I agree with you as far as the need to dial way ba...

Robert A. Beattey (noreply@blogger.com, https://www.blogger.com/profile/16433611449012031973)
2019-01-21T10:48:38.009-05:00
Kenneth M. Walsh (noreply@blogger.com, http://www.blogger.com/profile/01666275272819956774)

I agree with you as far as the need to dial way back on the mob. I think, however, you might have undervalued the significance of the political speech embodied in the hat. The kid engaged in protected expression supporting MAGA policies, such as they are. Those around him engaged in protected expression back. My guess would be that there is a disconnect between what the kid things the MAGA hat stands for and what the POC who responded to him think it stands for. Ultimately, however, it does seem like the adults in this situation used the kid from the start and social media have used him since, and that's seriously not cool.