Fans and followers of Ariana Grande are probably familiar with the tall, black latex bunny ears that have become part of the artist's look since the release of her 2016 album, Dangerous Woman. Now, in the wake of the explosion at Grande's concert in Manchester last night, some fans have started to change their social media profile pictures to an image of those ears fused with an awareness ribbon, similar the pink ones used to symbolise breast cancer awareness.
This graphic is meant to express sympathy for victims of the bombing and anyone affected, including Grande.
Manchester my thoughts and prayers are with you 💕💕#PrayForManchester pic.twitter.com/BtIUeipoci
— M Λ N U Ξ L (@ManuelSings) May 23, 2017
As noted by Bustle, it is unclear who first created the image. But the symbol has started to gain traction among some of Grande's fans.
Social media in action: Bunny ears are now all the rage. (My sincere condolences, Manchester 🐰💔)
— SAFI (@SabineFischerDK) May 23, 2017
I stand with the people who appreciate the ears because it lets people know that the people killed were innocent @ArianaGrande fans pic.twitter.com/p2NeZS8R6O
— Sarah Grace❤ (@sarahbearr16) May 23, 2017
Our bunny ears stand up for Manchester 😭🙏🏻❤️ #ArianaGrande #PrayForMancester #PrayForArianators #ManchesterBombing #PrayingForManchester
— maria (@carusoxoxo) May 23, 2017
Other people, however, are questioning how appropriate it is to use a symbol that's associated with a celebrity in remembrance of people who lost their lives.
"Is the meme using #Ariana's trademark bunny ears really the way to commemorate the many dead in the #ManchesterBombing? Seems star-centric," wrote poet and critic Todd Swift.
Is the meme using #Ariana 's trademark bunny ears really the way to commemorate the many dead in #ManchesterBombing ? Seems star-centric.
— Dr Todd Swift (@toddswift_dr) May 23, 2017
If it's a terrorist attack, I don't feel the black ribbon with bunny ears is appropriate. It turns the tragedy into promo for Ariana...
— Brandon (@FrozenGhost) May 23, 2017
black ribbon w/bunny ears for Manchester is a NO. black ribbon yes, great, wonderful....the bunny ears NO. it makes it more about the artist
— with luvey (@with_luvey) May 23, 2017
Some are also questioning whether such a symbol, while meant to memorialise the victims, ends up inadvertently boiling their lives down to a concert. Blogger Abra Belke wrote, "Astoundingly tacky that the #PrayForManchester logo is @ArianaGrande bunny ears. Should victims lives/deaths be defined by one concert?"
Astoundingly tacky that the #prayformanchester logo is @ArianaGrande bunny ears. Should the victims lives/deaths be defined by one concert?
— Abra Belke (@abrabelke) May 23, 2017
In the hours and days following a terrorism attack, people often look for ways to demonstrate their solidarity online, especially if they aren't able to help more directly.
It's fair to question the tone such image, which could come across as "tacky" or opportunistic to some. It's also understandable that finding the right thing to say, in light of an event that could leave anyone speechless, is extremely hard. Grande (who does not seem to be behind the creation of the ribbon), has expressed just that herself.
broken.
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 23, 2017
from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words.
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