Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez doesn't stop putting her money where her mouth is, just cuz she's at one of the biggest and bougiest events of the year. She hit The Met Gala's red carpet red carpet along with Brother Vellies designer Aurora James in a dress printed with "Tax the Rich."
To which we say: hell yes! Amidst all the hoity-toitiness, it's refreshing to see the scrappy, Bronx-born congresswoman living a lil bit of her political truth. It's not terribly biting, but the earnestness is welcome.
And given that she's walking with James, the founder of the 15 Percent Pledge, you know AOC isn't just dealing in shock value. "Tax the Rich" is practically a catchphrase for AOC, and it's a damn good one.
Like her spiritual forebear, senator Bernie Sanders, AOC has no sympathy for the billionaire class (nor does anyone need any). Which is, again, refreshing, especially at a black-tie glamour-driven affair like the Met Gala.
At the end of the day, we don't need anyone sticking up for the ultra-rich; we need people sticking it to the ultra-rich. Even if it's a little jab here and there, it's for the greater good. And how could anyone really disagree with the sentiment? Tax 'em!
Don't get me wrong: AOC's whited-out 'fit is a cheeky poke in the side of snooty Met Gala culture and its star-studded red carpet, not necessarily a hard-edged political statement that's meant to single-handedly upset the establishment, though you know that many pearls will be clutched by tomorrow morning. Hell, the NY Post had condescending op-eds up within an hour of AOC taking the red carpet.
Already, conservative watchdog group The American Accountability Foundation has filed an ethics complaint against the politician for accepting tickets to the Gala ("We are confident we complied with all ethics rules," AOC's office responded).
There is intent behind AOC's dress. Even as a small symbol of resistance to "the man," as it were, that's worth something.
Between all the million-dollar duds and glittery, crystal-studded suits at The Met, AOC's dress is — much like the politician herself — a little goofy, very sincere, and wholly appreciated. Two thumbs up.
