The Pentagon has sharply criticized Netflix’s new series “Boots,” terming it “woke garbage” and alleging that the platform promotes an ideological agenda. This criticism follows the show’s debut on October 9, when it began trending on the streaming service.
Pentagon’s Stance on Military Standards
Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson emphasized that under President Trump, the U.S. military aims to uphold elite standards that are “uniform and sex-neutral.” He stated, “The weight of a rucksack or a human being doesn’t care if you’re a man, a woman, gay, or straight.” Wilson further asserted that the military would not compromise its standards to align with ideological narratives, in contrast to Netflix’s approach.
Background on the Series “Boots”
“Boots” is inspired by the memoir “The Pink Marine” by former Marine Greg Cope White. It tells the story of a closeted gay teen enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps alongside his straight best friend. The series delves into themes of friendship, identity, and the challenges faced under the command of a strict drill instructor, Sgt. Sullivan, portrayed by Max Parker. Additionally, Vera Farmiga plays the role of the protagonist’s mother, grappling with her son’s decisions.
Lead Actor’s Experience
The lead actor, Miles Heizer, noted his personal connection to the story, describing his own coming-out experience as a “classic gay coming-out story.” He shared that revealing his sexuality to his conservative family at age 19 was challenging but emphasized the support he received from his sister and friends, which made a significant difference.
Military Policy Dynamics
The backlash against “Boots” occurs alongside efforts by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to roll back diversity and inclusion initiatives within the U.S. armed forces. Hegseth has previously advocated for the dismissal of transgender service members and has rallied military leaders to eliminate “woke” culture, focusing on implementing gender-neutral fitness standards.
- October 9, 2023: “Boots” released on Netflix.
- Pentagon Critique: Series described as “woke garbage.”
- Military Focus: Restoration of elite standards under Trump administration.
- Content Themes: Friendship, identity, survival.
Overall, the clash between government officials and entertainment media highlights ongoing debates regarding cultural values and military standards in the United States.
