Protests Through Appearance

Appearance is a silent protest. A person may not say anything at all but their outward appearance can symbolize some inward rebellion or it can make a statement. It is clear that the punk rock image started out as a form of protesting societal norms and I think that it was not very effective. The people that joined the punk culture often wanted to make some statement about politics, sexuality, gender stereotypes, or commercialism (all of which make noble causes for a protest, I think). However, the punk followers consistently imitated their leaders who were in fact muscians (i.e. the Sex Pistols or The Velvet Underground). I think that was the most entertaining aspect of the trend, it was not about the music or the talent, it was more about sending a message of rebellion to "the man" or to the older generations (parents). It is apparent that teens weren't too concerned with the quality of the music or singing, they were more concerned with the message and fitting the image of a punk rocker. I think this way of thinking still presist today because my younger brother tries to fit into this sub culture, but I know he does it just be a part of a group. I know that he does not actually know what he is protesting or why he is protesting, in fact I don't even think he realizes he is part of a "protest." I think he grows his hair out because he knows my parents hate it and he wears the clothes he does because he wants to look "tough" or fit in with his friends who all look the same. Then I remind him that he chooses his image so that he won't be conforming but in fact he looks just like evey other "punk rock/skater."

The other problem I have with the punk rock "protest" is the unclarity of the protest.
I honestly don't think that half of the fans actually knew that Poly Styrene (from X-Ray Spex) was singing about consumerism not sadomasochism in her song "Oh Bondage!" I mean really it's hard to know that the singer is protesting consumerism when she uses bondage metaphors while dressed in bondage garb. I respect that Styrene wants to make a political statement but I think her method is too misleading or too easily misunderstood. I think effective protests have a clear messages and lead to some positive action or change. I don't see any positive results of the punk rock "protests." I saw more people fight conformity and society as a whole more open to accepting different looking people but only in certain cities (New York, San Francisco, and London). I think there is a difference between rebellion and protest. I think that punk rock is somewhere lost in between the two ideas.

PETA and The Guerilla Girls

I found that both the PETA and Guerilla Girls proved to have effective and creative approaches to reach their audiences. I had never researched or learned about PETA until this assignment. I had generally thought of PETA as an extreme and radical group that used controversial tatics to gain attention to animal cruelty. I was impressed with the professionalism of their website and I found it informative. I was surprised by the content in the videos that PETA used to show the animal cruelty going on in society. I watched one video that was so intense I could not finish watching it. I did not think that this assignment would have such an impact on my way of viewing the meat industry. I agree with PETA in that the meat industry uses inhumane practices but I do not agree with PETA that the act of eating meat is murder. I agree that the meat industry is wasteful but profitable. After watching the videos, I realized that I take my standard of living for granted. PETA did a great job of raising awareness of the health issues that are involved in eating meat. I mean the pictures of the over crowed, dirty, and sickly, worn out chickens made me re-evaluate my faith in the health benefits of eating chicken and eggs. I think PETA did a great job appealing to different audiences. I think they clearly appealed to people's sense of ethics by showing the misuse of animals. I think they also appealed to our human nature of reason and compassion. We don't like to see or hear any other creature being hurt. PETA also appealed to our responsibility to each other by showing that the meat industry is wasteful and increases the divide between the fed and the hungry. Then finally PETA throws in some facts about the unclean conditions and health hazards of eating meat, just for those strictly logical or practical people. I have to say that approach worked best on me... I think that for some people, like myself, the idea of eating meat is so normal that it's hard to think of it as immoral or irresponsible. Some people are just so accoustomed to it that PETA realizes they have to use a variety of approaches to get people thinking about animals and the meat industry, especially if they want people to make substaintial changes to their lifestyle.

In the case of the Guerilla Girls I think that they use a more light hearted approach. I mean they cannot expect to be taken seriously wearing gorilla masks? They take a serious topic of women's role in the art world and put a humourous spin on it. They give us startling statistics and facts but they add funny pictures or witty slogans to their advirtisments. I think that they are trying to raise awareness to the fact that women have a stereotypical image in the art world. They also bring to our attention the lack of female influence in the creation of art and film. The Guerilla Girls shy away from the typical "in your face" tatics that feminist have been know to use. The girls break the stereotype of a feminist while trying to break the stereotype of the role of women in art. I really like the approach the girls use, in fact, I want to read on of their books. I realize that some people find the masks weird or even creepy, I personally find them creative and effective. The masks represent a stereotype too. The idea that big beastly creatures are male and that females should not seem intimidating. Another reason I like the mask is because it conceals their identities. Many people think they know what a feminist is or what one should look like but if you can't see their faces, it sort of prevents that stereotype from prepetuating. It shows that you can't always tell who a feminist is, and it shouldn't even matter because its about the issues facing women as a whole not about any individual. The masks help unify the girls in their cause.

Critical Mass Reflection

Although we have not finished watching “We Are Traffic,” I found the documentary very interesting. My initial reaction was: what is a Critical Mass??? I could not figure out exactly the purpose of hundreds of people riding their bike through the city. As the film progressed, I realized how unique their “protest” was because there was not one sole purpose. Honestly now that I don’t have a car to drive and I walk everywhere or ride public transportation, I feel all around more relaxed and enjoy the journey to my destination. I know that might seem cheesy, but it’s true. It’s so much more fun walking with friends and socializing on the E-bus late at night, (especially when you are the only sober person). Anyway, every time I go back home and have to drive everywhere, I notice that I get aggressive and stressed when I travel in heavy traffic and when I reach my destination I tend to feel anxious or annoyed. I can relate to the people that are part of the Critical Mass that say they like riding their bikes because they feel like they are part of a community. Some of the people in group viewed the Critical Mass as a means to take back public space and make it more personal enjoyable.

It seems like it would be enjoyable to be a part of something so big and spontaneous. I think the lack of organization makes the “celebration” as they call it, so much more pleasant. The group for the most part functions as a mass of individuals each with their own personal motivation for riding but they are all working together in a spirit of good will. I mean they use humor to keep the atmosphere light. I especially liked the signs that said “honk if you like bikes.” I think that group as a whole was successful because they were able to gain such large numbers, mainly because anyone was invited to join. Once people joined they were given the individual freedom to use the rides to spread their own message, mainly through the use of flyers and signs. I think that is only central theme, the fact that Critical Mass supports individuality and creativity through using alternate transportation.

Ethos as a Means of Persuasion

It is clear that people can use radical forms to protest and deliver a message. Both Cindy Sheehan and Malachai Richter used extreme methods of protest. Richter decided that self immolation would portray his political stance against the war in Iraq. As well Sheehan devoted her time to camping out in front of the President’s private residence and refused to leave until he agreed to speak to her. When he denied her request she bought property near to him, just to be there when he decided to come home.

I think Richter’s form of protest was radical and created shock value. I think that it was his way of self sacrificing himself for what he considered a worthy cause. In contrast his personal moral character (ethos) is in question when he makes claims like “I wish I killed Rumsfeld when I had the chance.” I mean what sort of image does that give of his personal values? I think the fact that his suicide was harmless to others makes it “peaceful” in a way. I mean he was only hurting himself not anyone else, which was his choice and in some ways is respectable in that not many people are willing to die such a painful death for a cause. However, there is never any justification for infringing on another’s rights, especially taking another person’s life. Richter did something so shocking that it did demand attention, but I don’t think it accomplished much else. I mean there are no “Richter Anti-war” legislations being debated in congress. There are no memorial parks dedicated to him or his mission. I just think that suicide in itself is a selfish act and that aside from being dramatic and calling attention to the issue it won’t accomplish much. Wouldn’t someone rather work to progressively change and have the satisfaction of seeing results if that is possible? This is what I respect about Cindy Sheehan...

Now I think that Sheehan did so many things wrong with her method of protest but I also think she did many things right. First of all, who would make a better leader for a peace cause then a heartbroken mother of a deceased soldier? She is the epitome of ethos, she is a “stakeholder” in that she was directly affected in a personal way by the war in Iraq. Who is more trustworthy than a mother of an American soldier? I mean people would just naturally trust that alone as making her a reliable person for the cause. I just think that Sheehan was asking a lot of the public. She suggest that we leave all our “stuff” behind and sell our houses and cars in order to protest the war. I mean many people may agree with her and want to protest with her but she didn’t really offer any practical options for people.