What’s The Real Story Behind Chris Pratt’s ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ T-Shirt?
By Jessilyn Lancaster, Managing Editor
Social media attacked actor Chris Pratt for wearing a T-shirt featuring the Gadsden Flag.
The users claim the flag is racist and has ties to white supremacy organizations.
The Gadsden flag was first popularized ahead of the Revolutionary War and depicts a snake above the words “Don’t Tread On Me.”
According to NEWSWEEK,
The Gadsden flag was first created during the height of the Revolutionary War during the late 1770s. South Carolina native Christopher Gadsden, who served as a brigadier general in the Continental Army, is credited for the flag’s creation. Originally the flag was yellow featuring a rattlesnake with 13 rattles, which represented the 13 colonies, and was stamped with the standout phrase, “DON’T TREAD ON ME.” Gadsen initially gifted the flag to Navy Commander-in-Chief Eske Hopkins, who sailed the flag on his ship in his first mission.
While the flag was originally associated with colonists fighting for independence from Great Britain, over two centuries it became a renegade symbol, particularly popular with heavy metal groups like Metallica, who famously printed the snake and motto on the back cover of their namesake fifth studio album in 1991. The album also featuring a track titled, “Don’t Tread on Me.”
Many conservative people defended Pratt’s wardrobe choice, however, calling it a display of his patriotism and love of country.
While Pratt hasn’t responded to the pushback, he speaks often about his Christian and conservative values.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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