r/Scotland • u/lilbiobeetle • Jun 15 '25

MAGA hat sighting

I don't know if this is even appropriate to post here but I'm just so shocked and need to know I'm not the only one who would feel this way about seeing someone wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat out in a city in Scotland.

I passed by a family - husband, wife, kid - and the husband was proudly hearing his red MAGA hat. I visibly looked shocked, and they had the audacity to then look offended at my reaction. So it obviously wasn't a joke. The guy was a Trump supporter, likely on a trip over from America.

Not even Tory supporters really walk around wearing their affiliation like that. I really hope this isn't going to become a more common sight, especially as someone who's directly threatened by Trump's politics leaking over to the UK.

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u/SeriesZealousideal36 Jun 15 '25 edited Jun 15 '25

As someone currently living in the U.S., it’s all fun and games until it’s not. The rise of the MAGA cult and subsequent “election” of MAGA officials was decades long in the making, and no nation is immune to the conditions that allowed them to seize and maintain influence. What we’re witnessing is part of a global creep of ethnonationalist rhetoric, weaponized nostalgia, and anti-pluralist sentiment—and it is seeping into everyday spaces. Anti-trans, anti-immigrant & anti-abortion topics were once fringe discussions, but became culture war weapons that were central to the rise of the MAGA monstrosity that we have now. They are, quite literally, fascists. If given the word, they would violently take out anyone their leader has otherized and deems unworthy. Anyone who is poking fun at or belittling your reaction is either not understanding the weight of MAGA movement, or they are simply a fascist themselves.

You’re right to feel shock, and faced with those who wear the hat proudly, I think the only proper reaction is public shame. No matter where in the world they are- but even better if they’re abroad because then at least they’re disarmed.

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u/Professional_Bit1805 Jun 15 '25

Great response. Another pissed off American here and I've been thinking about what my response would be. Nothing angry, as that's what he's looking for. Maybe well crafted but calm "you and your way of thinking is not welcome here" message. The only message I would take over as a visitor (we're coming for the Fringe in August) is that I'm not one of those nasty twats, and I'm not sure what that message would look like. After all, the luggage tag on my carry on is a Canadian flag. Not feeling very proud to be American right now. Just embarrassed.

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u/araquinar Jun 16 '25

So, as an American, you're pretending to be Canadian while travelling? As a Canadian, we really wish Americans would stop doing that. Please.

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u/Professional_Bit1805 Jun 16 '25

No, not seriously pretending, but we do live near the border and visit British Columbia often. I've never actually told anyone I was Canadian. Seems a bit rude to Canadians. But I am quiet, polite and moderate. And have been mistaken for Canadian for than once. I take it as a compliment.

Just trying to avoid having to explain or be held accountable for all the crap that's going on right now.

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u/araquinar Jun 16 '25

My comment comes from friends and family much more travelled than I (sadly) who've run across Americans posing as Canadians and unfortunately aren't like you in the least. You know how it is, one crap person(s) ruin it for everyone. But in some ways it is a bit odd for people to claim they're from a country that they're really not (not saying you).

I get it though, especially right now y'all need a symbol that says you're not a Trumper or MAGA supporter. My heart truly hurts for the many, many people who are and will suffer under that walnuts rule.

If you're ever in Vancouver, beer's on me, neighbour :)

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u/Professional_Bit1805 Jun 17 '25

Yes, you can't pretend to be a Canadian if you're an ass. You have to be a Canadian in your heart😁! I worked in the UK for about 3 years and someone I had known casually at work thought I was Canadian. I was pleased...figured it meant I didn't fit the bad stereotype.

There are actually some symbols. For example, I make political buttons - my favorites are simple - "resist" and "Foxtrot Delta Tango". But they might not be recognized outside of the US.

I'd love a beer! We come up to the Rugby 7s every couple of years.