Who/What: Semi-famous director Kevin Smith, at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, Smith released his movie Red State. Ironically, the inspiration for the movie attended: The West Boro Baptist Church. Kevin cleverly gathered his friends and coworkers to create counter protest signs, and offered all who attended to attempt to make the 'best protest sign' against the Church to win free tickets to the screening. Such counter protest signs included signs saying "God hates rainy days and Mondays", "God hates press screenings", and the winner of the free ticket: a sign simply with the image of a Ewok from Star Wars... Covered with a big 'Ghost Busters'esque 'no' symbol.
Where: The 2011 Sundance Film Festival.
Why: In order to fight hate with humor, and to not deter others from their personal expression, Smith decided to counter the West Boro Baptist Church with this tactic. Previously, Smith has used a similar strategy when his film Dogma was released. Kevin attended the protest, protested his own movie, and was interviewed. His interview aired on CNN, where the nation finally caught on to Smith's comedic ways.
Identity: Kevin and his fans have created a community that through this counter protest, united to fight negativity and hatred with comedy and pure silliness.
Works Cited:
Smith, Kevin. "Kevin Smith: Burn in Hell." Youtube. N.p., 21 Sept. 2015. Web. 1 Sept. 2016.
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