Maga is in meltdown over a preppy pink sweater for men. So, what exactly is the problem? | Ellie Violet Bramley
In a surprising turn of events, a seemingly innocuous pink sweater from the preppy brand J Crew has ignited a firestorm of outrage among conservative circles in the United States, highlighting deeper issues surrounding masculinity and gender norms. The sweater, featuring a classic crew neck and a Fair Isle pattern, is far from the avant-garde or flamboyant styles often criticized by traditionalists. Yet, its color has sparked a fierce backlash, primarily fueled by a tweet from conservative commentator Juanita Broaddrick, who questioned whether men would dare to wear the $168 garment. The responses from her followers were overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing a staunch rejection of the color pink as a choice for men, revealing a fragility in their perceptions of masculinity.
The reactions to the sweater reflect a broader cultural phenomenon where traditional notions of masculinity are fiercely defended against perceived threats from evolving gender norms. Comments ranged from dismissive to derogatory, with some individuals insisting that wearing pink would compromise their masculinity. One user emphatically stated, “I’m a man, not gay and won’t be dressing up as a Golden Girl anytime soon,” while Tennessee Republican Congressman Tim Burchett dismissed the sweater as something “a sorority girl would wear in the 80s.” These reactions underscore a fear among some conservative men that embracing styles traditionally associated with femininity could undermine their masculine identity. This incident also raises questions about how far the right is willing to go to uphold conventional masculinity, suggesting that their beliefs are more fragile than they would like to admit.
Ultimately, the uproar over the J Crew jumper serves as a microcosm of the ongoing cultural clash over gender and identity in America. The intense backlash against a simple fashion item reveals the insecurities that underpin some conservative views on masculinity. As societal norms evolve, the resistance to change becomes more pronounced, often manifesting in exaggerated reactions to seemingly harmless aspects of culture, such as clothing choices. This incident not only highlights the complexities of masculinity in contemporary society but also invites a broader conversation about acceptance, identity, and the freedom to express oneself through fashion, regardless of gender.
The outrage a J Crew jumper has provoked shows that the US right’s sense of masculinity is far more fragile than it would care to admit
A men’s jumper by the all-American preppy label J Crew has sent thousands of Maga Americans into meltdown. From a fashion point of view, it couldn’t be more innocuous. It’s got a crew neck. It’s made from wool. It has a Fair Isle pattern at the upper yoke. There’s nothing asymmetric about it, no fringing or tassels, no slogan blasted across the front; no “Make America Kind Again”. So what’s the big deal? Reader, the jumper is
pink
.
The main storm broke underneath a tweet by conservative
social media commentator Juanita Broaddrick
, in which she asked: “Are you kidding me?? Men, would you wear this $168 sweater?” The consensus among her followers was a resounding no, and not because of its price. “No man in my family would wear it!” wrote “MOMof DataRepublican”. “My husband wouldn’t use a pink bathroom towel,” assured another. Another X user was even more passionate: “HELL NO. I’m a man, not gay and won’t be dressing up as a Golden Girl anytime soon.” Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican congressman,
called the sweater
“something a sorority girl would wear in the 80s”. I think he meant it witheringly; I read that and think it sounds quite fun.
Ellie Violet Bramley is a freelance writer
Continue reading…
