The Pentagon recently criticized Netflix over its drama Boots, calling it “woke garbage.” This show, inspired by Greg Cope White’s memoir The Pink Marine, follows a closeted teenager who joins the U.S. Marine Corps in the 1990s.
Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson stated the military’s focus is on maintaining elite standards that ignore sexual orientation. He claimed that the military won’t lower its standards for “ideological agendas” and accused Netflix of pushing a liberal narrative.
Despite the criticism, Boots has become a hit, currently ranking as the sixth-most-watched show on Netflix. Critics have described it as a powerful commentary on the military’s past anti-gay policies, while also showing the bond among service members. Miles Heizer, who stars in the series, noted the show’s surprising relevance to current issues around LGBTQ+ representation, even though it’s set in the 1990s.
The response to Boots reflects a broader trend of tension between conservative viewpoints and diverse media content. Elon Musk recently urged his followers to cancel their Netflix subscriptions over a separate incident involving a transgender character in the animated show Dead End: Paranormal Park. Musk, despite having a transgender daughter, suggested that such portrayals could harm children. Activist Zach Barack, who voices the character, defended the importance of representation in media, stating it has saved lives.
According to recent statistics, Netflix maintains its position as a leading streaming service with over 301.6 million subscribers globally. While it faces backlash from certain groups, the platform continues to champion inclusive stories.
On another note, the Pentagon is also facing scrutiny for its policies limiting reporters’ access and information quality, a move that has prompted many journalists to resign. This climate indicates a significant pushback against accountability and transparency at a time when diverse narratives are increasingly vital in media and culture.
In this context, Boots not only entertains but also sparks crucial discussions about past and present military culture, representation, and the ongoing battle for LGBTQ+ rights.
