subverting Christ(mass) consumerism...

This image is from a news story from a couple of years ago of a local rural artist that wanted to say something graphically about the consumerism and over consumption of Christmas. So, he placed this piece of subversive art in his front yard. Over the head of the cross is written something to the effect, " King of the Empire; Sumptum Fac Donec Consumptus Sis." Which means " shop till you drop."

Some neighbors were outraged, local municipal politicians came to visit...and a local Anglican minister came to visit. But, the art stayed up.

My question to you is, is this subversive art ? Does it speak into the prevailing culture of rampant consumerism, and at the same time provide a revelation of an alternative. Or is it just tasteless and gruesome?

I couldn't find Canadian shopping stats for over the November/ December period, but this from USA Today, for expected American spending over those 2 months...

 

"U.S. consumers are expected to spend $437.6 billion in the November and December period, a 1% drop from $442 billion last year." This is one country, I suspect if we were to add all the rich nations spending to the tab...it would be mind boggling.

 

As for Santa, I guess it's not really fair to nail him to the cross, he is only the messenger...so to speak. But, I don't think we can avoid the cross in the face of Christmas, it truly is a revelation of an alternative way...of profound sacrifice. It seems at Christmas we don't sacrifice much.

This image is from a news story from a couple of years ago of a local rural artist that wanted to say something graphically about the consumerism and over consumption of Christmas. So, he placed this piece of subversive art in his front yard. Over the head of the cross is written something to the effect, " King of the Empire; Sumptum Fac Donec Consumptus Sis." Which means " shop till you drop."

Some neighbors were outraged, local municipal politicians came to visit...and a local Anglican minister came to visit. But, the art stayed up.

My question to you is, is this subversive art ? Does it speak into the prevailing culture of rampant consumerism, and at the same time provide a revelation of an alternative. Or is it just tasteless and gruesome?

I couldn't find Canadian shopping stats for over the November/ December period, but this from USA Today, for expected American spending over those 2 months...

 

"U.S. consumers are expected to spend $437.6 billion in the November and December period, a 1% drop from $442 billion last year." This is one country, I suspect if we were to add all the rich nations spending to the tab...it would be mind boggling.

 

As for Santa, I guess it's not really fair to nail him to the cross, he is only the messenger...so to speak. But, I don't think we can avoid the cross in the face of Christmas, it truly is a revelation of an alternative way...of profound sacrifice. It seems at Christmas we don't sacrifice much.

Comments

[Randy Hein]

I think I've spoken to this one before, but - if not - here are my thoughts.

I think it is absolutely brilliant, but I'd be pretty pissed if I were his neighbor and my kids had to pass it every morning while they walked to school.

I'm nothing if not inconstant.

[Ruth]

There are better ways to subvert consumerism than by frightening children.

It's a cheap easy shot that's been done before.

[Grace Junkie]

I think it's brilliant! Regardless of if it's been done before, or is scary it sends a very important message that we need to be reminded of. I applauded people so bold as to speak out about the consumerism around Christmas which replaces Christ.

[Erin Wilson]

Yeah... I think it's pretty much brilliant too, though I didn't think about the impact on children at first. I wonder if it could have had more (positive) impact if the artist had found a way to present this to adults only.

[Eruesso]

Check out this link to a video of a man who set up a shocking display with a shotgun Jesus and a dead Santa.

http://exploringourmatrix.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-saw-jesus-killing-santa-claus.html

And in response to Ruth's comment, if protecting our children from frightening imagery is more important than rampant consumerism and greed we should censor the Bible itself or at least put a 'R' Rating on the cover.

[The Renegade Librarian]

I believe that the stat for Canada is $35 billion or so spent each Christmas, just in case you were curious! Hope you're well, Ron!