B.A. Bearacus said:
These are the same people who have said for years that "identity politics" is shoving other people's politics down my throat. So when there was, for example, a gay couple holding hands in public, they described this as rubbing deviant sexuality in their face (sometimes there is a political component, like being defiant to prejudice, but often it's just wanting acceptance or the act of being one's self, rather than wanting a confrontation). When the "other" wants to be able to conduct themselves in public life with the same liberty, freedom, and lack of scorn that the conservative "normal" person does, that is seen as an overtly political act and of wanting MORE rights.
But when they wear a hat, that is absolutely an overtly political statement and they know in advance the message it sends to the other (I belong to the group that wants to keep "you" out), they call it just harmless advocacy (or it is okay when I am being confrontational with my beliefs), not shoving anything down anyone's throat. It's not "identity politics" when that identity is conservative christian white and the uniform, language, platform, etc that goes with that identity. No, that is just being a normal person, there is NOT an identity around being "normal."
It is so dishonest on all sides of the argument. And completely un-self-aware.
Yes, it is their right to wear a hat. That doesn't mean they also have the right to be dishonest about their motives or to take no responsibility for the discord they sew. And, what kind of a jerk feels the need to demonstrate their tribal leaning 24/7, especially when that leaning causes anxiety and anger in others. How about just trying to be cool to other people?
I have all kinds of things I support and believe, but I wouldn't wear something that represents them if they were offensive to large groups of people or if it was likely to cause a stir.
It's the same with open carry. The "right" to carry a gun causes so much anxiety for those who do not know one thing about you or your intentions, and yet you insist and clearly enjoy the lording your right over those with whom you disagree. Your intentions and participation in society are messed up. Why be that ******?
"The Bear will not quilt, the Bear will not dye!"