Stickin' it to The Man

Thats right, your favorite diva is not only an art revolutionary, she is a social activist as well, at least where that fits in with the art revoltion.
For those of you who do not live in Calgary, the Downtown Association, which is an organization dedicated to " ...enhance Downtown's vitality by increasing the diversity and density of attractions, activities, housing and employment opportunities.", has been running anti-panhandling ads on trains and buses and various publications that show well dressed people holding cardboard signs that say stuff like "spare change for crack?" and then explaining how most panhandlers are drug addicts and mentally ill. I, and no small number of others were disgusted. I decided to do a performance art protest and get a bunch of cardboard signs and have people walk up and down Stephen ave (where the original ads were shot, also hq of the association) carrying them.
As I was trying to figure out exactly how to stage this, I met some people from an organization called Food Not Bombs, who do free outdoor meals for anyone who wants to come and eat. They told me they were having a breakfast rally and I should bring my signs.
So Cory and I made something like 50 signs that said things like;
spare change for affordable housing?
spare change for sustainable industry?
spare change for compassion?
spare change for rose colored glasses?
On the back of each one it said "you can change the world."
I biked downtown at 730 am with these things strapped to my back. There were like 5 other signs there so its really a good thing I showed up. In case I needed further evidence of the universes approval, when I opened my bag the first person to come forward was a very angry native lady I have been seeing around downtown for years. She reached in without looking and took the sign that said "spare change for cultural reparations?"
Does it get more perfect?
So because I masterminded the signage project I got my picture taken a bunch by various media people. A guy from The Calgary Journal sent me some interview questions which I answered and sent back. I post them here for your amusement. Whether all or any of what I said will get in I do not know.
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1) What was your main goal of the protest?
I wanted to do something to wake up peoples consciousness a little. Not only the DA, but the passersby and my fellow protesters's also. Each sign said *you can change the world* on the back. I was making a statement about respect and a suggestion about priorities and appropriate ways of sending a message. Spare change for a better ad campaign?
2) Why was this your goal?
It bugs me to see ignorance and arrogance marching proudly hand in hand with the full support of people who ought to know better. I, and many others, found that campaign very bigoted and were dismayed that the publications and venues that hosted those ads did so. It seemed to propagate a dangerously negative stereotype, which I felt it necessary to publicly oppose. it was originally concieved as a live art piece. Then I met The people at food not bombs and they told me about their protest breakfast. so i showed up with a bunch of signs.
3) Did you think you accomplished what you set out to do?
I set out to speak up about something important, and to get people thinking, and to encourage and assist those most affected in speaking up for themselves. My main concern had originally been how I was going to get that many people to carry signs around. So yes, I did.
4) What was the general response to the protest?
A lot of people averted their eyes as they passed, as I guess they would with ordinary panhandlers. Occasionally one would stop and ask what was going on. Some picked up a sign after being informed.

5) How do you feel the protest went?
Very well.
6) Do you think the protest will have an significant impact on the
nullification of the campaign?
I like to hope so. It would be nice if they all looked at each other aghast and said, "We didn't realize how offensive this was!", and then in reparation donated the rest of their ad money to one of those agencies they advocate. We may at least have managed to raise some public awareness, which could encourage them to rethink their approach.
7) How do you feel the Calgary Business Association dealt with the protest?
There were quite a number of police and security considering we mostly walked around quietly eating pancakes and holding our signs. I am told that the association's representative upheld their position rather ineffectively when interviewed, but I did not hear his statements firsthand.
8) What message do you have for the Association after the protest?
Your campaign is in extremely poor taste. There are ways to encourage donating to agencies that do not promote fear and prejudice against the people those agencies are to assist. Your methods are counterproductive if your intention is to raise support for these same people. Be aware of the way you affect the real lives of others and the picture you present of your own organization in doing so. Spare change for respect?