While browsing TheGuardian.com, I saw an image of a man in flag-patterned overalls, cowboy boots and a t-shirt that read, “Trump’s Tweets Matter.” The picture reminded me of a political meme, but to this man, his patriotic cowboy aesthetic was absolutely serious.
This has become even more of a trend in the United States (U.S.), where patriotism has become a costume. Not metaphorically, but literally. Right-wing protests and conservative campus events now feature cowboy boots, American flag coats, star-spangled overalls and t-shirts that turn political phrases into punchlines. I have nothing against cowboy boots, denim or a little flag print now and then. But this is different. This is not Americana. It is nationalism in rhinestones.
Before Trump, patriotism meant loving your country and fighting for its essential ideals such as liberty, justice and equality. It entailed asking difficult questions, pressing for improvement and realizing that criticism may come from a place of genuine concern. Speaking out against racism was perceived as patriotic, as was demanding equal pay or healthcare. Dissent was seen as a duty, not a threat.
Trump’s patriotism is unique. It frequently refers to personal loyalty rather than principled behavior. If you criticize the country, you are labeled ungrateful. If you talk about injustice, you are told you despise America. If you advocate for change, you will be accused of being a socialist. This version of patriotism prioritizes flags and slogans over justice and truth, labeling questioning of your government as betrayal rather than devotion.
However, America was founded on acts of disobedience, which is a bit ironic. The Boston Tea Party was a protest against the British King and government, who were taxing the colonies unfairly without letting them have a say. The Founding Fathers spoke out against this kind of power — a distant king and monarchy controlling the colonies without listening to the peoples’ needs. They wanted a government that was fair and answered to its citizens. They wrote the Declaration of Independence because they were fed up with oppression from their political system.
Let’s be clear: patriotism should not imply pledged loyalty to a politician. Patriotism means caring enough about your nation to want it to improve. This includes speaking out against injustice, advocating for equal rights and ensuring that everyone has equal opportunity. It could mean seeking improved healthcare, equal wages or an end to prejudice. Loving your country entails striving to make it more equitable and compassionate for all citizens. I criticize the U.S. because I feel it has potential. Because I want it to fulfill its promises of freedom, equality and justice. None of this necessitates donning a full-body flag suit to make your statement.
The atmosphere during political rallies is part cosplay, half cult. The outfits are more than just apparel. They are a message. They are a signal that states, “I belong to this group and don’t question anything we do.” The bright colors and slogans detract from how hollow the message truly is. Let’s not forget who they’re celebrating: President Donald J. Trump, who attempted to overturn an election, encouraged violence to Capitol rioters on Jan. 6 and is now facing nearly 34 felony charges, among many other absurd policies and actions.
There has been a clear bastardization of the term “patriotism,” turning it into a demand to never question or criticize your country. This corrupted version equates loyalty with unquestioning silence and obedience. Patriotism is not a slogan, a catchphrase or a method of devotion. True patriotism is unpleasant and honest. It entails loving your nation enough to confess when something has gone wrong and working hard to make things right again. Those wearing floral Trump shirts and flag vests aren’t doing that. They’re not asking questions to their public officials or their government. Instead, many simply obey orders and accept those in authority, even when justice is ignored.
If Make America Great Again (MAGA) fashion were a political statement, it would be equivalent to wearing the entire American flag stitched together with every conceivable image of Trump on top. It’s noisy, overbearing and tries so hard to demonstrate loyalty to their leader. It’s frustrating to watch individuals dressed head to toe in flag patterns and politician faces, as if patriotism is only defined by who you worship and how many stars and stripes you can wear at once.
It’s also important to remember that loving America is frequently simpler when one is not marginalized. For many people, patriotism is only enjoyable when they benefit from the system; they are not experiencing systemic racism, economic suffering or exclusion. Those who feel shielded by the status quo frequently demonstrate the loudest displays of loyalty, whilst those advocating change understand that true love for this nation entails insisting that it live up to its principles for all.
Marginalized groups include Black, Indigenous and people of color who endure continuous racial discrimination; immigrants who face exclusion and legal impediments; LGBTQ+ people who face prejudice and a lack of safeguards; and low-income communities confronted with economic disparity. Because these communities face injustice and marginalization, they demonstrate patriotism by advocating for fairness and equality, rather than blind loyalty.
We need to stop allowing one group to claim ownership of patriotism. Cowboy boots do not belong to a single party, nor does the flag, nor does love for our country.
You can wear boots and believe in climate change. You can wear denim while still supporting racial justice. You can love your nation while believing it should do better. The notion that only conservatives are patriotic is a lie promoted by those seeking to silence disagreement. The fact is straightforward: if you love something, you hold it accountable. You want it to be the very best version of itself. That is true patriotism.
