Nov 20 2007
What Would Jesus Buy?
GUESTS: Reverend Billy and Savatri D of the Church of Stop Shopping
As retails workers brace themselves for the shopping frenzy called “Black Friday”, some social activists are preparing for “Buy Nothing Day”. Organized as a time to examine the issue of over-consumption, the informal day of protest falls on one of the busiest shopping days in the United States. Nevertheless, shoppers in the US are still expected to hit stores in droves, searching for holiday deals. Grassroots efforts to make people aware of mass consumption and its consequences include the Reverend Billy and The Church of Stop Shopping. The Church employs a sort of revival meeting mixed with street theater, performed at chain stores and sidewalks, which begs consumers to question the broader issues of economic justice behind the products they are purchasing. A new film from producer Morgan Spurlock (of Super Size Me fame), follows the Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping on a cross-country mission – from exorcisms at Wal-Mart to retail interventions at the Mall of America, and examines the how Christmas has been co-opted by corporations in the US. The film, which opens in LA tomorrow night, reminds us that despite the immanent shopping craze, we still have a chance to save ourselves this holiday season.
For more information, visitwww.wwjbmovie.com/ and www.revbilly.com
5 Responses to “What Would Jesus Buy?”
He’d buy sandles and a airline ticket to Aruba to avoid the holiday crowds…
Great show.
I’ve been a fan of Reverend Billy since I saw him in Culture Jam, but today’s show has caused me to seriously question my holiday shopping.
It’s hard to cease holiday shopping when one is surrounded by friends/relatives who continue it.
I hardly ever go to movies, much less endorse any, but this one was worth it and I’m going to promote it, too.
Saw it in West Hollywood yesterday to a very empty theater. There has been virtually no publicity on this powerful and funny film.
Thank you. I couldn’t agree more.
I see that this movies is playing in Pasadena in addition to the West Side! The theater is walking distance from a Gold Line station (i.e., Memorial Park Station).
Laemmle’s – One Colorado Cinemas
42 Miller Alley, Old Pasadena, CA, 91103
Reverend Billy and the films producer were also interviewed on Democracy Now! on 11/21. The interview was accompanied by clips of the film, including the Reverend’s arrest at Disneyland.