315 Culture and Citizens vs. Government

It is 2017 and although I was not around for times of slavery or segregation laws, I truly believe that this is my generation’s civil rights movement. If you follow me on social media, I am an activist via the pen and the sword. As quickly as I will put a post up about what is going on in the country, I will get on the phone and call my representatives or march on the street in peaceful protest. I am not an internet thug. I am an all around get things moving the right way thug. Because heck, I am black so I am sure all of the “Make America Great Again” cronies stamp me with that label.

A few years ago I came across a t-shirt brand that spoke to the social crisis that is America and I proudly wore their shirt. 315 Culture and the Citizens vs Government shirt have been top on my post notification alerts on Instagram as well as a staple in my wardrobe. Why? Because we the people (citizens) have a huge battle before us to restore democracy in the USA. With everything that Old Cheeto is enforcing and the hate rhetoric he is spewing, it is IMPERATIVE that we as citizens band together to demand change by the government.

 

Posts such as THIS speak on my political stance. I am neither a Democrat or a Republican. I have always been on the side of whomever is best for the job and whomever has the people’s concerns at the forefront of his/her agenda. And by the people, I mean all the people. Not a select few or demographic. Whether you live in a rural town with an 8th grade education or reside in a gold palace on the UES of Manhattan, we are all the people and our voices all matter.

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Back to 315 Culture and Citizens vs Government though.

I had the honor of sitting down with one of the owners the other day to chat Trump, social activism and the brand’s future and I am happy to share with all of you. This is not a sponsored post. I really believe in this brand and I really believe in supporting. This is not a company looking to profit on the despair that marks the temperature of the USA at the present moment but a brand that really gets us, “the people”. The stood with those at Standing Rock, they marched with Black Lives Matter and they inspired many to get out and vote. For that I will happily bear their insignia on my chest in the form of a Citizens vs Government shirt.

Why citizens vs government? Are you promoting anarchy?

We chose Citizens Vs Government because we truly feel that the voices of citizens everywhere have been ignored for far too long. Whether you’re talking about the black community and unfair policing and mass incarceration, or Native Americans and the North Dakota Access Pipeline, we can go on and on about groups whose voices are continuously ignored. We aren’t promoting anarchy, but we are promoting diversity, inclusion, and equality for all, in education, housing, etc.

What motivated you to start the brand?

I was motivated to start the brand in efforts to create real social change through awareness and education. Our tees are simple for a reason. If we can spark thought or conversation through our slogan tees then we’ve succeeded. We think our generation is the most aware and intolerant to injustices and bigotry, and we believe fashion can be a great catalyst to create real change. We also plan to launch a blog on our website that speaks to events and situations across the world that are impacting the less fortunate and those without a voice.

What’s the biggest problem with our government today?

One of the biggest problems in government today is campaign financing. It’s out of control. Most politicians on both sides of the aisle are bought, and they put elections over doing what’s right for the very people who elected them. There’s also no compromising, which hurts the citizens the most. We need more compromising and less fighting. More policies that promote equality and diversity, and less division.

What can the average citizen do to affect change?

The average person should speak up when they see injustice. MLK said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” It’s never been okay to remain silent when you witness anyone being mistreated due to prejudice or racism. There are many ways we can speak up. It might mean pulling someone to the side, it might mean participating in a march, it might be initiating a tough conversation with your friends or co-workers, etc. There are several ways we can speak up and stand against injustice, racism, and bigotry. If we remain silent it will continue.

 

Let your voice be heard. I implore everyone to speak up and break the silence. If you cannot let your physical voice ring loud, allow your fashion choices to speak for you.

Show me how you style your 315 Culture shirt on social media with the hashtag: #315CultureStyle

Faux Fur: Thrifted (similar HERE) | Jeans: Sears Style | Pumps: ShoeDazzle (similar HERE + HERE |

 

Favorite Faux Fur Jackets under $100