The Right to Tee Speech

Credit: RollingStone.com

Say What You Mean

Recently, new DTG Awareness reader, Dustin Devos commented,

"Not only are consumers becoming design-savvy but they also are realizing that the Tee-Shirt is more than a fashion statement or a cheap piece of apparel. In this new age of social media and technological communication the founding right and principle of free speech is now in full swing when it comes to custom designed tees. Now you can convey a message without even speaking to a person and they know your serious because you are willing to wear it on your body. Yep, I'd say DTG aware is the tip of the ice burg!"

Dustin, I'd say you nailed it. In my previous post, "T-Shirts: 100 Years of Awesomeness" I made a similar point.

"The t-shirt, like a billboard you wear, can be an advertisement for what you think. In an age where everywhere we go, there is an ad telling us what to believe about this or that, the t-shirt is a way of expressing our personal view. It allows a way of communicating without opening your mouth."

DTG differentiates itself from other forms of t-shirt printing in that it is easily customizable down to a single article of clothing, and it allows for high quality design and feel. The wearer is not relegated to the words and ideas of another thinker, nor inferior or amateur looking style.

The fact that a t-shirt can have an impact has been the topic of many news stories. The recent case of an eighth grader in West Virginia is a poignant example of this. ABC News reports, "The shirt included the logo of the National Rifle Association, an image of a rifle, and words 'protect your right.'” Police were called to the boys school when he refused to turn his shirt inside out.

The effect of wearing a t-shirt with an idea on it can be profound. In a sense, the wearer becomes the message. To reiterate Dustin's point, if you are willing to wear it, people get the sense that you can back it up too.

Making Use of a Billboard

Hollywoodlife.com picked up on what Taylor Swift was going for when she wore a t-shirt with a message at the most recent Billboard Music Awards.

"The star was cool and confident at the show, where she sent a very strong message to all of the haters who were trying to bring her down, sporting a shirt that sent a very powerful saying.... While her tee seemed so playful it was actually quite bold — it read, ‘Haters Gonna Hate.’ If Taylor’s haters were, in fact, hating the singer could care less!"

Being that Ms. Swift took home eight Billboard awards, the casual observer could note that whoever these "haters" are, they likely got her point. Of course, it's long been a hallmark of the famous that they speak their mind. Agree with them or not, you pay attention to them.

So, can DTG make you a rock star? Wrong question.
Are you a rock star? You can prove it by wearing what you believe. DTG makes that easy.

Credit: https://www.facebook.com/junkfoodclothing

Breaking news.... Taylor Swift is now dating her famous t-shirt. Sources say the songstress is scheduled to record the breakup song at the end of June.

"The Right to Tee Speech" is a trademark of the DTG Awareness blog and it's writer.