd much rather be able to wear it to show that I remember. :-(
So, the questions are: why is the design the way it is; what would be a better design for the poppy to be able to make them cheaply while still being able to attach to all kinds of clothes (thick, thin, ...); how are we going to get this changed; and who should we contact to to get this changed? Anyone know?
As far as I know, they have thought about different designs (ie. velcro poppies!) but it all comes down to cost efficiency.
ReplyDelete(And for the record, I've never really had a problem with the straight pins...)
ReplyDeleteWell, they do have a solution. They are handing out poppy stickers for the kiddies to use. Wouldn't want them to prick themselves. As for the adults who want something that's not a sticker, in the past, i've replaced the pin with a Canada flag pin, which not only prevents me from stabbing myself, but also shows patriotism to Canada. Oh yeah, it also holds a lot better, preventing the poppy from being lost
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking they are saving a lot of money by using a straight pin. A safety pin is made up of approximetly 3 straight pins. Imagine the savings! It cost's three times less to use a straight pin.
ReplyDeleteNow, what can you do about it? "put a piece of eraser on the end of the straight pin - it prevents the pin from falling out of your jacket, blouse etc." (from an old usenet post)
I've seen metal poppies with safety pins, but they aren't disposable. It makes sense that it would be mainly a cost issue. I would buy a metal one if they were available; the straight pins are a bit dangerous.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't strictly supposd to be a straight pin, but a bent pin, to signify the injured. (is "bent straight pin" an oxymoron?)
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