Performance artist and activist Rev. Billy is the subject of a movie produced by Morgan Spurlock. What Would Jesus Buy?
I might consider seeing it but the trailer makes it look over-the-top and nothing but extreme theatricality. I hope it's not all evangelistic-fervour-pretense and cute neologisms like "shopocalypse" and "shopture." It's as if many people will pay attention only to sensationalism, and messages are received only if the messenger is haranguing and gesticulating wildly. The message of the movie is probably anti-corporate activism, and not so much how consumerism affects the individual. Which makes me suspect it's more about the entertainment value of the delivery of the message, than the quality of the message itself.
I suppose, if there are any compulsive shoppers left to convert, Rev. Billy's crusade serves a purpose. But Rev. Billy's clothes came from somewhere, he probably has a car, and where does he eat when he's on tour? Is he making an example of some easy, frequently hit targets like Wal*Mart and Starbucks? Is it going to be people shouting over each other for drama: i.e., the commonly accepted form of discourse perpetuated by mass media? Is there anyone left in America who doesn't know about sweatshop labor? Am I going to learn anything new from this film?
Coming at the end of the month: 'What Would Jesus Buy?'
November 4th, 2007 at 08:54 pm
November 14th, 2007 at 07:32 pm
And there are over 26 million ADDICTED shoppers, let alone the number of additional compulsive shoppers--to wonder if this is a problem is to exemplify the problem.
Go see this film, then make up your mind about it.
November 24th, 2007 at 09:19 pm
I believe the strongest parts of the film are the individual confessions and intimate portraits of families and persons who are either excessive consumers, pushed into debt just to get enough presents for their kids, or believe love or popularity can only be bought with stuff.
The film does use theatrics, of course. The Church of Stop Shopping is a theater company, a comedic musical theater company with a very serious message. Comedy and revivalist theater style wakes people up, engages them in a fresh exciting way, transforms public space.
Billy may be a preacher but he does not claim to be perfect. We are all sinners. I have been with the company for six years, and you can trust that Billy shops as little as possible. They have a car only for shlepping all our costumes and music equipment and use bikes and subways for everything else.
When we toured across the country, we patroned only locally owned stores and restaurants. and the reason to focus on big name stores is because if the top companies change their policies, others will have to cave to follow suit. It is competitive and once something catches on with consumers, corporations are quick to change to please their shoppers, if the demand is high enough.
It is not inevitable that Walmart is the new way. We do not have to accept it. We can demand fair trade and fair wages for all workers.
I hope this sparks your curiosity and assuages your fears. Please go see it!
Thanks,
Monica