Yours Defiantly
Ding dong ditch just got serious.
EXTINCTION REBELLION UPS THEIR DEMONSTRATION GAMES WITH CLIMATE CRISIS WAKE-UP CALLS.
Client:
Extinction Rebellion
Task:
Come up with an idea that inspires Black Gen Zers to join Extinction Rebellion.
Background:
Extinction Rebellion is a decentralised, international, and politically non-partisan movement using non-violent direct action and civil disobedience to persuade governments to act justly on the Climate and Ecological Emergency. But while their goals are important, Extinction Rebellion has been accused of being mostly White and middle-class and making little effort to include activists from Black and Brown communities, often criticised for holding disruptive public demonstrations in these very communities, despite these communities suffering the most from the consequences of the climate crisis.
The sad reality is that black people are already living in the dystopian climate catastrophes that Extinction Rebellion thinks are future scenarios. Getting them to care will be difficult. So, let's take the consequences of the climate crisis straight to the doorsteps of those most responsible.
Idea:
Partnering with the black UK pop culture blog, The Shade Borough, we'll have Extinction Rebellion take the consequences of the climate crisis straight to those with the highest carbon footprint—white, affluent communities.
Each day, Shade Borough residents will vote to choose which consequence Extinction Rebellion will enact, with stunts being streamed on TSB and ER's social platforms. To facilitate educational content and conversations rooted in cultural context, Leah Thomas, environmentalist, author, and founder of Intersectional Environmentalist, will host the experiences to bridge the gap between Shade Borough residents and Extinction Rebellion Members.
Manifesto
Impact:
Changing the locations of Extinction Rebellion’s demonstrations challenges existing power structures and calls for accountability and systemic change.
The viral demonstrations gain national coverage, and by engaging Black Z in the Shade Borough, we spark conversations about the unequal impact of climate change and educate a generation on the interconnectedness of environmental issues, social justice, and racial inequality.
By recognising that Black communities are disproportionately affected by climate catastrophes, demonstrating their dedication towards inclusivity, and actively engaging, Extinction Rebellion highlights the urgent need for action, inspiring and empowering Black Gen Z to be part of the solution by joining.