This is the “White Page” operation launched by the Extinction Rébellion collective. An action of civil disobedience to question the “visual pollution” in the streets of Dijon.
On the phone, the discussion begins, on condition of anonymity. The members each have a nickname, which we will not divulge. The actions of civil disobedience thus begin, like a whisper.
In the streets of Dijon, some and some may not even notice them anymore. At bus shelters, on billboards or lollipops, advertising posters are present everywhere. As an almost unavoidable element of the visual landscape. A habit against which Extinction Rebellion would like to fight.
“We would like the inhabitants of Dijon to wake up tomorrow morning, without advertising; we want to relieve them”, launches an activist. By the end of the day, members of Extinction Rebellion will have “Ridden the city of all this visual pollution and thousands of advertisements that we face every ojur”. Our interlocutor continues: “Nearly 2,000 posters will be removed, whether fixed on the bus shelters, or rotating on the lollipops”. They will not be replaced by anything other than emptiness: this is the “Blank Page” operation.
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In his confident voice, the activist justifies the action: “Several analyzes prove it: advertising can lead to behavioral problems. It can be anorexia or bulimia due to body worship. But also debt, because of the promotion of online betting. » Added to this are ecological reasons: advertising encourages overconsumption and waste. This results in the production of objects or clothes, but also the use of materials that can destroy natural environments. In addition, the posters replaced every week in the city result in tons of paper being used, every year.
“We won’t stop until the town hall hears us! This action is a way to challenge him. We know that the Publicis contract could be renewed in December. Our direct demands would be to put an end to this partnership, and to internalize the advertising”, explains the activist. The group does not demonize advertising. On the contrary. Because this medium can also be used wisely ” : “We could limit ourselves to advertising promoting culture, namely books, shows or even festivals. Or, leave more room for local businesses. » He adds: “Advertising, as it is conceived today, only benefits the wealthiest companies, and they get even richer. »
The number of participants in this action remains unknown. But they and they will be in number. Because in recent days, the activist has seen more and more membership in Extinction Rebellion. “I think there are more and more citizens frustrated with the lack of an ecological program – the group has grown since the presidential election. Perhaps there is a desire for greater radicalism in action, for civil disobedience. »
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