Political identification
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Oct 27, 2020
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There's a house in my neighborhood we refer to as "the Trump House". There's been some sort of Trump-branded paraphernalia on or around their house since before the 2016 election. In the months leading up to the 2020 election, the Trump House has added a little sign by the mailbox, several signs along the curb, two banners on either side of their front door, and a gigantic flag flapping majestically in the breeze directly below the American flag. It's a bit over-the-top.
Political signs aren't too uncommon, especially around election season. But this president is the first I can remember whose followers are active advertisers even in the off-season. And what I find especially weird about this is that a lot of people seem to have their identity centered on being a Trump-supporter. Like that's the first thing they would answer if asked to "tell me a little about yourself". I just find it odd that people are building their sense of self around a political candidate, of all things. Some people are into sports ("die-hard Jets fan"). Some people are into activities (hiking, biking, etc.). But those qualities are "some of" not "all of" a person.
I like whiskey. I like it quite a bit. Do I like it enough to hoist a flag? Put a poster on my lawn? A bumper sticker on my car? No. Part of it is that I have better taste than that [:-)]. But the other, more important thing is that my identity is wrapped up in a handful of things I enjoy and am interested in or passionate about. And politics isn't even in the top 50 for me. #politics
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