The recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally has led to a new fashion trend among his supporters at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Many supporters are now sporting white rectangle bandages on their right ears in solidarity with Trump, who is also wearing a similar bandage after being shot. This new trend has been seen as a way for supporters to show their love and support for Trump. Some supporters have even gone as far as calling it the “newest fashion trend” and believe that people around the world will soon be sporting similar bandages.
The ear bandages have garnered support from Trump fans, who have claimed his survival was due to “divine intervention.” The bandages join other trends to decry from the assassination attempt, such as the chant “fight fight fight,” and various merchandise portraying Trump as a survivor. However, any attempts to criticize or make fun of the bandage have been met with great vitriol. Star Wars actor Mark Hamill faced backlash after posting a comment poking fun at the ear bandage trend, showing that political jokes are currently not welcome in the current climate.
In light of the assassination attempt, several late-night comedy shows have changed their plans. Comedy Central’s The Daily Show cancelled a show and planned to broadcast from the RNC in Milwaukee. Comedian Alonzo Bodden shared that comedians will always find humor in situations, and in the case of Trump, jokes started immediately following the incident. Bodden believes that as long as Trump is being talked about, he perceives it as a win, despite the jokes made at his expense.
The controversy over the ear bandage trend and the reaction to jokes following the assassination attempt highlight the highly charged political climate in the United States. While many supporters see the bandages as a symbol of solidarity and love for Trump, others view them as insensitive or inappropriate. The event has brought up questions about when it is appropriate to make jokes about tragic situations and the boundaries of political humor in today’s society. As the RNC continues and Trump prepares to deliver a speech as the Republican presidential nominee, the ear bandage trend serves as a reminder of the political divisions and strong emotions present in the current political landscape.
