Loyal readers of this blog know that I’m not a big fan of Adbusters (because I think antimarketing is ultimately just a kind of graffiti that reinforces marketing). But I don’t wish upon them further grief for a big faux pas they made with their One Flag competition. The idea was to open up a flag design contest to represent the global community. The problem, though, was that the panel of experts appointed to select the flag were all white men. How ironic. Well, let’s hope this is a teachable moment for the Adbuster’s crew (sounds like it is).
William Drenttel, one of the judges who opted out, writes in Design Observer:
I’m writing this here not to further abuse Adbusters, but to forcefully argue that this should not happen again. It is time for organizations to encourage diversity as a part of developing new ideas, excellence and a richness in the future of design — an increased focus on multiculturalism, gender equality and globalism is more than appropriate in these times. Designers should take a personal pledge that they will not participate in events or initiatives that do not include participation by others, whether of sex, color or language. It’s a simple step, but it’s time.
You can check out the competition here. There are actually some pretty cool concepts. I voted for The Rainbow of Existence. (Today, March 17, is the last day to vote)
Had gotten my act together, I would have made one that was white with the handwritten words, “This is not a flag.”
