Friday, 03 July 2009

  • On having your underwear show up on the frontpage of the New York Times

    The New York Times caused a sensation when they published this picture of Specialist Zachary Boyd fighting in pink boxers and a red tee (he didn't have enough time to get dressed after his post was attacked while he was sleeping):


    Source: Associated Press

    I was incredibly touched by Specialist Boyd's bravery... not so much that he was fighting in pink boxers and a red tee, but that the war for him is so incredibly immersive and all encompassing.  So it was shocking to see comments like these blaming Specialist Boyd:

    The first thing I thought when I saw the T-shirt and shorts was, he’s gonna get himself and his unit mates killed with those beacon-bright clothes! Cute, for sure, but seems kinda dangerous to be in a bright red shirt and pink boxers on a craggy gray Afghan hillside when the Taliban is looking!— Macronical

    I guess it shows the reality of ill-preparedness and vulnerability of our soldiers.
    — Valerie Ginesin

    What?!!?  How could you focus on his red shirt and pink boxers creating danger and demonstrating ill-preparedness?!  To be honest, this picture really touched me.  Here was a guy who was sleeping when his base came under attack.  He grabbed his helmet, body armor and guy and went to war.  That is true dedication to his country and buddies!  He didn't have time to think about the color of his tees and boxers.  Happy Independence Day... and many thanks to people like Specialist Zachary Boyd for fighting for their country!!  Personally, I thought the pink "I Love NY" boxers were a nice touch.

    Besides, who expects their underwear to show up on the front page of the New York Times!  If you were woken up in the middle of the night and had your picture taken... would your underwear be front-page ready?

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