4 ms·

I would have put you more in the third category of American symbolism. So if any, I called wearing it stupid, not weak. But even there it does not fit perfectly

I would have put you more in the third category of American symbolism. So if any, I called wearing it stupid, not weak. But even there it does not fit perfectly. I do not think wearing MAGA in Europe is in any way joining a popular group. Becoming a Barcelona supporter in recent times is definitely joining the winning team. I think there is a difference between recognizing someone’s qualities and actually joining a movement. Just buying a Barca shirt to me is not the same level as actually being a member of a club, watching the home-games live, because that’s where your community is at. It feels more like wearing a Rolling Stones shirt without ever having visited a concert. And that to me just seems like blindly following a popular group. (I make pointed arguments, obviously there are exceptions to everything.)

the-dude 5y ago
> I called wearing it stupid, not weak. On a forum. And it is indeed not joining a popular group, it is the exact opposite. Because most of the people not wearing the shirt ( AFAIK, I am the only one in town ), are actually in the anti-Trump camp to the point some would like to harass me. Regarding Barcelona : I know nothing about football or the club, but I think you can call yourself a proper fan for whatever reason you like, follow all their matches online ( think WFH but for sports ) and want to wear the shirt. I find it odd you paint whole groups of people you don't know as stupid, weak and silly.
- allendoerfer 5y ago
  You keep insisting, that I am calling people names. I am describing my opinions on wearing group symbols and am trying to clarify, why I think so. Smart people can do stuff that I think of as stupid. It is obvious that everybody can call themselves a fan if they like too. I would ask: If there is no actual commitment to a group, why would you even want to show your participation?

the-dude 5y ago

> I called wearing it stupid, not weak. On a forum. And it is indeed not joining a popular group, it is the exact opposite. Because most of the people not wearing the shirt ( AFAIK, I am the only one in town ), are actually in the anti-Trump camp to the point some would like to harass me. Regarding Barcelona : I know nothing about football or the club, but I think you can call yourself a proper fan for whatever reason you like, follow all their matches online ( think WFH but for sports ) and want to wear the shirt. I find it odd you paint whole groups of people you don't know as stupid, weak and silly.

allendoerfer 5y ago
You keep insisting, that I am calling people names. I am describing my opinions on wearing group symbols and am trying to clarify, why I think so. Smart people can do stuff that I think of as stupid. It is obvious that everybody can call themselves a fan if they like too. I would ask: If there is no actual commitment to a group, why would you even want to show your participation?