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| - In my land of residence, Southwestern Reflections would be called "Made in Washington" and similarly contain more items emblazoned with local namesakes than anyone would ever want. While it is among the requirements to properly furnish an airport in a major tourist destination, it instead stands proudly in a shopping village.
One might think there would be not much more to say. It certainly boasts the usual kitschy decorations, overpriced Scottsdale T-shirts, overpriced Southwestern T-shirts, slightly punchy novelty cards, and the entire line of Danger Men Cooking merchandise. (I appreciate the idea, but did this brand need its own hot sauce? Really?)
However, one piece of merchandise caught my eye and has led me to consider that there may actually be more depth here. Rotating racks contained standard mild attempts at cleverness and retro pop culture clearly made for the masses like Betty Boop and Western-themed license plate-sized decorations.
One item stood apart: A plate featuring a stereotypical older Native American with long hair and a rifle, proclaiming "Homeland Security Since 1492."
I am still confused as to the intention of this plate in McCain's good ole' Republican Arizona, since to me this is a pretty clear "anti-American" statement of the rightful owners of this country. Is this intended to be ironic? An inside joke / "quality control" issue of a "maverick" employee at the manufacturer? Why is it here? Why has this not offended the standard tourist sensibility?
I'd like to give Southwestern Reflections the benefit of the doubt that they intentionally stocked this plate as a minor act of subversion, but that's probably wishful thinking. However, it livened up what could have been a completely drab visit, so I will give them some comedy credit. Otherwise, this store is exactly what you'd expect - if you're actually looking for this kind of thing, you've probably already been to six different gift shops resembling it at the tourist traps in your path, and otherwise, you have no reason to set foot in here besides possibly to marvel as I did.
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