A New York Knicks fan group wants the team to wear matching tan suits to the White House.
I love the idea.
Not just for the reason the fans are giving.
I think wearing tan suits would send an even more powerful message.
The movement, called Tan Suit Champs, was inspired by one of the most absurd political controversies in modern history: the outrage after President Barack Obama wore a tan suit during a White House briefing in 2014. What began as manufactured outrage eventually turned the tan suit into a cultural symbol of confidence in the face of criticism.
That’s why Knicks fans think it fits this championship team.
The Knicks spent the season proving doubters wrong. They embraced the role of the underdog, won a title few expected and, in the eyes of the fans behind the campaign, wearing tan suits would say, “You doubted us. We proved you wrong.”
The campaign has even adopted the slogan “Yes We Tan,” a playful riff on Obama’s famous campaign slogan, complete with T-shirts, mugs, magnets and online voting urging the team to embrace the idea.
It’s funny. It’s clever. And it’s unmistakably New York.
But I think wearing tan suits to the White House would say something even bigger.
Many championship teams have skipped White House visits because they opposed the sitting president. I say by showing up in tan suits the Knicks can do more than demonstrate their confidence they can clearly deliver another message without saying a word.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized and belittled Obama over the years. Wearing tan suits wouldn’t have to be an attack on Trump. Instead, it would be a public show of respect for Obama’s place in American history and a reminder that former presidents deserve dignity, regardless of politics.
That’s why I think the Tan Suit Champs have stumbled onto something bigger than they may have intended.
Instead of boycotting the White House, the Knicks could reclaim the moment.
No speeches.
No confrontation.
No headlines about refusing to attend.
Just one unmistakable symbol that millions of Americans would understand the moment they walked through the door.
Sometimes the strongest statements aren’t shouted.
Sometimes they’re worn.
