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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?
Posted by jim at November 10, 2004 10:58 PMAs far as I know, they have thought about different designs (ie. velcro poppies!) but it all comes down to cost efficiency.
Posted by: Heather at November 11, 2004 02:41 AM(And for the record, I've never really had a problem with the straight pins...)
:o)
Well, 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
Posted by: Kibbee at November 11, 2004 08:37 AMI'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.
Now, 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)
Posted by: Jimmy at November 11, 2004 08:45 AMI'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.
Posted by: Ryan at November 11, 2004 12:46 PMIt isn't strictly supposd to be a straight pin, but a bent pin, to signify the injured. (is "bent straight pin" an oxymoron?)
Posted by: Juliet A at May 5, 2006 04:02 PM