But what about a free T-shirt?

Whenever a friend and I would discuss 5km road races in which we were considering participation, at some point during the conversation the design on the t-shirt would come up as we evaluated whether the race was worth the entry fee or not. He would explain the color scheme and design used on the shirt and how it was similar or different from shirts we already had from other races. If you look into the third drawer on the left side of my dresser (and please dont), you will find a neatly folded stack of t-shirts that I have collected from various volunteer or group events through the years. Typically they are sized XXL so rarely do I ever wear one. My grandmother even made me a quilt of the shirts I collected during my four years in high school.

Why is it, that every where we go, a t-shirt to commemorate the event is offered? We as a society have even come to expect them. If for some reason we leave empty handed, we feel cheated. We feel as though we didn't receive what was due to us by constitutional right. Could it be our need to feel associated with something bigger than ourselves? Or possibly the conformation from our peers that when you break through the facade, none of us are truly fashionable and would rather just dress alike. Possibly we all just really like free stuff and t-shirts are the compensation fad of the 21st century. Whatever the case, I have learned to embrass this part of society because I can show my friends the shirts as somewhat of a wearable journal. Each shirt marks a significant event in my life and can bring back stories and memories I wouldn't have otherwise recalled. I never actually wear them, but my free t-shirts are truly and integral part of my wardrobe. Maybe we should consider making free t-shirts part of the constitution!? We have the right to bear arms, and the right to receive a free t-shirt with participation in any social, volunteer, or extracurricular event. Can you imagine the law suits!?!