Adbusting Grand Theft Auto
Posted August 31st, 2005 by eliot
Speaking of DIY space reclamation, reader Susan engaged in a little counter-guerilla marketing project recently, taking on the seemingly ubiquitous Grand Theft Auto ads. She writes:
Grand Theft Auto, the video game that has drawn so much criticism for allegedly including sexually explicit scenes and for, in general promoting criminal behavior and sexist ideas (read more here) has been engaging in a bit of “guerilla marketing” in New York.
Putting these stickers on the gritty telephone poles of the city gives the product instant street cred…. Since I find the game pretty sexist, and since I hate it when corporate interests invade street art I decided to take a little guerilla counter action….
I’m just angry to see and AD dressed up like street art. Street artists give away art for free—they spend their money and time making art and making the streets a fun exciting place and don’t get a penny in return. These people want you to buy something and I resent having my mental space invaded by advertising when I’m walking around looking for interesting street art. If you want to put up an ad PAY someone for the space like everyone else. Otherwise I will mock you. And other people might too. It’s a jungle out there.
Low-tech DIY campaigns like this one are small acts of refusal. Although folks might argue about how “effective” they are, they at least help transform the person who does them from a consumer/spectator to a producer and participant, and that’s worth a lot. Thanks Susan! Full story and downloadable image file here.
