Minneapolis Yarn Store Sparks Red Hat Protest Movement
A Minneapolis yarn store, Needle & Skein, initiated a protest movement involving a red knitted hat in response to the presence of federal immigration officials in the city and recent deaths involving agents.
Initiative Details
- Shop employee Paul Neary created the "Melt the ICE" hat pattern, a red beanie with a braided tassel.
- The pattern is sold for $5, raising nearly $400,000 as of a recent report.
- Shop owner Gilah Mashaal stated $250,000 has been donated to two local nonprofits: St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) and the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund, both focused on immigrant housing support.
- The red hat movement has spread across social media and internationally, with messages of support received from various countries.
- Red yarn is reportedly sold out in Minneapolis knitting shops.
Historical Inspiration
Neary based the hat pattern on a Norwegian "nisselue" hat, which was used to protest Nazi occupation in the 1940s.
Mats Tangestuen, director of Norway's Resistance Museum, provided historical context:
"The hat emerged around September 1941 and served as a 'distinctively non-violent' and 'not a threatening symbol' to maintain morale during a difficult period." The hat was eventually outlawed by German authorities.
University of Illinois history professor Peter Fritzsche drew parallels to the present situation:
"While the scale of Nazi operations was different, individuals in Minnesota might perceive a 'undemocratic and unvirtuous, sinister, arbitrary force,' which resonates with the hat's historical symbolism."
Community Activism
Mashaal, a Jewish immigrant, stated her motivation to protest current events, viewing knitting as a means for community and activism.
Rutgers University history professor Wendy Woloson highlighted the tradition of crafting as a form of protest:
"The red hats are a classic response within the crafting community for solidarity and support, drawing parallels to 'pussy hats' from the 2017 Women's March."
Neary underscored the accessible nature of the "Melt the ICE" effort:
"It provides a way for individuals to assist their communities without direct front-line involvement."