SUMMARY: "Same Sh*t. Different Hat" in politics means the underlying issues, bad policies or corrupt actions are IDENTICAL, but they are presented by different politicians or parties (the "hat"), suggesting superficial changes without real substance or real actualised change, just a new label on the old problems, often implying people get fooled by the new branding. It's a cynical phrase about political continuity, where voters feel they're getting the same poor results regardless of who is in office.

POLITICAL MEANING EXPLAINED:

•  Superficial Differences : The "hat" (the politician, party, slogan) changes, but the "shit" (problems, broken promises, self-interest) remains consistent.

  • (e.g. The Third Reich, Ku Klux Klan, Confederate States of America (CSA), M.A.G.A. / Make America Great Again)

•  Disillusionment : It expresses voter frustration with the political system, feeling that elections don't bring meaningful change.

  • (e.g. feeling unheard, candidate dissatisfaction, economic disconnect, broken promises, etc.)

•  Continuity of Problems : Whether it's economic woes, social division, or ineffective governance, the core issues persist despite new leadership.

  • (e.g. climate change & environmental policy, immigration & border security, social & economic inequality, continuity of government planning, foreign policy challenges, political polarisation & distrust, etc.)

•  Branding Over Substance : It critiques how politicians use new slogans (like MAGA hats, as noted in BeauChapeu Hat Shop and Quora), symbols, or parties to repackage old ones.

  • (e.g. populist "people's branding), issue-specific branding (greenwashing), authenticity & character, government branding, visual & social identity, etc.)

Essentially, it's a declaration that the political game is rigged, and no matter who wears the "hat", the outcome for the average person remains the same.

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SPECIFICATIONS:

Artist: Anakin J. Manby

Title: Same Shit. Different Hat.

Subtitle: SAME M.O., IT'S JUST PACKAGED NICELY.

Date: Saturday - 13 December 2025

Medium: Procreate / Adobe Illustrator / Adobe Photoshop / Canva

Dimensions: 18" X 24"

Resolution: 1200