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[[Image:Red Ribbon.svg|120px|right|The [[red ribbon]] is used internationally as a symbol of the fight against [[AIDS]]]]
'''Awareness ribbons''' are short pieces of [[ribbon]] folded into a loop, or representations of such, which are used in the [[United States]], [[Canada]], [[Australia]], [[UK]] and other parts of the world as a way for the wearer to make a subtle statement of support for a cause or issue.  

The meaning behind the awareness ribbon depends on its color.  Many groups have adopted ribbons as symbols of support or awareness, and as a result, many causes often share each color.  Some causes may also be represented by more than one color.  Red or teal may represent substance abuse, and purple or white may represent Alzheimer's disease. 

Awareness ribbons are frequently pinned to clothing or tied around objects such as car antennas.  When a more pronounced statement is being made, larger ribbons may be tied around objects such as trees and poles.  Representations of awareness ribbons may also take the form of [[sticker]]s, [[bumper sticker]]s or [[magnet]]s and are frequently affixed to [[vehicle]]s. 
The concept of an awareness ribbon as a vehicle adornment was made largely popular after the success of the yellow 'Support Our Troops' ribbon magnet produced by [http://www.magnetamerica.com Magnet America] in King, NC.

Ribbons have also been used as a symbol of mourning. For example, many wore [[black ribbon]]s after the [[Virginia Tech massacre]].

==Criticism==
The proliferation of 'Awareness Ribbons' has been criticized as a form of [[slacktivism]], allowing people to 'show support' without making an effort in time or money. Comedian [[George Carlin]] has denounced this particular type of slacktivism in his act, and suggested wearing a brown ribbon as a [[Scatological humor|scatological]] response.

==See also==
*[[List of awareness ribbons]]
*[[Yellow ribbon]]
*[[Wristband]]
*[[Gel bracelet]]

==External links==
* [http://www.loc.gov/folklife/ribbons/index.html The New Yellow Ribbon Tradition], with two [[American Folklife Center]] articles, hosted by the [[Library of Congress]] website
* [http://www.trinitylondon.com/awareness-ribbon-meanings.asp Awareness Ribbon Colors and Meanings] by Trinity London
* [http://www.thepinpeople.com/awarenessribboncolors.html Awareness Ribbon Color Meaning Chart] by The Pin People

{{Awareness ribbon}}

[[Category:Ribbon symbolism|*]]
[[Category:Death customs]]