For several decades, Donald Trump, first as a businessman, has been an essential figure in the country’s popular culture: you only have to look at his numerous appearances in American films, series and TV shows. But when he first set out to conquer the White House in 2016, he began to present himself as an object of counterculture.
Since his first presidential victory, and even more so with the second a few weeks ago, an important conservative shift in popular culture in the United States has taken place. Popular culture, both in the fashion industry and in sports, is not immune to these changes.
Four reporters from Politico share this observation. Brakkton Booker, Shia Kapos, Jessica Piper and Ian Ward were questioned about the first changes already visible in American society. From New York to Chicago, here are their impressions.
The return of Ralph Lauren sweaters
In the field of fashion, we are observing notable developments. In New York where Ian Ward lives, the return of Ralph Lauren sweaters adorned with the United States flag marks the resurgence of expensive clothing, traditionally reserved for the American elite. Showing off a $400 sweater emblazoned with patriotic symbols has become a real trend, the journalist reports.
For its part, the Target brand, as Pride Month approaches in 2024, has reduced its production of clothing in the colors of the LGBT+ flag. «Businesses seem more concerned about the negative reaction from conservatives, which was less the case a few years ago.confie Jessica Piper.
The MAGA movement, a subversive culture
In mid-November, several NFL (National Football League) players were seen reproducing the «Trump dance»without the league reacting to this celebration with political connotations, underlines Politico. The MAGA movement (from the president-elect’s slogan “Make America Great Again”), once marginalized in the cultural space, reinforces its attractiveness through its capacity to become subversive.
Conversely, following the political and cultural line supported by the Democrats now seems almost obsolete. In Chicago, a city traditionally committed to the Democratic cause, it is not uncommon to see residents wearing MAGA caps. This would have seemed unthinkable four years ago, comments Shia Kapos in Politico.
During the presidential campaign, Kamala Harris tried to rely on the support of stars like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Usher and Megan Thee Stallion to mobilize young people around her project. “She thus lost the support of the working class and the unions,” explains Brakkton Booker. Worse still, some athletes and podcasters refused to appear alongside the Democratic candidate for fear of seeing their popularity drop. This turnaround is a real change compared to 2020.
Source: www.slate.fr
