Freedom of expression should be equal for all
When it comes to freedom of expression, liberals have their own set of values.
The latest target of the liberal left is Chris Pratt, the “Avengers: Endgame” actor whose Gadsden flag T-shirt is now considered offensive by many liberals. It features the American flag with a coiled rattlesnake in front of it with the text, “Don’t tread on me.”
Yahoo Movies UK ran an article titled “Chris Pratt criticized for ‘white supremacist’ T-shirt.” It referenced a small number of people who were offended by Pratt’s shirt.
Liberal media hyped it into a bigger story. Few outside of FOX News reported that Pratt’s T-shirt was created by the Brain Treatment Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or brain injuries.
A symbol used by the U.S. military that dates back to the American Revolution, the Gadsden flag is named after American general and politician Christopher Gadsden, who designed it in 1775 during the American Revolution. It was used by the Continental Marines as an early motto flag.
The icon has appealed to groups because of its representation of the limits of government intervention in favor of individual rights. It became a symbol of American resolve after the Sept. 11 attacks. The U.S. Men’s Soccer Team also used the flag as a symbol of American pride.
But liberals have tied it to extreme politics. One interpretation involves the Second Amendment — gun ownership and rights.
Pratt isn’t the only actor shaking the liberal landscape. Kelsey Grammer was criticized after posting a picture of himself on Instagram wearing an anti-abortion T-shirt. The shirt bears the image of a gun and the provocative question, “Would it bother us more if they used guns?”
Retired U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Joey Jones, who lost his legs in a 2010 bombing in Afghanistan, is not intimidated by the left. He sports a tattoo of the Gadsden flag on his arm and is proud of what it means to Marines.
He said it’s nothing about hate. To him it means liberty.
Jones also got a new tattoo of the Betsy Ross flag in response to Nike pulling a sneaker that was to feature Old Glory. Activist Colin Kaepernick, a big part of the Nike brand, told the company he felt the flag was linked to a period of slavery and that it shouldn’t sell a shoe that he and others consider offensive.
Nike bowed to his demand and dropped its plans for the special edition shoe.
The company’s cave riled conservatives, including the Rev. Bill Owens, a former Memphis pastor who heads the Coalition of African-American Pastors. In a petition letter, he called on Nike to end its relationship with Kaepernick and produce a select run of the Betsy Ross shoes to benefit veterans groups and organizations that help military families.
“Removing the Betsy Ross flag shoes at his (Kaepernick’s) behest implies that your company shares his negative view of America, its founders, and the woman who designed the first flag,” the pastor wrote. “For a long time, sport has been something that brings Americans together. Nike has been one of the companies we associate with ‘Team USA.’ Please don’t tarnish that legacy by continuing to cater to anti-American politics.”
Liberals, including those in the media, don’t seem to have a problem with Miley Cyrus wearing a Planned Parenthood button riddled with obscenity or with Kaepernick wearing socks that show pigs with police hats on them.
The Chris Pratt T-shirt uproar has a back story — literally. On the back of the garment is a quote by Martin Luther King: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
By Jim Zbick | tneditor@tnonline.com
Comments
The left is desperate. They should be ashamed of the way they act, but it's all in the quest for power. Remember folks, they lack principle, and in the absence of morals, or principles, the end justifies the means. That should scare everyone, even those who support these Democrats.
Oh... I'll never buy another item with a swoosh on it. Voting is very important, including my vote with the wallet.
The meaning of a particular symbol is not locked in time...symbols change in meaning, especially when questionable groups decide to adopt that symbol. The swastika is the most extreme example but anyone who is paying attention knows that the Gadsden flag and the Betsy Ross flag have been high-jacked by far right and bigoted groups. A company recognizing this and deciding not to offend a large part of their customer base is the right thing to do for business, and for society.
No Joe, we don't employ the tactics of the left. Nobdoy hi-jacked those icons to represent anything but what the original intent was. Now how did the swastika get into your post? You hi-jacked it and what it represents, and try and stick that to me, and others on the right, who are for limited government. Nike's decision was a bad one Joe. Bummer!
Nike’s sales and stock price are way up since the beginning of the Kaepernick campaign. Their stock price went up 4% the day after they pulled the shoe. Methinks their very smart marketing department made a conscience decision about who they are targeting and was more than willing to lose bigots from Walnutport as customers. And so far it appears it is working.
We ate a few Hotdogs, sang 'Take Me out to the Ball Game', the 'National Anthem', and God Bless America (sung by all). America... Love her, or leave. Get the H _ _ _ Out!
Blessed is the Nation, who's God is the Lord!