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catrinw5y ago
**TL;DR Political merchandise is offensive and contributes nothing to democracy. It romanticises politicians which is dangerous**.
Political merchandise seems to be most popularly used in the United States. The most known example must be the ‘MAGA’ baseball hats, particularly worn during the presidency of Donald Trump.
However, researching the topic, I notice that political merchandise has gotten very creative, and also very offensive. During the Trump era, his campaign had released their own brand of plastic straws, [their purpose to replace the ‘liberal’ straws, the ones which are bio-degradable, sustainable and environmentally friendly.]( https://www.documentjournal.com/2019/07/ranking-the-most-insane-political-merch-in-recent-american-history/) The Trump campaign made $450,000 sales from these straws.
Perhaps, the most offensive piece of merchandise I found was a [bikini which had the American flag on it with the words ‘Grab them by the pussy.’]( https://www.newstatesman.com/science-tech/internet/2017/02/can-wearing-hat-be-act-resistance-how-weird-political-merchandise-went)This is making light of an extremely misogynistic, problematic and terrible quote said by Trump. What he said should be condemned, not celebrated and turned into merchandise to support his political work.
The issue with political merchandise is that it compares politics to supporting the likes of a football team. It romanticises politicians and gives them celebrity like status. Politics effects people lives, health and finances. It is not a joke. It should not be treated as a fun activity, yet wearing political merchandise gives off this impression.
We are living in a time where politics is extremely divisive. Someone wearing a t-shirt proclaiming their support for one leader / political party, makes it seem that they are unwilling to debate the topics or be open minded to have their opinions changed. It is a dangerous tool and visually segregates political differences within society.
Politics is a serious matter and should be taken so. The merchandise makes politics seem like some fun and romanticises it. However, for many people, including myself, these pieces of merchandise just look weird and offensive and are damaging our democratic debates. They are very problematic forms of propaganda.
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JenReneeGilley5y ago
**TL;DR -- A very well-made argument, excellent job! However, I think there can be a time and a place for having fun with politics.**
I agree with the points made here, and applaud a well-written argument!
That being said, I'm kinda mixed. I absolutely *adore* my Donald Trump Toilet Brush. I get to show my disdain AND clean my toilet with that god-awful toupee at the same time. It's a win-win.
I also think it's okay to have a *little* fun with politics sometimes. Taking it too seriously can cause undue stress, and because people are stressed, it can polarize them even further. People under stress over an issue can be less willing to engage the other side in friendly debate, and can be less open to listening to the other side. But when you lighten the mood with a little joke about the situation, people can loosen up.
Of course, there's always the chance that a little joke can trigger someone. So I'd advise to only joke with a person one knows, who they also know won't take the joke to heart, and would be willing to laugh with them.
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