The button above is being sold on Donald Trump’s online store, donaldjtrump.com. This large light pink pin stands in contrast among the rest of the buttons, mostly because almost all of the others use strictly the colors of the American flag. This button, however, is not only an entirely different color, but it also has a ‘T’ in a beautiful, feathery font in the center, wrapped delicately with the phrase “Women for Trump”.
Now I understand why Trump would want to sell these pins, especially in light of a recently discovered clip of audio in which Trump says some less-than-gentlemanly things about women. Though this clip was only recently discovered, it is no secret that Trump has wanted to build a strong defensive community, a wall of sorts (no pun intended) of female supporters due to the crude and blatantly sexist comments he has said in the past. Trump wants this community of women to wear these pins proudly and defend his name. He would like these pins to appeal heavily to ethos, convincing women that he really is on their side and that he will defend them and their rights in return for their vote.
Spoiler alert, he won’t.
I am sure that there are some women who are unbothered (unbelievably) by the things that Trump has said about them, but the vast majority of females in America are finding themselves unable to stand by a candidate who has said such awful things. Those that do defend him typically either rationalize his words by using the “but that was years ago” and “everyone says things they don’t mean” excuses, or just completely ignore his red flags altogether.
The irony here, though, is that though this button is being sold for Trump to convince the public that he is in support of gender equality, the button itself upholds gender norms and stereotypes. Through the color that is different from all of the other pins in his shop as well as the delicate font and lacey text, the button promotes exactly the opposite of Trump’s intended message.
I think your argument is very thorough and opinionated, and is very straight forward. I liked how you connected it to current events involving the election as well.
ReplyDeleteAnother common excuse that I have also frequently heard is "it was just locker room talk" which can easily be the equivalent to another excuse that is often heard "boys will be boys" which allows trump to get away with sexual assault. Letting people get away from these situations creates another Brock Turner
ReplyDeleteI like your argument. And don't you think that this is degrading to men as well. I feel as if he is implying that all men talk like this when they aren't with women.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your argument. Trump's "locker room" talk excuse was really disturbing. He didn't even attempt to justify himself by saying that the things he said weren't his actual beliefs, there just the things he says behind closed doors. I recently read a story from a woman who was sexually assaulted by Trump. It was a shocking and awful story and it was difficult to read, but I wasn't that surprised by those kind of actions coming from him. He gets away with so much and it is scary that it has gotten to the point where I am almost used to him behaving this way.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your argument. Trump's "locker room" talk excuse was really disturbing. He didn't even attempt to justify himself by saying that the things he said weren't his actual beliefs, there just the things he says behind closed doors. I recently read a story from a woman who was sexually assaulted by Trump. It was a shocking and awful story and it was difficult to read, but I wasn't that surprised by those kind of actions coming from him. He gets away with so much and it is scary that it has gotten to the point where I am almost used to him behaving this way.
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