Readers of LRC may remember that some of the D.C. “libertarians” organized a smear campaign against Ron Paul the last time he ran for the Republican nomination. They were desperate to avoid having the public face of libertarianism be a normal, middle-class, middle-America family man as opposed to their own self-image as urban hipsters or, as they called themselves, “cosmopolitan” libertarians. They tend to be more libertine than libertarian. Well, it appears that their views are finally catching hold — in Iraq.
An Associated Press article in today’s newspapers entitled “U.S. Troops’ Ink, Rap, Slang Leave Mark on Iraqi Youths” explains. Iraqi youth are now “sporting baggy soldiers’ camouflage pants” and wearing “back-turned ‘NY’ baseball caps. “Lil Czar Mohammed” is busy “showing off his break-dancing moves” and the “$ sign shaved into his closely cropped hair.”
Mohammed’s “forearm bore a tattoo” that said “GANG STAR.” That was a mistake made by the tatoo “artist,” says Mohammed; it should have read “gangsta.” After years of watching American soldiers, Iraqi kids have adopted “hip-hop styles, tough-guy mannerisms and slangy English patter . . .” They call themselves names like “punky” or “hustler,” wear hoodie sweatshirts as though they’re preparing to rob a 7-11, and listen to 50 Cent or Eminem.
Not all Iraqis approve of these “cosmopolitan” developments, which include the rejection of school uniforms, promiscuous sex, and other behaviors that many consider to be “weird” and “offensive” according to the Associated Press.
8:53 am on November 27, 2011
