By Adam Ferguson
Ah ignorance! Is there anything better than your whitewashing of history? Your infusion of misguided beliefs? Your self-centered head-buried in the sand ideals? Let’s face it, there’s a large part of this country that has absolutely no clue what they’re talking about. Take, for example, the recent Lowe’s controversy in which they removed their ads from All-American Muslim, a show depicting five muslim families living in Dearborn, Michigan. They pulled it because a conservative group in Florida (or, “not those people again”) called the Florida Family Association decided it was un-American to broadcast a show that depicted religion as anything other than Christian and they started a letter writing campaign. So forget the fact that this country has something called freedom of religion, and that one of the men on the show is a police officer protecting the Jesus-loving asses of his town. No, you see, the FFA wants America to fit into their ideals and their beliefs and if the comments section of the Lowe’s Facebook page is any indication, there’s a large number of Americans who are just as ignorant. This is absolutely in no way different than the Westboro Baptist Church protesting at the funerals of dead homosexuals.
Unfortunately, all of this is just another in a horribly long line of American ignorance that fails to see what our country was truly built on, and instead finds splintered “religious” groups pushing their own agenda by misinterpreting true American ideals. Need more proof? Keep reading.
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I’m used to preachers and zealots screaming their opinions on the NYC subway. Can’t say I’ve seen many advertisers do it. But Manhattan Mini Storage has a knack for talking about pop culture, sports and political issues in their ads.
Most times it helps them sell their storage units. This time, it’s just railing again poor ol’ Rick Perry. Can’t say I disagree with the sentiment here, I’m just a little surprised they spent good money to advertise it.
-baierman
I had some unexpected free time yesterday, so I walked down to Zuccotti Park in lower Manhattan to check out the staging grounds for Occupy Wall Street.
First off, I was impressed with how organized it was. There were sleeping tents, bags and mats for people in one area. A sign in, “Information” area for people to learn about talking points and join in. A nutritious spread of free food and sandwiches in the center. (I heard some college kid say, “First time I got a free meal in New York.”) Markers and cardboard to make signs/sayings/messages. A few places for demonstrators to spout whatever grievance they had. Plus, a yogi area and drum circle.
Most of the demonstrators seemed dedicated and serious about their cause - which I think is really focused on highlighting the immense disparity between rich and poor. Corporations, millionaires and the corporate lobbyists are the main targets. It was not so much anti-GOP or anti-Tea Party as I had thought it would be. (I did hear some anti-Obama chatter. And signs about how the democrats are in bed with Wall Street, too.)
And yes, there were certainly people there just to pose for cameras and get themselves on TV. I don’t think Jesse LaGreca qualifies in that, but I did see him walking around.
It was very civil. Spectators, tourists and suit tie folks, were mingling with the protestors.
The occupation will be tweeted! At least until it gets too cold. See the signs and photos, just read more.
-Baierman
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