A symbol from back in the 1960’s has re-emerged in our current fashion world. The peace sign has been showing up in many recent collections from some very major designers. Yes, the peace sign. It was around when your parents were doing some of the things they probably tell you not to do now, and it seems as though it’s coming back. Coach just released a series of bracelets and necklaces that feature gold-rolled, brass peace symbols strung on strands of leather. Chic designer Michael Kors is celebrating the re-born popularity of the symbol by placing them on flats and garments. The peace sign is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. Gerald Holtom designed the symbol in 1958 after the flag symbols for nuclear disarmament. It was in March of that year that the symbol made its first public appearance, during the civil rights marches led by Martin Luther King, Junior. The peace sign gained even more popularity during anti-Vietnam War protests and riots. Cameron Diaz, Mary-Kate Olsen and Nicole Richie have all been spotted rocking the peace sign. For a symbol that is supposed to represent peace and togetherness, it is surrounded by controversy. The symbol is believed to be a symbol reflecting an anti-war and “anti-Bush” attitude, especially with politically outspoken celebrities such as Diaz wearing them. Adding to the controversy, the peace symbol was painted on pieces of cardboard at the “End the War Now,” protest. Held on Sept. 15, hundreds of people marched around Washington DC holding handmade signs with peace signs painted on them to protest President Bush and his decisions in reference to the war. After surveying different people around campus, though, it became apparent to me that public opinions on this topic seem to be directly related to generation. I surveyed five different students around campus and every single one of them said they did not have a problem with celebrities and common civilians wearing peace signs and that it was freedom of expression.

“Whatever floats your boat,” said Kathy Koehler, 21, an English major from Wellington. It was a different story when I surveyed 5 people from an older generation, though. A majority of these people, 4 of them, did not appreciate peace signs being a part of fashion today. “I think that it directly reflects an anti-establishment state of mind,” said Beatrice Schwartz, 87, from Boca Raton. What do you think? Do you think that peace symbols really serve as an anti-war symbol, or do you think it is just what’s popular as of the moment? Leave your comments in the box below.