The Yes Men: Controversial Thought Provokers
The Yes Men documentary about the two activists provoked a few emotions within me: Laughter, sadness, concern and hopelessness. These activists impersonate powerful individuals who have had a large hand in influencing negative events around the world. The issues (and the individuals responsible for these issues) they address are disheartening but what makes me even more concerned is the fact that I didn’t know about some of the issues they addressed in the movie. This could be for many reasons but one being that these big world issues are scraped under the carpet and ‘forgotten’ about because the people responsible hold a lot of power and influence mainstream media to steer away from it’s publicity. They don’t want people to know what they did. Therefor it makes me happy to know that The Yes Men are pulling stunts to spark conversation about these topics so that they don’t become dead dogma. This supports our team’s design manifesto in that we are inspired through individuals who develop powerful messages that provide opportunities for education and action. These men, though not designers, show that it is worth the effort to engage in something that you’re passionate about. To create something that sparks conversation, educates and potentiially leads to some kind of action as a responce is a lot more valuable than creating something pretty. These man gave a voice to the voiceless - whether their stunts lead to change or evoke the right type of response, I value what they did for those affected by these awful events. This is reflected in those populations’ reactions to their stunts as well. The stuts weren’t perfect and they are flawed in not having a strong plan of action beyond the stunts but they gave a voice to people who don’t and that is something that I am a huge advokate for. The hopelessness I felt from seeing some of the powerful white men’s reactions to the absurd stunts; they’re obliviousness of the stunt and their brainwashed brains that are concerned about money only. It’s sad to know that there are many powerful people alike them out in the world, but it’s good to know that there are men like The Yes Men who are taking steps against these type of people to shine light on how awful and disregarding they are to people who matter but are viewed as disposable especially when it comes to money.Â
My only doubt that comes from watching this documentary is whether we are able to actually make an impact with design in this world. If two guys who did some major stunts weren’t able to reach someone like me who had no idea of them or the things they’ve done, then it makes me wonder if I have the capabilities to enable change. On the macro level though I do believe that change starts with every one person in the world which gives me hope and restores little bit of that hopelessness.
As a designer, I find inspiration from The Yes Men to always remember that we can enable and provoke change. Design to me has shifted from being visualizations to creations that can advocate for change. Even if it doesn’t provoke change, the effort toward provoking change is good enough.Â