June 3rd Walk 6: An Experimentation with(in) daily life

For this walk, I chose to wear my t-shirt with the image posted printed on it for the day. Some history behind the image: I created this image in response to pro-lifers that I always see on campus, protesting with images of aborted fetuses and ridiculous slogans. I decided to make a pro-abortion shirt to parody these the ridiculousness of these people. I have always loved making t-shirts and the way people respond to them, thus my choosing this shirt for this project.

The experiment started soon after my shower this early this morning at noon. My mom was the only one home today as my sister and dad were at work. So, as far as the home response, she was the only one available. "Oh my god... I hate that fucking shirt" My mom has seen it before and this is always her response. She is a pro-choicer, yet is easily offended by anything, but she doesn't really care what I wear, as my parents are very loose in their "rules". I proceeded to tend to my garden I am growing this summer for about two hours until my doctors appointment at 2:15. I anticipated this visit immensely as I have never worn this shirt in a medical setting, so I did not know what to expect. I arrived at the office 15 mins early, got out of my car and walked into the building with a big smile on my face, as I hoped for a response. I entered the building, proceeded to check in, the lady did not notice my shirt. I sat in the full waiting room, not just waiting for my name to be called, but also waiting for at least a look of disgust or a smile from a supporter. My wish was granted. The soccer moms in the office did not appreciate the shirt what so ever. Receiving the looks of disgust I wanted, I smiled rewardingly and continued to wait for my name to be called. Time passed... "Matt Shifrin". I stood up, flared out my shirt, making sure it wasn't wrinkled or tucked in, so it could be seen in all of its glory. "That's me". I walked to the door where the nurse was waiting and proceeded to follow her to the scale in the hall and then to one of the med rooms. "Get on the scale". She weighed me, still nothing, other than a comment that I had lost weight since my last visit. I followed her to the room. "Sit on the bench, I need to take your blood pressure... oh my god what is that on your shirt?" Being that I am in central Ohio, a lot of people are pro-life so I was hoping, hoping so badly, for a negative response :). I proceeded to explain the concept behind the shirt, but did not tell her about the experiment, as stated in the instructions. "Well, that is interesting. Do you know how offensive that is?" Of course I did. "The doctor will be in shortly." and she left the room. I got my offensive response, but still did not receive the conversation I wanted, that of pro-life vs pro-choice. I ruffled out my shirt again, making sure the image was clear. I sat patiently for ten minutes, waiting for the doctor to enter. Dr. Hua enters. "How's it going today Mr. Shifrin?" Not too bad, I tell him. He proceeds with normal operations, asking about health, prescriptions, etc. Still no response. The appointment went normal... sadly. "Have a good day Matthew". Dr. Hua is a professional, moves very quickly, and is often looking down at his tablet pc, so it is understandable there was no response. I walked out of the building happy that I got one response. I proceeded home, sat around for about an hour and then received a phone call from my friend Adam asking me if I wanted to do lunch at Raisin Canes. Of course. I love Raisin Canes and this provided another opportunity for the shirt. "I'm on my way over to pick you up". 10 min later Adam was here, called me, and I went out to his car. "Are you seriously wearing that shirt out?" :) I laughed, as I usually do with any response. "You are seriously messed in the head." I just continued to laugh and we proceeded to Raisin Canes. Now the great thing about this place is that all the workers are high school students and young 20's, so I was hoping for a positive response, as people of this age group tend to like offensive things, other than Adam. Canes was empty other than us, so no opportunity for patron response. Luckily, my stereotyping of America's youth was correct. It was my turn in line. "What can I get for you today?" I ordered the Caniac Box combo, which had gone up in price sadly, since being in Arizona. "That'll be $7.24" I handed the kid a $20. While getting me my change, the kid looks up and I get my response. "That shirt is hilarious. Did you make it yourself?" I proceeded to tell him the reasoning behind the shirt, but yet again, not revealing the experiment. "Dude, I want one." I got the kid's email and promised him a print for the low price of $10. Waited for my food, sat down and ate. Adam was just shaking his head the entire time, in awe that there are others in support of the pro-abortion movement. We finished our meal and he dropped me off at my house. I went back to gardening, took a shower after, and ended up changing my shirt. So that was the end of the experiment.

I wish I had more to do today out in public to get more response, but ended up happy with what I got. I love when t-shirts make people react, or think, as they are very powerful tools. And this proved it once again. Something as subtle as a shirt can affect someone's entire day, including my own. In conclusion, it was a very successful experiment with very successful results.