Why I Wore (or Wouldn't Wear) a Trump Hat: Personal Experiences and Observations
Do you think about wearing a Trump hat in public for a dime, or even for all the gold in the world? My stance is firm: I absolutely wouldnrsquo;t wear a Trump hat for any amount of money. What about shitting on one for a penny? Thatrsquo;s an even lower threshold!
Herersquo;s the funny thing, though. Irsquo;d consider it for a significant sum, like making that penny six or seven zeros higher. But it would depend on how long this offer is still valid. Irsquo;m just not into red hats, programmatically speaking or otherwise, no matter the circumstances.
To set the stage, Irsquo;m based in San Francisco, home of the ldquo;bluerdquo; and ldquo;purplerdquo; political landscape. This means that simply the sight of a Trump hat in public draws a range of reactions, from groans to thrown produce. The most iconic reaction is the tomato attack on anyone daring to wear a MAGA hat.
The Reasons Against
My decision goes beyond just symbolic gesture. My relationship with Donald Trump is rooted in my complete and utter disdain for his policies and rhetoric. I was actively against his presidency and refused a job opportunity two years early in 2017. Since I didnrsquo;t work for him during his presidency, and certainly not at Walter Reed Hospital, my stance on him is born out of first-hand, studied observation.
Letrsquo;s unpack my two primary reasons for never wearing a Trump hat, and why I would think carefully about it only under extraordinary circumstances:
1. Personal Principles
The first reason Irsquo;ll never wear a Trump hat is grounded in my personal principles. I find his branding and policies deeply offensive. His rhetoric involves extreme hatred towards individuals who are different in any way, whether they're from different religions, have different sexual orientations, or simply have a different opinion. I view this as not just negative, but harmful and insulting. In essence, yes, I loathe the concept of a so-called ldquo;war on terrorrdquo; that scapegoats people for their personal choices and differences.
2. Cultural Context and Public Perception
Secondly, my stance is influenced by the cultural context and the public perception in San Francisco. This city is a hotbed of progressive and socially conscious ideals. The idea of waving a MAGA hat or letrsquo;s not kid ourselves, a Trump hat, in the streets of San Francisco would be met with strong disapproval, and likely followed by an onslaught of produce.
No Welcome In San Francisco?
A fellow San Franciscan who sports a MAGA hat would face a deluge of fruit, vegetables, and other projectiles that are abundant in the local markets. Itrsquo;s a deserved reaction for those who misstep in our liberal and politically aware community. While tomatoes may be the most convenient, it wouldnrsquo;t be surprising if watermelons or cantaloupes found their way into the fray. No offense, but it sends a clear message about our stance.
Another note: by the time our determined MAGA wearer has been assaulted and the chaos subsides, there might be non-violent opportunities for escape. Chances are, the targeted individual would find it easier to disappear into a more welcoming part of the city where the political environment is less hostile.
Through these experiences and observations, it becomes clear that the very act of wearing a Trump hat in public in San Francisco is not just a political choice, but a cultural reality with significant implications. Itrsquo;s a reminder of the importance of individual choices and their broader impact on society.
In conclusion, wearing a Trump hat is a deeply symbolic and personal decision, one with irrevocable consequences in a community that prides itself on its progressive values. The next time you consider donning a hat that symbolizes a divisive and harmful ideology, remember that it can reflect on you, and the values you stand for.