A sign along a city street welcomes visitors to Fargo, North Dakota, from Moorhead, Minnesota, just across the Red River. I might change that “city of parks” to “The windy city.” Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, is flat. That is a fact.
The wind blows in Fargo. A lot. That is a fact.
Therefore, one could rightly conclude that staying warm during winter in flat and windy Fargo would present a challenge, even to a hardy Minnesotan.
During a recent cold snap, with wind chill readings in the minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit in Fargo, I received this text from my son, who attends North Dakota State University:
This cheap Walmart hat stands zero chance against the Fargo wind.
OK, I am 300 miles away so it’s not like I can run out and buy my boy a new hat. I suggested he take the $20 I’d recently sent and purchase warmer head attire.
Apparently, though, my son did not need my motherly assistance. He’d already gone online the previous evening and ordered a “nice Russian military surplus hat.” Alright, that ought to work in Fargo.
But then he mentioned one minor issue, which may or may not be an issue:
Unfortunately it has the good ol’ USSR sickle and hammer on the front. I’m hoping that I will be able to remove that.
When I expressed my concern about the symbol, he fired back:
We aren’t in the cold war anymore…
Ah, yes, my son, but you are.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Wouldn’t that symbol to his generation be funky and fun?
I don’t know if it would be taken that way, or if someone would take offense. You never know these days.
And then it’s ND. My 1/2 Russian wife would not wear it, but my 1/4 Russian son would order it. Clothing with CCCP on it is kind of hip in some circles I know. My son has some shirts.
Ah, you have eased my concerns a bit. My son tells me I worry too much. That is part of a mother’s job description, I believe.
Would what’s his name on that nerd show I have never seen wear it? Is that Big Bang Theory?
You are asking the wrong person. I’ve never seen the Big Bang Theory.
Maybe he could wear it inside out……:-)
Now there’s an idea. I’m curious to see this Russian hat.
I’ld be a bit cautious on this one. Removal might be the better course of action….just sayin’…….
I totally agree.
Isn’t it nice to see that once they hit college, they take things like weather seriously? I despaired of ever getting my oldest to take winter seriously, but he’s at Eau Claire, WI, and has noted he’s very thankful this year for his nice warm heavy jacket, ski gloves, and heavy cap. Which means he’s wearing them. Which means I’m grateful.
Oh, yes, their attitudes about many things change when they go off to college. My son even took his boots with him. Not that he’s wearing them, but…
Perfect last line! And he’ll be very cool in that hat…ha ha…with the Russian insignia. No one will think twice about it.
Glad you caught that last line, Gretchen. Even I surprised myself when I came up with that. I’m tallying votes here on whether the insignia will be an issue.
Colin left for Berlin today, so I’ve been thinking about that era in my life. I was surprised, two years ago when I went back, that you can still buy hats like that on the street – in particular near Checkpoint Charlie. My vote is it will be cool…despite knowing what it really represents…I don’t think kids will care. Not sure a lot of adults would!
Apparently the symbol originally connected rural and industrialization, as far as I can determine. That in and of itself would not be negative. I have your vote tallied as “cool.”
🙂 Yes, “cool”. 🙂 And I didn’t know that about the insignia – it always pays to research.
Funny. My daughter has a red t-shirt with a hammer and sickle and a cartoon illustration of various Communist leaders, drinks in hand – Marx even has a lampshade on his head. Communist Party, get it? Well, not everyone at her college got it. A few people told her she shouldn’t wear a shirt that featured Communists. Lighten up, people! I’m with your son. Keep warm in your Cold War gear.
Perhaps your daughter should meet my son. “Communist Party” paired with those graphics is pretty hilarious.
I agree with Sweet Posy Dreams!
Alright then, another vote for “lighten up.” Thanks for sharing your opinion.
I just chuckled out loud, the conversation between mother and son remind me so much of me and my oldest. Sadly I think it’s the first time I’ve laughed today…..thanks for that! Glad the warm hat is on the way 🙂
Oh, Jackie, I expect you do not have many opportunities to laugh while at work. So I am happy I brought a moment of laughter into your day. Don’t you just love these boys of ours?