The "Fight Fight Fight" Sneakers: Cashing in on a Near-Death Experience
The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump sent shockwaves through the nation, sparking a debate about political violence and the toxic climate of American politics. Yet, in the aftermath of the incident, a disturbing trend has emerged – the commodification of this near-death experience. A website associated with Trump is now selling “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT” High-Tops, footwear emblazoned with a graphic image of Trump’s blood-streaked face and the American flag. This audacious marketing tactic raises questions about the boundaries of taste and the exploitation of a traumatic event for financial gain.
The "FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT" sneakers, sold for $299 per pair on the website gettrumpsneakers.com, tap into the dramatic imagery of Trump’s post-attack speech. Following the shooting, Trump, with a defiant glint in his eye, declared to the crowd "We’re gonna fight fight fight!" His words, captured in the moment, became a rallying cry for his supporters, resonating with themes of resilience and resistance. The shoes, with their striking design, aim to encapsulate this raw emotion, positioning themselves as a collector’s item for Trump loyalists.
"These limited edition high-tops, featuring Trump’s iconic image with his fist raised, honor his unwavering determination and bravery," proclaims the website. "With only 5,000 pairs available, each one is a true collector’s item. Show your support and patriotic pride with these exclusive sneakers, capturing a defining moment in history."
The message is clear: the shoes are not just footwear, but symbols of loyalty and a tangible manifestation of Trump’s brand.
However, the gettrumpsneakers.com website disclaims any direct involvement of Donald Trump or his organization, stating that the shoes are "not designed, manufactured, distributed or sold by Donald J. Trump, the Trump Organization, or any of their respective affiliates or principles." However, the Associated Press has reported that Trump did disclose ownership of CIC Ventures LLC, the company behind the website, in a 2023 financial disclosure. While the extent of his current involvement remains unclear, the fact that Trump previously acknowledged ownership of the company raises serious questions about his indirect association with the marketing of these controversial shoes.
It is no surprise that almost everything associated with Trump is eventually monetized. Trump himself has, often cynically, branded his own image and persona into a lucrative product. However, the exploitation of a near-death experience, regardless of the individual involved, is a dangerous precedent. It fuels a culture of violence and trivializes the gravity of the event. Furthermore, by attempting to profit from a harrowing moment, the creators of these shoes disrespect the photographer who captured the image of Trump’s blood-stained face, potentially creating legal ramifications.
This incident highlights a disturbing trend in American politics – the blurring of lines between political messaging and commercial gain. The "FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT" sneakers are not an isolated incident. We have witnessed the rise of "Trump merch" – hats, T-shirts, flags, and even jewelry – used to promote political beliefs and create revenue streams. These commercial ventures often exploit the emotions of supporters, blurring the lines between political activism and consumerism.
The violent incident targeting Trump also serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of American politics and its potential consequences. Despite a veneer of unity following the shooting, the political landscape remains deeply divided. While both Democrats and Republicans have, at least rhetorically, advocated for “toning down the rhetoric”, the fundamental causes of this polarization remain unresolved. The attempted assassination has only amplified the existing tensions.
“The problem is that our politics have become so polarized,” stated a prominent Democratic senator. “We’ve lost the ability to disagree without demonizing one another.”
However, it remains unclear whether this rhetoric of compromise will translate into concrete actions. The past has shown that calls for unity are often short-lived, replaced by the same polarizing tactics that led to the current situation. The presence of individuals like the shooter, motivated by escalating political animosity, underscores the urgency for addressing the underlying causes of this division.
As the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the attack, the “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT” sneakers serve as a stark illustration of the evolving relationship between politics and commerce. The marketing of these shoes underscores a disturbing trend, where the personal and the political are intertwined with commercial interests. The incident compels us to question our tolerance for the commodification of trauma and the ethicality of profiting from a near-death experience. The future of American politics will depend on our ability to address these issues, fostering a more civil and less commercially-driven political landscape.
