Economically, the consumerist push worked, and Americans did their patriotic duty to spend. There were concerns that the attacks would harm the economy if people were afraid and curbed their activity, and corporations and political leaders alike were determined to make sure that didn’t happen. But participating in that exploitation, as long as you were spending, was reaffirming the American way. The national catastrophe could be commodified, packaged, and sold for profit. The country saw a proliferation of American flag-themed merchandise. Ford followed suit, pledging to “do their part to move America forward” by offering the same deal. General Motors advertised that it would “ keep America rolling” with interest-free financing. Vice President Dick Cheney called for the public to “ stick their thumb in the eye of the terrorists” by not letting what had happened “in any way throw off their normal level of activity.” Political leaders declared that the terrorists “hate our freedoms” - of religion, of speech, and, apparently, of the ability to snap a picture with Minnie and Mickey and buy stock in Exxon.Ĭorporate America, naturally, was happy to oblige. “Take your families and enjoy life the way we want it to be enjoyed,” he said. Bush reassured the public that “our financial institutions remain strong” and the American economy was still “open for business.” He would go on to tell people to “ get down to Disney World in Florida” to help shore up the country’s hurting airlines. In an address to the nation on the evening of the 9/11 attacks, President George W. The message from political leaders was that the way for Americans to move past the tragedy and overcome their fears was to spend money and spur the economy. This version of patriotism - consumer patriotism - was on full display after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and the hijacking of United Airlines Flight 93 in 2001. At least, if you believe in a certain version of patriotism. Consumers buying the sneakers wanted to perform an act of patriotism by financially supporting heroes, but the simple act of consumerism could be interpreted as patriotic, too. “The most patriotic thing we can do,” he told the New York Times at the time, “is make money.”Ĭrass, maybe, but also within the prevailing spirit of the day. Still, then-Madden CEO Jamie Karson shrugged it off. After reporters caught wind of what was going on, Madden’s company agreed to send 10 percent of its profits from the shoes to Leary’s charity. But Madden’s company failed to actually put any of the proceeds toward the purported cause. Madden and Leary had partnered to launch a line of sneakers - called the Bravest - to raise money for the families of fallen New York City firefighters. In the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, fashion designer Steve Madden was caught in a relatively minor scandal involving actor Denis Leary, firefighters, and shoes with fake gemstone American flags on them.
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