Faux Activism

July 11, 2001

Through a link on Poofle, I was checking out WeCanDoThis.com, a "central headquarters for unique activist projects aimed at making the world a better place." It's a moderately interesting idea, but check out the very first sentence describing one of their first projects:

To protest the outrageously high price of movie tickets and concession snacks, DON'T see a movie this Friday July 13th. Just wait until Saturday.

So, let me get this straight. The message they want to send is, "We don't like expensive movie prices but our convictions are only strong enough to protest for one night. And then we'll come the next day and give you the money we would have given you anyway." Activist, my ass.

She has the right idea. Take note, Hollywood.

Activism isn't passive. Activism isn't a temporary shift in thought. One day of lost profits won't make a bit of difference, especially when the profits won't really be lost at all, just delayed until the next day. It's a weak attempt to send a message... a way for people who like to complain, but don't have any real drive to make change, to feel like they've done something good. Remember the National Gas Out?

Real activism would be "They don't deserve your money today. And they don't deserve it tomorrow or the next day, either." My advice: screw Hollywood and their consistantly awful movies. Screw Stephen Spielberg and his self-serving attempts to make social statements. And screw each and every person that succumbs to the mentality of "summer blockbusters." Go to a theatre that shows true independent films. Buy or rent an international film on DVD. And if you simply must see Gone in 60 Seconds II—oops, I mean The Fast and the Furious—or the new Julia Roberts movie, go to a matinee and don't buy a thing at the snack counter.

I do give these guys credit for trying (and for presenting opposing viewpoints on their web site), but I feel they're going about "activism" the wrong way. These limited boycotts aren't going to send a message, no matter how big. The only way to get changes made is to cause a fundamental shift in the thinking of the American public. It won't matter if Johnny Q. Public avoids a movie on Friday only to pay to see it on Saturday. It will matter if Johnny decides to take his money elsewhere because the movie, the food, and the atmosphere is awful, and instead supports local business ventures that more directly support the artists. And no, I don't consider Julia Roberts an artist.

Go, see a movie. But ask yourself this: Am I supporting an industry that consistently churns out cookie cutter "entertainment" or am I supporting actual art, actual talent, and actual people rather than giant Hollywood corporations?