So you want to hold an anti-lockout protest, but from what I’ve seen so far, you are going about it the wrong way. Right now the running plan seems to be that a sea of disgruntled fans will (peacefully) storm the base of the NHL offices on September 15th while sporting their favourite NHL jerseys. What message do you think this is sending the League? Look at us! We are many! And we like to spend all our money buying your swag! Don’t you think that might add fuel to all the greedy flames in this revenue war between the League and the Players?
If you want to stage a protest, then try this instead. Show up in mass, but wear jeans and a black, or red, or whatever coloured T-shirt. If you want to take the asshole approach (a.k.a. my favourite approach), then wear NFL jerseys! I say NFL because NBA jerseys are just so unflattering. Now this is the emotionally straining part: take an item from your undoubtedly large collection of NHL jerseys, T-shirts, hats, or etc and LIGHT EM UP! There’s nothing like a good old fashioned burning!!! Of course, there are probably laws against this, but there are other non-fiery ways to destroy a pile of NHL paraphernalia – think bleach, or mustardy looking paint! And don’t forget: MEGAPHONES! MEGAPHONES! MEGAPHONES! I cannot stress this enough.
Of course, you can also turn your fan protest into an act of charitable goodness. Instead of destroying the clothes, invite officials from local New York/Toronto clothing drives to make an appearance at your protest. Then make a big, tear-jerking production out of donating these items to those less fortunate. Once again, MEGAPHONES!
If I wasn’t in Japan, I’d be all over supporting this plan, as the message you are sending with a protest of this kind is that you aren’t emotionally invested in the materialism and frills associated with being a fan in this league. Wait till what would be opening night, and I’m there! Cap the whole thing off with a petition pledging to abstain from purchasing NHL merchandise for the entirety of the 2012-13 season, and actually stick to it! I promise you won’t die if you don’t add a new jersey to your collection this year. Or, if you will die, buy a junior hockey jersey instead! If the NHL and NHLPA are fighting over who gets a “bigger piece of the revenue pie,” then flip them all off by turning that nice juicy pie into a painfully dry cupcake!
