When clothing is used as a commemorative pathway or promotion, it often times provides a very direct visual illustration of a certain perspective or ideal that the individual supports. With good intentions, commemorative clothing can be an incredibly successful way to create a powerful image and bond between large groups of people. Especially as a souvenir, clothing often can last a long time and the central thoughts of the design will continue to arise each time the article is worn. Even more, when travelers bring souvenirs back, the design can bring ideas to light in other parts of the country or possibly other parts of the world.
However, souvenir clothing can be seen as controversial in some areas, such as airports. Present day Irish loyalists have strongly objected to Ireland souvenirs sold in the Belfast International Airport, as the shops lack souvenirs branded with Northern Ireland. This is only one example of an issue that takes place all over the country [1].
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[1]John Monaghan, “Willie Frazer Attacks International Airport over ‘pro-Irish Paraphernalia'” The Irish News, , accessed December 7, 2016, http://www.irishnews.com/news/2015/10/12/news/willie-frazer-attacks-international-airport-over-pro-irish-paraphernalia–290586/.