Sometimes the jokes write themselves...

 

I did a double-take when I saw this advertisement.  Click the image for a larger view.

For a start, the caption "Air Force Pride" is, to say the least, problematic.  Remember, back in the day, being gay (i.e. homosexual) was referred to by some as being "light in the loafers".  To actually market loafers under the "Pride" label, with its current connotations (as in "Gay Pride", etc.) appears, in so many words, to be inviting their wearers to self-identify with the latter trend.  That's made worse by the wording of the blurb accompanying the advertisement.

Introducing the Air Force Pride Men's Shoes, a custom-designed fashion exclusive from The Bradford Exchange. Expertly crafted of luxurious faux suede uppers in a rich tan color, these must-have slip-on shoes capture Airman spirit in incredible style! You'll never want to take them off!

Each moccasin is lined with ultra-soft flannel in a camouflage print and features whip stitching around the top panel ... What a wonderful way to put your best foot forward and show your Air Force spirit!

I asked an Air Force friend, a senior NCO, what he thought about the wording of that advertisement.  After a moment's stunned silence, he said firmly (even emphatically), "No.  Just... NO!!!"  He may have emphasized that with a few well(?)-chosen adjectives.

I suspect many of his colleagues will feel the same - particularly when they consider what the other branches of the Armed Forces, particularly the Marines, might have to say about it, using an even more scatological selection of adjectives.

(Interestingly, I notice the vendor offers a similar product for the Army and the Navy, but not for the Marines or Coast Guard.  Discrimination?  Or discretion being the better part of valor?)

Peter