A Very Unscientific Focus Group on American Culture at the Gym

More people are no longer afraid to highlight their beliefs

By Chuck Warren

In the third and fourth quarter of 2024 (for those attending grade inflation Harvard, that is July - December), I noticed in grocery stores, theaters, and various airports I was in, that more people were wearing t-shirts, hats and swag with patriotic themes, Make America Great Again, and Trump sloganeering. A noticeable shift from the previous years.

As the election got closer, the numbers increased. After Trump won, the visual numbers at these public places increased significantly.

The silent majority seemed to wake up.

This is a significant change from the concern and fear conservatives had from previous years. Case in point, a 2016 Cato national survey showed "that self-censorship is on the rise in the United States. Nearly two-thirds—62%—of Americans say the political climate these days prevents them from saying things they believe because others might find them offensive. The share of Americans who self-censor has risen several points since 2017 when 58% of Americans agreed with this statement.

These fears cross partisan lines. Majorities of Democrats (52%), independents (59%) and Republicans (77%) all agree they have political opinions they are afraid to share."

I collect funny t-shirts to wear at the gym. Akin to Frank on "30 Rock" wearing slogan baseball caps. They are sarcastic, humorous and often spark a conversation with people. An ice breaker of sorts.

I usually just wore comical slogan t-shirts, generally avoiding the political, but 20 percent of the time wore a political shirt. In early 2024, I rarely got a comment or nod from the political satire; however, the funny ones always had someone come up to read them and start a conversation. Women had no hesitation asking me to turn around so they could read the shirt.

The past month I began wearing political themed t-shirts like these extensively:

People now come up to me often. Men and women, young and old, introduce themselves for a quick laugh and ask where I got the t-shirt. They especially love the Reagan and Christmas Day theme ones highlighted. I belong to a big-box gym with various locations and have tested this out in three locations the past two months. Each location has different economic demographics. The spark in interest and conversations has increased five-fold everywhere.

It is refreshing to see that the silent majority and common sense conservatives do not seem fearful to hide their beliefs or support for a candidate. That simply makes America a better place.

Again, not a scientific survey or professional focus group, but I am sure you have all noticed the same shift. A movement that makes me smile ear to ear.

Note: the opinions expressed herein are those of Chuck Warren only and not his co-host Sam Stone or Breaking Battlegrounds’ staff.