A question for Susan and Roger and Jess

[profdunebastard]

note: This probably fits better in msufa events, but since Susan isn't always logged on to see that category, well, sep. of church and state is an issue in freethought too.

So we were discussing demonstration ideas for sep of church and state week, ala Moseying about as Moseses, and the idea of someone as church, someone as state, and some form of separation in between the two came up. Sean reminded us that this idea was brought up last year as possible, and subsequently shotdown for one reason or another and we were wondering if there were valid reasons not to use it this year. To me it seems simple, pertinent, and generally inoffensive but perhaps it seems too preachy? Does it lack that tounge and cheek quality we employ so well.? Too literal? Anyway, advice from the vets and any input or suggestions would be welcome.

[Valvilis]

Just be warned that even here in heavy Kerry-voting Port Huron, post-election Bush bashing hasn't been being taken very well. Some *cough* losers *cough* people might find the timing a bit innappropriate. So make sure you are properly gooned-up. Hopefully, whoever fills the role of resident extremist can fight at a fraction of what your old one could.

Good luck!

[TheBuckeyeBitch]

I don't remember the exact discussions we had about this, but I think there were a few reasons not to go with it. First, it seemed a bit cheesy and preachy as you mention. I don't see college students really getting influenced by such a display. Second, there was the idea of someone dressing up as a wall, but we weren't sure how to pull this off either artistically or financially. Thirdly, the person as "church"....another issue of how to do that effectively and without appearing anti-religion.

Lastly, less coverage of campus, particularly if it's cold when you have your demonstration. You'd probably only be able to cover Wells, and while that's not that bad, you're still only getting a small segment of the population. Last year there was great weather on the day that we did the Mosesing, so not only were we able to walk around to more of campus, but more people were also walking around instead of just taking the bus.

As for suggestions, I would suggest treading (somewhat) carefully, and stressing both sides of the separation coin equally. I wasn't a big fan of the Moses idea last year to begin with, but a similar demonstration would likely be taken badly given the post-election environment. Shit, even Jason kinda agrees with me for once on this one! Anyway, people feel very strongly about this stuff at the moment, so taking too extreme a position (doesn't even have to be that extreme...just not within the accepted limits of your audience) and you can actually push even a moderate in the opposite direction from what you're advocating. Obviously, you're not going to convince any Rush Limbaugh wannabes, but we also don't want to be counterproductive.

Susan "Attitudes Researcher" Wise