Disclaimer, I fully support the message that ‘Just Stop Oil’ and other climate activists are trying to convey. It is without a doubt that climate change is a massive problem that we are facing and actions taken to tackle it are not sufficient. However, radical methods of protesting, like targeting artworks or establishing roadblocks can alienate the public from the very cause.
Symbols matter in activism. Acting upon the ideas represented by these symbols can bring people to the table and open the doors for policy change. However, desecrating the artwork of Van Gogh, a man who cared deeply about nature and celebrated life and joy in his paintings, discredits the principles of activism and does not seem to be a good example of ‘symbolism’.
One of the activists, 21 years old Phoebe Plummer, asked if the protection of a painting is worth more than the protection of our planet and environment. To me, that is an inappropriate question. Art and climate change are not competing for resources or political support. Art expresses the beauty of nature and the hope of humanity. Attacking art is a violation of all the values it upholds.
I cannot help but worry if they would start targeting private cars and burning down petrol stations, which are directly related to climate change as well. It might not take long before these kinds of protests descend into anarchy.
It might not take long before these kinds of protests descend into anarchy.
‘Just Stop Oil’ says their action managed to get the public thinking about climate change, but how many did think about this issue seriously after the entire fiasco and decided to take immediate action? Recently, people clashed with ‘Just Stop Oil’ activists after they blockaded a busy road in Shoreditch, London. The protestors eventually had to be dragged off the road. This says a lot about public opinion of such acts in the name of activism.
In my opinion, shock and awe campaigns like the vandalising of van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ cannot appeal to people to spare a thought for climate change. It can only serve to deter the masses and may even undermine the importance of climate activism and make it synonymous with hooliganism. It can make the government crackdown on protests and activism, as has been seen with the draconian anti-protest bill.
Activists must now choose between two options: adopting a moderate approach and garnering more public support or continuing with extreme measures and risking alienating themselves in the court of public opinion.