When cardboard spoke louder than chants
moments arrive just before dusk. (ST)
While slogans usually define a protest, the recent CJP solidarity demonstration at Don Bosco Square was defined by the creativity of its participants. Local students and residents turned pieces of cardboard into canvases for sharp social commentary, using humour and satire to convey their message.
Instead of relying solely on traditional chanting, protesters held hand-crafted signs that blended pop-culture references with political critique.
The approach quickly gained traction on social media, where users praised the ingenuity of the messaging. Observers noted that the clever wordplay encouraged passers-by to stop and reflect, often proving more effective than conventional rhetoric.
Despite the lighthearted tone of some signs, the underlying message remained serious. The placards addressed core concerns regarding accountability, transparency, and the right to peaceful democratic expression.
Even critics of the movement’s politics acknowledged the skill behind the display.
By leveraging the city’s artistic identity, the protesters demonstrated how creativity can serve as a potent form of activism.
For several hours, the most impactful voices at Don Bosco Square were not those on loudspeakers, but the ones written in bold ink and held high above the crowd.
