Political Fashion?

New Fashion Trend Sweeping the Nation


If you are an astute observer of popular culture, you may have noticed a trend sweeping the Progressives of our Nation, no doubt starting in Hollywood (or possibly Detroit). Recently, many left-leaning celebs, progressives on both coasts and in cities like Chicago and Washington have been sporting red rubber bracelets with the letters WWOD embossed on them. The message, which stands for What Would Obama Do, is in reference to the Lance Armstrong “Live Strong”, or even the “What Would Jesus Do” sported by many Christians and wanna-be Christians in recent years.

While celebs are credited with starting many trends, from cocaine to Jheri Curl, this latest statement strikes a completely new audience. “Celebrities are always at the forefront of fashion and many times have a message to convey,” says Kaelin Institute Senior Fellow Morris Hopwood. “They like to make their views known and many Americans put a lot of stock in what they say.”

Stars such as Sean Penn and Ben Affleck for example, both recently seen sporting the red bracelet, are no strangers to expressing their political beliefs. These two men, who cut their political teeth by starring in great movies like “Mystic River” and “Good Will Hunting”, have both been outspoken advocates of Mr. Obama and his agenda.

As the trend catches on, people on both sides have been outspoken. Vanessa Hargress of Flint, Michigan summed up the wristbands appeal well. “It’s basically like, I feel like, what will Obama do- for me? So I take it more of like a, you know, he’s trying to help us all out, and take care of us, you know?”

Similar sentiment was felt by many people interviewed for this story. Matthew Jenkins of Berkeley, California commented, “He kinda is someone we should all emulate, so reminding myself ‘What Would Obama Do?’ is sorta like those two guys on my floor who wear those ‘What Would Jesus Do’ ones still.”

Much like Che Guevara shirts and USSR hoodies, many of the people wearing them don't even know or care about the political implications. To many, fashion is fashion, or fascism, as the case may be.

Amazingly enough, even conservatives have started to get on the bandwagon. “Its more like ‘What Will Obama Do next?’ for me, really”, claims Nathan Chipson of Waukesha, WI.

However you feel about the president, or rubber wristbands for that matter, one thing is for certain, this trend is to stay. At least until 2012.