Left-Leaning Tees
Caitlin Blue doesn’t mince words when discussing her political views—or the concept behind her T-shirt line, Clothing of the American Mind.
“The idea is that this is a softball league, the Bush league being the lowest of the low,” she said. “They are the amateurs, which is my opinion of what is going on politically right now.”
Blue’s politically themed tees were on view at “Fashion 4 Change,” the fashion show and political fund-raiser held June 25 at the Spider Club in Hollywood.
The fashion show profiled Clothing of the American Mind’s line of topical T-shirts, tank tops and shorts featuring darkly humorous slogans lambasting the Bush administration. Catch phrases—including “Axis of Evil Doers,” “Environmental Destroyers,” “Halliburton Overchargers” and “No Child Left Behinders”—are printed on American Apparel jersey T-shirts. A shirt with the slogan “Abu Ghraib Marauders” debuted at the show. In addition, Blue showcased a full line of tees, tank tops, underwear and shorts encouraging everyone to “VOTE.”
There are now 11 teams in the “Bush League,” explained Blue. “There are just so many ideas for new Tshirts, as well. I wish I could represent more, but these are the most pressing for me,” she said.
Blue, who has been a freelance television set decorator for the past 10 years, started the not-for-profit company earlier this year.
“I was frustrated with the news coverage coming out of the White House,” she said. “I felt it was important to keep ideas that were relative to the discussion in the dialogue, i.e., the vernacular.”
With Clothing of the American Mind, Blue said she has found the ideal way to make a statement and start a dialogue of the real issues. “These shirts really put it right back out there,” she noted.
The net proceeds from the fund-raiser are benefiting the company’s nationwide campaign to increase voter awareness and registration across America.
“As a result of the money we have raised, on July 9, we are renting an RV and driving it cross-country through 13 swing states,” Blue said. “My interest is in demystifying the process—there are so many people who just don’t understand how to register.”
Voter registration rallies will be held along the way, and the road trip will culminate at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. “We are interested in registering as many voters as we can, but absolutely in a nonpartisan way,” Blue added.
VOTE T-shirts and an assortment of Bush League shirts are sold online at www.clothingoftheamericanmind.com and for $25 each in Southern California stores including The Bey’s Garden, Lost & Found and Ananda.
“We are looking for other retailers throughout New York and Los Angeles, as well,” Blue said. “So far, we have sold over 2,000 shirts and have raised just under $10,000.” —Susan Hornik
