More Willie

On my lunch break, I decided to vespa (it’s a verb now, not a proper noun) down to Las Olas where the latest PETA rally was taking place. I had heard whispers and rumors of some type of risque’ protest so naturally I couldn’t resist…after all, I love a creative demonstration. Well…I’ll go ahead and say it, I was disappointed.

The main attraction was a pair of giant “meat packages” , but instead of actual meat they had two naked women lying in each one covered in fake blood. There was a group behind the spectacle holding “Meat is Murder” signs and then a few others wandering around passing out pamphlets on becoming a vegetarian.

Let’s start with the people handing out pamphlets. This group seemed to be comprised almost entirely of hipster / alternative kids who weren’t very engaging. The hipster who lackadaisically strolled over to give me my “How to Become a Vegetarian” magazine looked like he just left a punk rock show. He could have been high. He didn’t really speak. Ok, let’s address this issue because I don’t have any problem with hipsters or anyone else. Personal expression is great. But come on PETA, you’re organizing a demonstration on Las Olas during lunch rush! These are business people that are walking by, they don’t want to be bothered by some random kid who acts as awkward as he looks. Think about your demographic and who you want to target. Some enthusiastic demonstrators would be nice too.

And your main attraction, I appreciate it, it was artistic and would have gotten out the message…if the venue had been different. Again. Business people. Lunch time. You want to get their attention? Well why not have some actual food. We have a great vegan restaurant that’s into animal rights and is non-profit…maybe some collaboration? Don’t just tout this meat is murder campaign that everyone has heard over and over…and over. Show people alternatives, make vegetarianism attractive. You had the perfect time on the perfect corner to do something engaging with food or interaction and you failed.

The meat packaging idea would have been great if you had done it at an art opening. Use wax sculptures if you need to, leave it up for a month, but don’t throw up some static demonstration in 2009 and think you’re going to get your message out. If web 2.0 is about interactivity and dynamic elements, maybe you should start thinking about demonstrating 2.0. Get people involved.

On a positive note, the exhibit was quite clever artistically. The girls in it were laying head to foot in a fetal-like position under a cling wrap like material and were covered in fake blood. A product label (about animal abuse & meat) was affixed on top of the cling wrap which gave the illusion that each girl was, in fact, folded in half in some sort of grotesque position. I’m not sure if this was their intention, but it played. The packages actually might have looked too good. One person actually told me that it made him hungrier and all he could think about was a burger since he saw the demonstration. I would chalk this up to an attempt at a laugh at PETA’s expense, except that I echoed the sentiment.

Also, the two people, who I’m assuming were in charge because they were the only ones dressed like professionals, came across as friendly and driven. As soon as I pulled out my camera, the woman rushed over to me to ask if I was part of the press or needed anything. No thanks, I’m freelance, but I appreciate it. Maybe next time you can hire me as a consultant before you throw a protest. I felt kind of bad for them actually. They looked a bit stressed.

The most excitement came when two redneck douchebags decided they would make obscene gestures towards the girls on display while I was photographing them. Professional PETA woman was quick to step in kick them out. Way to go. It’s a shame there are always one or two douches in a crowd who think they are funny.

Notice how sidekick douche is running away in his sock/sandle/white trash combo outfit while head douche is making the gesture for something he has probably only done to his immediate family.

Overall, it was just kind of blah. The people in the exhibit stayed in their packages, the people with the signs stood around and looked nonplussed, and the people handing out magazines/pamphlets did just that. I was really expecting a bit more. Oh well, maybe next time PETA.

Some selected images:

For all the photos check out the proofs.