Carrying the paperclip’s legacy into our resistance today.
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This post was originally shared as Part 2 of a two-part newsletter series.
If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, you can start here → Good Trouble Through Paperclips — Part 1
Welcome back, friends.
In my last newsletter, I shared the story of Norway’s paperclips during WWII—a quiet but powerful act of unity and resistance. Today, that small symbol returns in a modern form—an example of the paperclip as resistance—reminding us that courage can start with something ordinary.
Carrying the paperclip’s legacy into our resistance today
The other day, Jean Carroll showed up to an interview wearing a paperclip. When asked, she told the origin story of this small act and concluded that it’s “subtler than a red hat, more powerful as a connection.” She calls this movement the “Paperclip Mutiny.”
Jean Carroll is one of the few who have stood up against Trump—and won. In the face of sexual assault and defamation, she fought back against someone who has always reminded me of my own abuser. Her courage gives this small object a renewed power, reminding us of the paperclip as resistance in our own time.
The paperclip can be our non-violent symbol of defiance against the current administration—an everyday example of the paperclip as resistance. What is Trump going to do…ban, cancel, arrest…paperclips?
So let’s all clip in
and proudly display our collective resistance.
📩 Stay tuned for more reflections, stories, and small acts of resilience in the next newsletter.
Thank you for clipping in with me—
may this small symbol remind us of the strength we hold together.
is a therapist and author of Girl, Groomed, sharing her personal story of trauma and healing. Her work blends professional expertise and personal insight to guide readers on their own journeys to resilience.
2 Responses
Very good blog you have here but I was curious about
if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get suggestions from other experienced
people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions,
please let me know. Thanks a lot!
Hi Gemma, I don’t know where to point you, but check out my new Substack newsletter and you might find other related posts there. Also if there is a topic in particular that you would like me to say more about, let me know. Best wishes to you.