Before we start, let me state that this thread is not a troll, and is not even intended to have religious content. Its inspiration is purely sociological - a look at real and imagined symbology and iconography - and anyone who feels that that approach is too irreverant SHOULD STOP READING NOW.
Anyone still here? Okay.
I was inspired some time ago by the mildly infamous “Jesus Was Vegetarian” Texas billboard to ponder the use of the “Jesus” cultural icon (as opposed to the historical figure or the religious symbol) by fringe or not-so-fringe social groups for their own non-religious purposes. I posit that “Jesus” as a symbol has come to belong to Western culture in general and represents distilled “good” - and therefore should present some really great marketing opportunities except, of course, that most people recognize the firestorms of controversy such attempts would likely inspire.
But we have already had Jesus Was A Biker, which was really a political statement. Then Drop Kick Me Jesus Through the Goalposts of Heaven. Recently, Jesus Was Vegetarian. Each of these is purely a comment on this country, with little to no regard for history. But why stop here? Why use transparent stand-in icons - like Santa - when we could use the real thing?
What other pop uses of the J-Man have you seen - or what bumper stickers would you like to see? (The idea is, use Jesus to support your non-mainstream practice/belief.)
A short list to get the ball rolling:
- Jesus Was Pierced. (Okay, no great stretch there, but still - kids are probably already using this one on their elders.)
- Jesus was Homeless, Too.
- Jesus was a Capitalist. (Okay, he wasn’t, but why should the poor and socialistic get to hog ‘Him?’ There are probably a lot of people who would like to trumpet this - so why not just do it? It’s instant ‘legitimacy’ for The American Way, just in case more was needed.) In fact:
- “Consumers For Christ” was a group seen briefly in the background in Terry Gilliam’s movie Brazil, in which the season seemed always to be “Christmas.”
- Jesus Hung With a Prostitute, Too, So Leave Me Alone.
- Jesus Wore Fur. (??? Hey, if everyone gets to co-opt the symbol for their own purpose, this claim has no less respect for reality than some others, including those of some religious sects. Again, why should the peace-and-loveniks get to monopolize ‘Him?’)
And perhaps most topically:
- Jesus Would Have Used Linux. (Okay, I hereby copyright that one, © 2000 All Rights Reserved.)
Have at it!
