What do the words “Made In America” mean to you?
To me, they mean that the product in question was made in the United States of America.
At least, that’s part of the story. The other part of the tale is that the people making those American products were paid here in America, and their wages will likely largely be spent here, too. It means a shorter distance for the goods to be shipped to domestic locations, and that means less energy consumed in the process (AKA a smaller carbon footprint). And it means products produced that will meet the rigorous standards of excellence that we (or at least many of us) here in the U.S. of A. demand of our goods.
Related: 5 Badass Commanders In Chief
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m no xenophobic protectionist debutante* who rallies against anything produced west of California (oh right, Alaska. Oh RIGHT… and Hawaii) or east of Quoddy Head, Maine (look it up). I like a fine Scotch as much as the next fellow, and if you appreciate a fine pair of Italian leather loafers or some genuine Australian Vegemite, then indulge and enjoy! If you like the idea of buying American when it makes sense to do so, then you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised to find that many everyday necessities, like hats and luxury vehicles, are made in the Land of the Free, no free trade issues involved.
For The Hirsute: Beardition
If you demand the best when it comes to beardcare, and you also love America, then you’re going to love Beardition. From their Soft+Sweet Beard Oil to their Really Good Beard Shampoo to their Even Better Beard Conditioner, everything the company offers is made right here in America. And that includes all of their packaging and printed materials, too. The Nashville, TN based company is dedicated to great beardcare products that are not only ‘Merican, but also all natural. Facial hair management presents a crowded marketplace these days; perhaps this brand’s American approach will help them stand out.
For The Kids: Crayola Crayons
That’s right, those beloved tubes of color you used to create many a masterpiece when young and which children today continue to love are made in Pennsylvania! The company was founded more than 130 years ago (it was originally named the Binney & Smith Company) and is today a subsidiary of Hallmark (also American). They have been producing crayons since 1903 and currently produce approximately three billion of the things each year, most of which are broken in half and in a drawer somewhere, but hey, still classic stuff — buy the kids a box with pride.
For The Cowboy and/or Texan: Stetson Hats
It would be pretty durn unseemly if’n a cowpoke went about wearin’ a ten gallon made o’er there in Yugoslavia or whatnot, wouldn’t it? Never you mind that ol’ Yugoslavia was dissolved into multiple sovereign republics back in the 1990s following a devastating series of ethnically fraught conflicts, neither. Anyhow, a cowhand oughtta wear a cowboy hat made right here in America, and that’s why we’re so golshmuckin’ (?) happy to say that Stetson hats are still made here, just like John B. Stetson intended when he founded his eponymous company way back in 1865. Chances are that Stetson yer wearin’ today was made in Texas. And it it ain’t from TX, it’s from PA or MO. AKA it’s from here, durnit.
For The Cook: Webber Grills
Wouldn’t it be nice to know that the quintessentially American hamburger (named for the German city of Hamburg) you just prepared was cooked on grill made right here in America? If you used a Weber grill, those iconic bowl shaped grills usually black or red in color, then it was, sir. Weber started off back in the 1890s as a metal works company. They created their first charcoal grill in 1951, and the rest is history! Or rather, if you want to know the rest of the history, you can read up on your own time. We’ve got burgers to flip, see?
For The Motorist: The Tesla
If you’ve got about a hundred grand sitting around and you need a new car, consider a Tesla Model S or X. Or you could hold out for a year or so and get yourself a Tesla Model 3, which should be priced much lower. Regardless of which vehicle you choose, you’ll be getting an all electric luxury vehicle that’s also all American. Tesla Motors is headquartered in California, produces its vehicles in America, and is in the process of actively expanding. (FYI, an optional “Ludicrous Mode” upgrade to the Model S allows for a 0 – 60 time of just 2.8 seconds. Which is very, very fast.)
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* A debutante or deb (from the French débutante, “female beginner”) is a girl or young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who has reached the age of maturity and, as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal “debut” presentation. – Thank you Wikipedia
