Rent-a-Crowd Racket
link Rent-a-Crowd Entrepreneurs in Ukraine Find People Fast to Cheer or Jeer for any cause – WSJ.com.
And there are still doubters on the natural role of capitalism in humankind. That someone thought of making a business out of protesters shows how enduring is the human instinct to create and profit from a business opportunity. There is no reason to think this kind of scheme hasn’t been in operation in the west for the past while. Hmm, now we know why climate protesters are young, have beards and wear woollen hats or toques, even in the heat of summer…and we’re talking males and females. I thought they were fashion statements, but in fact they were veils of anonymity.
I’m sure these guys are much better off than their counterparts in the middle east. Whenever you see those protesters assuming the “death to the Great Satan” chant, they are standing outside in the hot sun with no shade. In the middle east, the chants have to be co-ordinated with rhythmic fist pumping, the universal gesture of giving the west the bird. As well, the pay is probably not as good if at all. In addition, there is always the risk of being shot by your fellow protesters if they shoot bullets into the air.
Professional protesters in western countries have life a bit easier. As the article states, there is an organized pay system and it will only be a matter of time before competitive agencies increase the money available. Next thing you know, they’ll be organized into unions with local chapters outlining specific working conditions and benefits. For example, protests must be held only at venues with at least one Starbucks nearby for pre and post rally use. Bathroom breaks of course are in the contract. If anyone is designated to physically confront the police, pay is extra as are surcharges if pepper sprayed or being thrown in the hoosegow.
Out of town gigs at ice floes or seal hunt venues require extra pay as well as donuts when the cameras are turned off. Ostensibly a short term career choice for some students but there are those who enjoy the lifestyle, the travelling and the camaraderie that comes with the gig. Heck, some stay on and become famous doing this well after their school days are over. David Suzuki comes to mind.
Alas, as the popularity of this profession peaks, some people will be recognized as ‘regulars’ and the effectiveness of professional groups will suffer. Luckily, there are always new recruits from the new freshman class to replenish the ranks. Professional protesting will be like pornography, a young person’s pursuit.