Obama’s ‘Hope’ – The New Tramp Stamp of Political Decals
by Timothy H. Lee“Oh, no… What have I done?”
That is the lament of innumerable people staring into a mirror at the garish tattoo they added to their lower backsides the previous night during a spell of misjudgment.
Such tattoos are often referred to as “tramp stamps,” a term that has gained such cultural currency that it was named one of the “Words of the Year” for 2009 by the New Oxford American Dictionary. Perhaps the best definition, however, can be found atwww.urbandictionary.com:
2. Tramp Stamp: “Tramp Stamp” is a derogatory term referring to a tattoo which a woman places on her lower back. It is especially popular among women born in the late ‘70s, ‘80s, and even early ‘90s. Fair or unfair, these tattoos have a socially constructed connotation associated with them. Although these are often biased and generalized claims, there have been sociological studies done by the American Psychological Association, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and other demographic researchers showing strong correlative evidence associating tattoos with high-risk behavior, illegal substance abuse and sexual promiscuity. These risk factors are greatest in the age range which these types of tattoos are gaining mainstream popularity. Some have also jokingly stated that by 2050, the “tramp stamp” will be renamed the “gramp stamp.”
What thus seemed at first a hip, daring way of demonstrating individuality to the world quickly becomes a lasting and unsightly cliché of indiscretion.
It seemed so cool at the time. But now, the cool is gone and all that remains is a silly permanent mark.
Today, one can travel down any busy American street or highway and usually spot the new political equivalent of the tramp stamp. Namely, the ubiquitous 2008 campaign decal with the cartoonish stenciled portrait of Barack Obama gazing wistfully into the distance above the nebulous term “HOPE.”
Created by “street artist” and George W. Bush antagonist Shepard Fairey based upon the 2006 photograph of Obama by Associated Press (AP) photographer Mannie Garcia, the image became synonymous with the Obama hysteria.
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
| 
Follow Us on Twitter
Subscribe via RSS
Got a Tip?