The First Time

 The first time you do anything the first time is scary.  It can also be an adrenaline rush.  Regret.  Excitement.  Worked up about nothing.  Memorable.  Embarrassing. Disappointing.  Gross.  

The first time I wore a MAGA hat, I didn't know what to expect.  I didn't know if someone punch me, yell vulgarities at me, engage in confrontation...  It was kinda scary.  I figured I would try it out at the local barbecue restaurant.  How could you go wrong being conservative where men and women are eating beef, wearing boots and cowboy hats.  It was the safest space possible to venture our with a controversial  head piece.  Safe space.  What you are?  A snow flake?  At any rate - it's either an incredibly stupid decision to wear a MAGA hat or a move of strength.

It's an interesting experience because people either look at you or ignore you.  And it's weird because it can be intimidating, if not angering to some people.  And in a way, it feels like you got caught with your hand in the in the cookie jar... because you want the cookie but you didn't ask for permission.  But I've never been confronted with any negativity when I've worn one of my hats in public.  

At the same time wearing a hat is completely invigorating because it makes a statement.  A strong and unapologetic statement at that.  In a way it's invigorating.  A rush.  

Perhaps it makes a proclamation of ignorance and bigotry.  A narrow minded, America first view of the world?

I don't know if people are offended or don't care.  Maybe they're worried about FAFO and are afraid of the reaction they'll get out of me if they say something negative or hostile.  Maybe other people just don't care.  Or they're happy letting the emperor wear is new clothes.

What is most surprising about wearing a maga hat in public is this...  everyone who has ever said anything to me has always been complimentary.  They love the hat.  Men will give you a nod.  Women will come up and say they like it.  Which has always surprised me.

And what's even more interesting is I have a Facebook profile picture wearing a red hat that is a variation on a theme.  It has the presidential seal on it and references the 60th (most recent) inauguration of the president of the United States.  The side of it says Trump and the bill has Donald Trump's signature and 47th president.  The people least expected will give the photo a like.  It's pleasantly surprising.  

Unsure if it is triggering to some people.  There are some places I probably won't wear a maga hat.  Like to a family member's school - unless it is the oldest at university.  I wouldn't wear it to a work function or endorsed event.  I wouldn't wear it with my colleagues.  I don't know if I'd wear it at a church activity.  But I don't go to church anymore.  

One time I wore a hat to a social activity at the facility my parents reside.  Some of our lifelong family friends were there, R and G.  I was surprised when G said she liked it and told me she was glad to see I was a like minded individual.  I think you had to pick my jaw up off the floor because I would never have expected R and G to be maga people.

The thing with maga - I think there are a lot of people who are onboard with the America first agenda.  And for whatever reason, most people are afraid of being judged for sharing that information with others.  I am loud and proud.

I previously wrote we live in strange times because people are proud of what they should be ashamed of.  Food for thought.