Build-a-Bear a is terrific concept where children and adults get the opportunity to conjure up their own ideas and incorporate their feelings in a furry stuffed foot-tall bear. The vibrant colors colors of the store coupled with the animatronic bears the line the outside facade project an aura of clandestine loyalty. The patrons of the store personify their own bear in a way that aligns with their own sentiments. The final step in this process is when the bear is given its final 'hug' which is to symbolize not the completion of the process but rather the journey that was taken to bring this stuffed animal to life, in the eyes of the owner.
Perhaps a new segment of the Build-a-Bear store should be focused on attracting current and prospective GOP candidates. As a GOP politician preaches from the lectern, constituents are fixated on passionate rhetoric that pertains to the numerous problems with our current governmental system. Able volunteers each election night, take pictures, and gaze harmoniously at their boss as he hugs his stuffed animal onstage. Despite the thousands of tweets, instagrams, or status updates this perception is never articulated. Romney hugs his stuffed Thomas Jefferson bear and Newt clenches his Reagan bear. It seems far too often that with each heartfelt applause that a candidate garners is catalyzed by a quote or an idea from one of the GOP candidates.
It is peculiar to think that the rhetoric of the past should be applied so unequivocally to the present political landscape. The illustrious leaders of yesteryear were acclaimed for their ingenuity during their respective period in time. The poised Americana character of Reagan coupled with his anti big-government administration makes him a lovable punit for present-day GOP hopefuls. As candidates prance from primary to caucus across the United States the praise of our beloved presidents is consistently mentioned. With each speech candidates hug their proverbial favorite founding-father bear as if to rationalize their proposed policies with a "seal" of conservative approval.
The Thomas Jefferson Bear is hugged by candidates when they need to feel a sense of loyalty to the constitution.
The George Washington Bear is hugged when candidates desire to project their patriotism and reminisce about the inception of nation in its first years.
The James Madison Bear is hugged when a speaker is making the point that the Bill of Rights are a fundamental ingredient in being an American.
The John Adams Bear is hugged when a speaker is attempting to outline the importance of a democracy for the people and by the people.
Build-a-Bear for GOP is a popular venture that seeks to actualize the metaphoric relationship that we all see, an unbridled allegiance to America's past and neglect of the pressing issues of the present day.
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