Past generations have defined their difficult and historic times with artwork, photographs and songs. The Guernica serves as a reminder of the Spanish Civil War, one Photograph served as the face for the Great Depression and the Vietnam War gave birth to numerous songs. The current generation, my generation, has chosen to use t shirts to mark the defining moments of our lives. T shirts, though seemingly fleeting, bear witness to the Lewinsky Scandal, September 11th, the Iraq War, the Bush presidency and Obama's November 4th win. Given the iconic role that t shirts have taken over the past few years, it's no surprise that t shirts are now commemorating and commentating on the financial crisis.

Perhaps the funniest bailout related shirt was created by Print Liberation and simply states, "Bailout This Package" with an arrow pointing down. What better way to show that it's time to forget about these large corporations and start looking after the small guys? Cough cough, well not small, but, you know, average. Seriously though, I can't think of a better way to simultaneously express and resolve some of life's greatest frustrations!

Hoodhead has also recently printed a shirt that speaks to the current financial mood. It plays on the iconic "I Heart NY" shirt but instead proclaims, "I can't afford to Heart NY!" If you want one you better act quickly, New York has been quick to sue anyone who spins off their trademarked "I Heart NY" design including North Carolina in the not to distant past. If you can afford to heart this t-shirt you can order it for only $14.99.

Mental Floss, a magazine for knowledge junkies, recently challenged readers to come up with the best financial crisis themed t-shirt. The winning entry fittingly featured Mr. Monopoly simply stating, "D'ow". It will be available soon for $17.97. Personally I think that may be the simplest summary of the current situation, it's just a shame Homer couldn't have worn the monocle and top hat.

Also worth checking out are Neatorama's economy themed t-shirts. The coolest offering is the $700,000,000,000 shirt which is a take on the standard, "and all I got was this lousy t shirt", meme. Neatorama also has many other great financial meltdown themed t shirts all selling for the low price of $9.99!

Still need more economy themed t-shirts? Head over to Zazzle.com where there are over 1,000 t shirts relating to the economy. With so many choices, you're sure to find one that fits the political affiliations in your closet.

While the idea of using t shirts to mark our historic moments may seem outrageous at first glance, I believe it's a medium that fits in well with my generation. T shirts make voicing your opinion, joining a movement or remembering a historic moment accessible and lasting. As vintage rock t shirts have become collector's items in the recent years, I think we will see increased demand for t shirts that capture a moment of history in cotton. After all, it is the fabric of our lives!

via Tcritic.com and Rizzotees