A perennially popular meme quote reminds us that the United States was built on drag: “If you think it’s weird for grown men to put on wigs, heels, rouge, and stockings… I have bad news for you about the founding fathers.”
Happy Fourth ?? pic.twitter.com/qBWmubXi1B
— Amy Siskind ???? (@Amy_Siskind) July 4, 2021
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Indeed, powdered wigs were an indicator of wealth around the time those 56 dudes signed the Declaration of Independence, according to Mental Floss, and the American Battlefield Trust reports that John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe all wore wigs.
And yes, men also wore rouge in the 1700s, per Gizmodo. Just look at that famous portrait of George Washington, and you’ll see some suspiciously rosy cheeks.
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Anyway, there’s no word on the mastermind behind this meme, but it appeared on iFunny back in 2019, and it’s been quoted on social media countless times since.
In fact, Paul Deasy, the mayor of Flagstaff, Arizona, tweeted a version of the quote in 2021, as he told his populace that the drag-queen story hour at the local library would continue.
Drag Queen Story Hour at the Library will continue. If you have a problem with grown men putting on wigs, heels, makeup, and stockings, I have bad news for you about the founding fathers…
— Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy (@MayorDeasy) July 14, 2021
Drag them, Paul!
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Max
look at Washington, all tucked and his outward turned boots… he’s posing fierce!
jt1990
Looks to me like the types of uniforms some high ranking government officials would wear. And just like today, the wigs are for hiding the baldness. Back then, men were more concerned with survival and providing for the family than trying on their wife’s dress. Wishful thinking at its finest Queerty!
Bosch
It must suck being so bitter and joyless all the time.
storm45701
Who hurt you, jt?
white-queer-african
@jt1990, to puke in a bucket! Mary wait until you hear some of them also liked to “lay in the hay” with the masculine male slaves from Africa. You will need a tub not a bucket.
LOL.LOL.LOL.
mailliw110
Actually JT, wigs, makeup and perfume were all created to cover up the filth of not having modern sanitation. Not sure how a wig can help with survival, but you go you!
monty clift
“hiding baldness”… just look at the dumb excuses you have to come out with to feel reassured that this isn’t a form of drag.
Joshooeerr
Seriously, if that’s your best attempt at trolling you need to give up now. You’re embarrassing yourself. You’re not only factually incorrect (wigs often went over actual hair), you’re missing the point being made.
storm45701
Mayor Deasy of Flagstaff is HOT!
Jim
Just shows that what is feminine/masculine especially with regards to attire is fluid.
Mister P
RuPaul said: “We’re all born naked, the rest is drag.”
bachy
I appreciate the parallels, but period clothing is not “drag” as we know it today. Washington’s clothing was not an effort to impersonate a woman.
rvaL
If you were to watch “Paris is Burning,” you’d find it’s pretty clear that modern drag (which evolved out of “ball” or “ballroom” culture) was not necessarily about impersonating the opposite gender, but about creating am exaggeration or caricature of a specific type or category of person – dressing as the opposite sex was not even a prerequisite.
johncp56
most right wing nuts do not even know their history, they think they were here first!!
barryaksarben
I cant believe the homophobes getting so upset about this. Its a joke. Are they that stupid, humorless and insecure in their own sexuality? Oh, wait all of the above
kacol69073
well said!!! megan has caused this turmoil!! she married into the family. has absolutely used harry and the royal family. she is ungracious !! also pushing american attitude on the naturally reserved british! harry needs to be home here >>> Copy Here > > > boosterstart.com