VERNON, NJ – If you have been out to a restaurant or business in Sussex County recently, you may have noticed mysterious red hand print decals on the doors and windows of many businesses.
But what does it mean? Are they fans of the J. Geils Band and their hit album sanctuary that featured a hand print? Is it some kind of support for missing indigenous women, where the mark of a red hand print is often used?
According to Vernon Pledge 2 Pause, a non-profit group, the decal is a reminder to all to think twice and pause before posting a negative comment about a person or business online.
The Pledge 2 Pause is a self-commitment to think twice about using negative words against others on the internet, social media, and online business review sites.
The organization is trying to squelch negativity against restaurants, businesses, schools, municipal entities, and each other.
The handprint represents that the business has made the pledge and is encouraging its customers to do the same.
What a great idea.
It was launched in 2020. The movement has taken off as more people pledge to pause in Vernon and beyond.