T-shirt politics

Partisan Aggies take debate

By: Brooke Lein

Posted: 10/7/08

Controversy arose when Aggies began sporting T-shirts favoring presidential candidate John McCain that had "Beat the Hell Outta Obama," printed on them.

Since the T-shirts appeared on the shelves of Aggieland Outfitters and Inspirations, they have been criticized by students who argued that the apparel was politically charged and represented Texas A&M negatively.

The stores have since started selling shirts that read, "Beat the Hell Outta McCain." They have placed signs in stores to inform customers that the shirts are not affiliated with A&M.

"If someone that didn't go to A&M, who was unaware of Aggie traditions, saw people wearing these shirts saying 'Beat the Hell Outta' a specific person, it might seem extremely offensive," said Jeff Brannigan, a senior political science major. "And because [Barack Obama] happens to be black, it may also seem extremely racist."

During political seasons, the Department of Student Activities sends e-mails to political organizations on campus warning them not to produce subjective merchandise that uses registered A&M symbols, words or logos.

The registered items include "Aggies," Corps of Cadets logos, "12th Man," and the iconic "aTm" symbol.

In conjunction with official University trademark and licensing rules, each group that chooses to ignore the set guidelines by submitting unauthorized material will no longer be recognized as an official student organization.

"We were very careful not to break the rules, and we wanted to make sure that our original submission was accurate," said Chelsea Noriega, secretary of the Aggie Democrats.

In an effort to follow the University guidelines, Aggie Democrats opted for shirts to display the words, "Students for Obama," rather than "Aggies for Obama." Despite the change, the shirts have been selling well.

"They have been selling like hotcakes," Noriega said. "We've already had to place another order for about a 100 more."

Traditional A&M jargon has been seen on T-shirts sold at Inspirations and Aggieland Outfitters. Shirts with the phrases "Gig 'Em McCain," and "Beat the Hell Outta Obama," have been worn by those associated with the Republican Party as a means of promoting McCain.

"It's funny because I don't think people realize that 'Beat the Hell Outta' is in small letters, and all that can be seen from a distance is 'Obama,'" said journalism senior lecturer Edward Walraven. "So really, people who wear the shirts are actually promoting [Obama] through name recognition."

University policy strictly prohibits the use of licensed merchandise in context with political themes or messages, but according to University trademark rules, A&M does not have control over all of the words and phrases associated with Aggie tradition.

"'BTHO' and 'Gig 'Em' are not registered trademarks of Texas A&M," said Jason Cook, vice president for marketing and communications. "However, the University is looking into any common law trademark issues that may be applicable."

Cook said the Office of Business Development reviews all of the artwork submitted and, in addition to political restrictions, official A&M trademarks are not allowed to be associated with alcohol, drugs, firearms or other items of questionable judgment or taste.