Poll: How Far Would You Go to Make a Political Statement?

January 23, 2008

From getting a controversial tattoo, to camping in a tree, to dousing fur-fashionistas with paint, how far is too far in the realm of political discourse? At what point does a statement detract from the intended cause, and become more about the statement?

News Poll

15 Comments

Princesskitty22 5 years

I agree foxie, way too far and makes no sense at all.

foxie 5 years

I think we can ALL agree that crap like this is WAY too far. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,324966,00.html

BRANDYNICOLE730 5 years

Well, in my opinion, anti-choicers blowing up an abortion clinic in support of human life is taking it too far, and completely hypocritical and ironic.

potc crazyy 5 years

The thing is, when PETA did the fur-protesting and all, it worked. Nowadays most people feel ashamed to wear real fur.But most of the time, 'extreme' statements aren't that effective. All it does it hurt peoples' feelings and annoy people but not make anyone actually change their mind and improve their ways.I would picket, but that's about as far as I'd go to stand up for something.

potc crazyy 5 years

The thing is, when PETA did the fur-protesting and all, it worked. Nowadays most people feel ashamed to wear real fur. But most of the time, 'extreme' statements aren't that effective. All it does it hurt peoples' feelings and annoy people but not make anyone actually change their mind and improve their ways. I would picket, but that's about as far as I'd go to stand up for something.

popgoestheworld 5 years

If I really felt passionate about something, I would go to lengths in support of it. But like others have said, I would stop at damaging other people's property etc.

freegracefrom 5 years

Bottom line is you don't injure other people in any way to prove a point. Even beyond the red paint & fur coats example, I had some sympathy for the Chechens before that whole school hostage crisis back in 2004. That competely turned me off. You garner attention, but in this case, "negative publicity" is absolutely NOT better than "no publicity" at all.

omilawd 5 years

When it gets to the point where you're violating someone's rights, destroying their property, or threatening them, then it's just plain wrong. i.e. the red paint thing. That's just absurd and puts you (and your cause) in a bad light.

omilawd 5 years

MandyJoBo 5 years

I wouldn't hurt anyone (nor their property), break the law, or hurt myself. Being passionate doesn't trump being a responsible and intelligent adult.

geebers 5 years

I think there is definitely a limit. I argue points and get angry and refuse to back down when I feel a cause is too important and I KNOW I offend people but I truly believe you have to stick up for your beliefs. However, you cant do things that disrespect someone such as throwing paint on them etc. You need to find other ways. Now, I do think at times you have to be passionate and maybe use attention-getters but again - within reason. Don't resort to violence and disrespect.

cine_lover 5 years

I have a big group of friends who lived in the trees. One of them did not last very long. She said it is a lot more complex and difficult. They had to go to the bathroom in buckets. I don't think I could do that.

ellipsery 5 years

I think you get to a certain point where you just make a mockery of the issue. When PETA members throw red paint on fur coats and in shops, they're really detracting from their cause, IMHO. Even though I'm a vegan and a huge animal rights supporter, I'm embarrassed by them.

remedios 5 years

Since the question is "how far would I go" I chose being reasonable. But I also believe that if you're passionate about a cause you have to get attention. But at the same time you have to realize potential negative impact and be willing to accept it. But just because some people suddenly hate you doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. I personally am not very confrontational (in real life anyway) and so I don't like putting myself into situations in which some huge argument might blow up. But I wish I weren't such a wuss.

foxie 5 years

What's an opinion worth if it isn't worth sharing? Some matters are too important to just sit around waiting for them to creep their way into the ever-moving spotlight. You have to make your own spotlight.

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15 Comments