National Identities Examined
T-shirts aren’t usually a source of profound thought, but they are often a source of wit. Here’s one that turned up recently online. I haven’t heard this saying before, but you might have.
Religious connotations aside, this is a great example of how nations and countries have a public perception that is so universal and unquestioned. If the French wanted to bolster their reputation as mechanics, for example, they would have to undertake a Herculean labour. A lot of brand consultancies make their scratch on national identities and trying to change minds. Very slowly. I suppose the latest example was the how China is trying to be thought of as something beside the factory of cheap plastic crap.
National identities. Brands. Stereotypes. It’s all very cloudy, but also fun.
