'I want a hot date, not a hot planet'
A few weeks ago we posted the blog post: Attention from politicians? Go protest!. Nowadays, protesting seems to be the way to get an issue on the political agenda, was the message. And protest signs play an important role in this. I had never been to a protest myself, but I thought it was time for one. As a person and also as a communications professional. Last Saturday was therefore my perfect opportunity: The Climate March, with an incredible variety of protest signs as a means of communication.
I have been eating vegetarian for a number of years (with a few exceptions), cycling as much as possible, turning off the heating early, buying as little new clothing as possible and have exchanged all disposable wipes, bags and cotton pads in the house for reusable alternatives. Nice and nice: but unfortunately that alone won't get us there. In addition to the fact that everyone should do their own part, I believe that something should change about the large companies that emit much more than citizens. And the only way this will happen is if it is imposed by politics. That's why I walked along last Saturday, together with about 40,000 other people. To ensure that something changes.
Communication tools at a protest
The ways to communicate your message at such a protest are endless: you can wear party sweaters and T-shirts, you can play different protest songs, you can sing songs, shout along the well-known quotes and slogans. All common, but the most well-known tool to convey your message is: The protest sign.
The communication properties of a protest sign
Besides the fact that other people read your protest sign, and it gives me a good feeling (personally) to hold your own sign up in the air, the protest sign is also perfectly made to be photographed, which can easily be shared on social media . This means that even more people, including those who were not present at the protest, will see your protest sign and your message.
How does such a message come about on your plate? Where do people get it from? And what idea or feeling might be behind it? I started paying attention during the protest and took some pictures of things that caught my eye.
#1
The mainly left-wing one political parties came back everywhere with their plates. GroenLinks, PvdA and Party for the Animals were indispensable in the part of the march where we walked. By walking with a protest sign or party flag, you make yourself part of a larger group of people with the same idea. This strengthens your feeling of 'protesting together'. Moreover, by using logos you ensure that your sign is recognizable and therefore more noticeable.
#2
Many texts on signs are inspired by music or a one-liner from a movie. Recognition also plays an important role here. Because you recognize the song or one-liner, the message comes across better and sticks around longer. Because although the climate protests sometimes lack good pop protest songs (listen to the NRC podcast to hear more about this), the quote 'Because the crisis is here and The Hague is still there' comes from the song by Froukje – Bigger Than Me. A pop song that is definitely about the climate crisis.
The quote 'You shall not pass' comes from The Lord of the Rings, films that are known to a considerably large audience. Although this sign is more of a nod to one of the largest energy companies in the world, it's still something you'll probably think of the next time you watch The Lord of the Rings 😉
#3
Creativity Matters. By making a beautiful plate or unique creation, you will stand out even more. And something that stands out also conveys your message better. These people have succeeded quite well if you ask me.
#4
One problem that the climate crisis often faces is that for many people it is an abstract and impersonal problem. Many boards tried that one for that very reason personality to transfer. By making something personal, it becomes concrete. 'What if we don't worry? Who then? What if we don't do it now? When? You can keep putting off those problems, but that's right We are the people who have to do something'.
#5
Finally, there were a lot of boards where one of the most effective ways to get your message across was used: Humour. Although everyone there faces a serious problem, it is okay to have a laugh every now and then. Humor is personal of course, but I could laugh at the 'I want a hot date, not a hot planet' and the sign with 'If the ice drips more than Jesse Klaver = it's worrying' with a photo of Jesse Klaver in a tracksuit . Especially when the protester whose protest sign was came across Jesse Klaver and had his picture taken with him and the sign. By adding humor, the message sticks better with the reader.
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So, will you go to a protest next time? Make sure you create a sign that is recognizable by using a logo or a recognizable quote. Make sure it is creative, has humor or makes the problem personal. This is how your message gets across best.
I personally found it very inspiring to see so many people rallying for such an important issue. This made it feel extra good to read last Monday that the Netherlands promised to stop investing in fossil fuel projects abroad. The fact that The Climate March partly contributed to this has motivated me even more to actively pursue greener and more sustainable living. It was my first protest, but it certainly won't be my last. And I hope more people join me: Because we all want a hot date, and not a hot planet, right?!
