Top 10 anti-BP protests

Growing fury over the Gulf oil spill has spawned numerous online and real-world protests against BP. Here are the top 10.

Tue, Jun 08 2010 at 2:23 AM EST

39 Comments

Photo: Mac McClelland/Mother Jones on Grand Isle

From a technical standpoint, BP has botched nearly every aspect of the Gulf oil spill — from malfunctioning equipment and lax operational protocols to undeployed booms, failed containment attempts, and banned dispersants. Even the act of simply cleaning up the oil was called into question when BP hired untrained fisherman, provided no safety gear and then asked them to sign liability waivers.

There are almost a hundred reasons to hate the oil giant. But it’s in the arena of corporate communications that BP has astonished with a list of epic foot-in-mouth insertions:

The company continues to misinform the public about the quantity of oil leaking into the Gulf; they said Americans are to blame for driving too much; they rejected help from scientists; they blocked journalists from documenting the spill; they made moronic statements like “the ocean can absorb a lot,” then colluded with local sheriff’s offices to threaten photographers with arrest documenting the oil — all textbook examples of how NOT to handle a corporate communications “situation” like the Gulf spill.

And then there are the repeated gaffes by BP CEO Tony Hayward — his jocularity at the initial Congressional hearings, out-of-touch sentiments like “I want my life back” and now a horrendously timed $50 million ad campaign aimed at making the soulless corporation appear caring (when it should be spending funds on immediate aid to a region in crisis).

It’s not surprising that an entire nation has been brought together in unified condemnation of BP, giving birth to a bipartisan, anti-BP movement that has many different expressions. Here are the top 10 protests — both online and real-world — that are gaining the quickest traction:

1. 1 Million Strong Against Offshore Drilling

Shortly after the Gulf spill occurred, 350.org — a leading international climate advocacy group — started a Facebook page calling for a full moratorium on offshore drilling. They are growing steadily with 135,000 fans and counting.

2. Boycott BP

Unquestionably the fastest-growing online movement, Boycott BP started as a Facebook group and is now expanding to multiple international websites. The ask is simple — boycott all BP stations including Castrol, Arco, Aral and AM/PM. Last week they had 350,000 followers, this week they’re at 450,000. (Photo: Johann Lammer, New York)

3. BPGlobalPR

They say the fiercest weapon is a sharp wit and in this case, the satirical twitter feed @BPGlobalPR may be one of the best (and certainly the funniest) online protest against the evildoing oil giant. With tweets like: “Taking the day off to go fish fighting with the boys. Tony Hayward punched a dolphin so hard it puked!” how can you not feel at least a little vindicated?

4. Public Citizen arrest

On June 4, a coalition on nonprofit organizations including Public Citizen, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Energy Action Coalition, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, 350.org and the Center for Biological Diversity gathered in D.C. to make a “citizen’s arrest” of an effigy of BP CEO Tony Hayward. They are now calling for a three-month boycott of BP.

5. World BP Protest Day

June 12 will mark a worldwide protest of BP and the corporate irresponsibility they have come to represent. Also being organized on Facebook, the group now has commitments for a march in 33 cities. They have recently aligned with Boycott BP and will be endorsing the boycott.

6. Code Pink

You have to love the brave, nude and impassioned Code Pink Women for Peace. On May 21, they led a colorful and bawdy march at BP headquarters in Houston, Texas, and are calling for a boycott of BP and ARCO stations.

7. Seize BP

One small group of activists has gained international press attention for promoting the strongest (and most outlandish) demand — they want the U.S. government to seize all of BP’s assets and use them to pay back the damages from the oil spill. Not likely … but they make their point! Seize BP rallies are happening all week long.

8. Change.org's full debarment plan

Change.org is putting forth a less histrionic put infinitely more strategic call to action: push the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to recommend a full "discretionary debarment" of BP, which means no more U.S. government contracts, no new leases in the U.S., and all existing leases cancelled. Due to BP’s lengthy criminal record, the EPA was already investigating the possibility for debarment and it is expected the agency will open the issue to public comment in the near future.

9. Beyond Oil

For some reason the big environmental nonprofits like NRDC, Nature Conservancy, WWF, even Al Gore’s well-funded Alliance for Climate Protection have been noticeably quiet about the oil spill for reasons that elude even the most astute political observers. Finally, the Sierra Club has issued a “wake-up call” — that it is time to get off oil now, before it is too late. Michael Brune, the new head of the Sierra Club, gives a firsthand account of his trip to the Gulf and what we can do to loosen Big Oil’s grip on American energy policy.

10. Hands Across the Sand

A simple idea dreamed up by a Florida resident several months before the Gulf oil spill, Hands Across the Sand is growing into a full-fledged movement of people from nearly every state who are sending a plea to President Obama and to Congress: it’s time for a full moratorium on offshore drilling with funding for safe, renewable alternatives. The poetic imagery of thousands holding hands in a protective embrace of our oceans will emerge on June 26, the national Hands Across the Sand day of protest.

I’m sure there are many more. If you find ones that I’ve missed, please include the links below.

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The Best Boycott BP Tee Shirts

Posted By Anonymous - Fri, Jul 30 2010 at 12:08 PM EST

www.yourvoicespeakup.com

re: monstah apparel bp shirts

Posted By mike d - Tue, Jul 27 2010 at 12:57 PM EST

dude! halarious im buying the spongebob one

funny BP shirts!

Posted By Anonymous - Tue, Jul 27 2010 at 12:56 PM EST

i thought this website had some funny shirts about the oil spill, and apparently the money they make goes to the animals rescued from the spill.
http://www.monstahapparel.com/
http://www.monstahapparel.com/product/spongebob-dies
http://www.monstahapparel.com/product/bp-raped-my-beach
.... More

tree

Posted By Tara - Tue, Jul 27 2010 at 12:51 PM EST

Enter your comments here

tree

Posted By tara nicole - Tue, Jul 27 2010 at 12:50 PM EST

Enter your comments here

"SMALL PEOPLE" have alot to say!

Posted By Mark Lee - Tue, Jul 13 2010 at 4:51 PM EST

Please go to WWW.OILYSHIRTS.COM. It sends a message to BP,the "SMALL PEOPLE" do have alot to say!! Thanks! Mark

BP Protest: SATURDAY, June 26th: 11am-3pm

Posted By Amanda - Fri, Jun 25 2010 at 11:56 AM EST

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=129137517115027&ref=ts

South Elgin, IL
Join us!

WHAT CAN WE DO NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!???

Posted By Margie - Thu, Jun 24 2010 at 6:36 PM EST

Today the New York Times reports that BP is planning to drill in Alaska! See: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/24/us/24rig.html
What can we do!??? Who do we write/call/beg/!? This is insane! CLEARLY they are not prepared to fix whatever they break! They found a loop hole and plan to use it! Please advise.

What everybody is afraid to ask is

Posted By Anonymous - Tue, Jun 22 2010 at 11:52 PM EST

what if BP doesn't have the resources or capitol to fix this?

Top 10 anti-BP protests

Posted By Liev Aleo Black - Sun, Jun 13 2010 at 5:05 AM EST

What's so histrionic about calling for the seizure of BP assets? We need everything we've got, times about 100, to come even close to "fixing" this.

bp

Posted By renee - Sat, Jun 12 2010 at 3:00 PM EST

where is fema and the epa, i know, out spending all thier pay off's

Lessons learn't from Ixtoc - NONE

Posted By realistic - Thu, Jun 10 2010 at 12:56 PM EST

Do you seriously think that the same scenario could not occur with any of those drilling in the Gulf?

Look at history and the 1979 Ixtoc disaster in the Gulf and the similarities to todays spill. Perhaps the Obama administration would answer the following question

'.. in the light of history what have they done to ensure a spill such as Ixtoc does not repeat itself?..'

One suspects NOTHING!

top 10 anti-bp protests

Posted By Donna - Thu, Jun 10 2010 at 4:23 PM EST

One suspects you're British...

Worlwide anti BP protest Saturday June 12th 11 am Millenium PARK

Posted By Sonia McMAHON - Thu, Jun 10 2010 at 4:48 PM EST

God no! LOL

BP not 100% responsible

Posted By steve - Wed, Jun 09 2010 at 5:44 PM EST

I like the BP bashing are people forgetting that the platform was operated by an American contractor on behalf of BP. OH yes the rest of the world are getting sick of the good old USA being so one eyed, Do you remember piper Alpha disaster in north sea 169 people died, who operated this an American company,

So What ?

Posted By Alpha - Mon, Jun 21 2010 at 7:34 PM EST

Stop defending BP with this tripe, you tarball !

Jackass

Posted By Cassandra - Fri, Jun 11 2010 at 2:41 PM EST

Get off this site. Are you Tony Hayward.

Addendum

Posted By JRZGRL1 - Fri, Jun 11 2010 at 11:29 AM EST

And by the way - if the relief wells don't work, the entire world will be affected by this. You can sit back & point fingers all you want. The rest of us might be working to fix something.

Self-righteous comment

Posted By JRZGRL1 - Fri, Jun 11 2010 at 11:26 AM EST

I can't speak for everyone but I have forgotten nothing. Ever. I cried for Iraq for 8 years. I have hated what this country has done. My belief is that it is a WORLDWIDE consortium of selfish, greedy mostly white men that have brought us to this point. But you can dance on our graves when this is all over if that makes you feel good. I'll spend the rest of my life crying for lost ways of life, lost habitats, and dead wildlife.

WHITE MEN, REALLY?

Posted By THE DOG BARKS AT THE HEELS OF BP - Tue, Jul 27 2010 at 9:25 PM EST

Once again, racism and ignorance rears its ugly head. Why would you even say "mostly white men" have brought us to this point? Shame on you. I would venture to say that you are a lonely, self-righteous, pompous hybrid driving dimwit. But what would I know, I am a white man!

Protest is about offshore drilling all together as well

Posted By Sonia McMAHON - Wed, Jun 09 2010 at 5:50 PM EST

It is important to raise public awareness on this issue before we start drilling in Alaska.

Offshore Drilling Isnt That Bad

Posted By John Williams - Fri, Jul 16 2010 at 1:02 AM EST

Hey u guys need to quit bash them offshore drilling when its done right and we dont have them copperate fags ****** it up it can do alot of good and create alot of jobs

Chicago-Worldwide BP protest-sat June 12th

Posted By Anonymous - Wed, Jun 09 2010 at 3:30 PM EST

Please join us in Chicago to protest against BP and offshore drilling in general!
Here is the facebook link:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=129395243756134&ref=mf

Another group and event for Energy Reform and Environmental Prot

Posted By Aaron T. Dossey, Ph.D. - Wed, Jun 09 2010 at 12:56 PM EST

Check these out!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120904751277434&ref=mf

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=131329983548756

We are the problem!

Posted By GoVeg - Wed, Jun 09 2010 at 12:37 PM EST

A boycott will do nothing if you just buy your gas down the street. Want to do something that will make a difference? GET OUT OF YOUR SUV, and make others understand that it's our dependence on oil that caused this mess and all future catastrophes. Urge governments to spend more on alternate fuels and demand electric vehicles now!

Not just people

Posted By THE DOG BARKS AT THE HEELS OF BP - Tue, Jul 27 2010 at 9:35 PM EST

Do you realize just how far reaching your statement is? Its not as simple as just not driving your SUV. Petroleum is used in almost every product you use. Lets see, water bottles, keyboards, T.V's, shoes, and, oh yeah, your stupid iPhone. Its easy for you to say "GET OUT OF YOUR SUV", but not as easy for you to understand how deeply the petroleum industry has penetrated your everyday life. If we would all move to Greenland and live off the land, the problem would be solved. But I bet you.... More

Ban All Sea Oil Stations

Posted By Eirini Michailidis - Wed, Jun 09 2010 at 8:19 AM EST

Today it is BP toorrow someone else. Governments prohibit every sea oil station, seize and use the funds on nature (for once!). And people stop using oil as much as you can! That is crucial cause since there are buyers there are going to be sellers. Adopt other means of energy and don't hesitate to pay more. On the long run you and nature will earn from that habit.
Let's get over with OIL - we don't need it.

Use them as an example

Posted By Penny - Wed, Jun 09 2010 at 7:03 AM EST

Just like the law does. One company screws up and they are used as an example to others. It's the least BP deserves. AND we need to change our way of life. I'm sick of people sitting around making up excuses as to why public transportation won't work; why bike paths can't be put in; etc.

Don't Forget Not the Answer

Posted By Rick - Wed, Jun 09 2010 at 12:18 AM EST

Surfrider Foundation has been beating the drum against offshore oil drilling for over a year prior to the Gulf oil spill. Check out their "Not the Answer" website at:
www.nottheanswer.org

Beyond Petroleum Day Feb.19

Posted By Jessie - Tue, Jun 08 2010 at 9:58 PM EST

Let's show corporations and the world we are ready to move beyond oil dependency. Don't buy oil on Febrauary 19th, Beyond Petroleum Day. Visit our facebook page (www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-Petroleum-Day) and "like" it to show your support. Start a discussion! Get involved. This is just a first step. In this future this could become an international day of action that involves a diverse range projects that raise awareness about how we can move beyond oil dependency. Spread the word! .... More

what good does it do continued...

Posted By Em-j Staples - Tue, Jun 08 2010 at 9:00 PM EST

Instead of standing around protesting, why can't people volunteer on the beaches and help clean-up? If they're so passionate about the ill-effects, find something positive to fix it

They are turning away volunteers

Posted By Penny - Wed, Jun 09 2010 at 6:59 AM EST

They're keeping people off the beaches. They are not accepting donations of hair for soaking up oil. BP and "its contractors," in addition to US Fish & Wildlife, are not allowing others in to help. You have to wonder why: WHAT IS IT THEY ARE HIDING? I think we all know the answer to that. This is a bunch of BS!

"Drill Baby . . . Still?" Facebook fan page

Posted By Richard J. Nevle - Tue, Jun 08 2010 at 7:13 PM EST

I wanted to let you know about the “Drill Baby . . . STILL?” Facebook fan page, where people can submit photos of themselves holding a sign saying, "Clean Up the Mess. Start Building Our Green Economy Now” or a similarly themed message. Photos will be assembled into a mosaic in the shape of the U.S. and sent to government and industry leaders. “Drill Baby . . . STILL?” is also the title of our original pop-hip-hop music video to be posted on YouTube in a few days. The music video.... More

"Drill Baby . . . Still?"

Posted By Richard J. Nevle - Tue, Jun 08 2010 at 7:08 PM EST

Thank you very much for your article. I wanted to let you know about the “Drill Baby . . . STILL?” Facebook fan page, music video, and photo mosaic. At the fan page (link below), we're asking people to post photos of themselves holding a homemade sign saying, "Clean Up the Mess. Start Building Our Green Economy Now” or a similarly themed message. Photos will be assembled into a mosaic in the shape of the U.S. and sent to government and industry leaders. “Drill Baby . . ..... More

For some reason...

Posted By Steve - Tue, Jun 08 2010 at 7:06 PM EST

Big environmental nonprofits like EDF, NRDC, and Nature Conservancy have been quiet about the oil spill because they've been co-opted by polluting corporations. Read this article:
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_24/b4182058740829.htm

The Nature Conservancy . . .

Posted By Penny - Wed, Jun 09 2010 at 7:01 AM EST

... sent out an e-mail yesterday about "World Oceans Day" and didn't even freaking MENTION the oil spill. WHAT?!?

BP needs to be singled out

Posted By Katy - Tue, Jun 08 2010 at 1:05 PM EST

I hear you, but BP has distinguished itself by its sheer awfulness and disregard for safety. According to the Center for Public Integrity, in the last three years, BP refineries in Ohio and Texas have accounted for 97% of the "egregious, willful" violations handed out by OSHA. In this time period the other worst offender had 8. EIGHT! Exxon, in comparison, had one. You can't tell me BP does not deserve to be singled out with their criminal disregard for safety.

what good does it do...

Posted By Momof2 - Tue, Jun 08 2010 at 11:13 AM EST

...to boycott a single oil company? So I should give my dollars to Exxon instead of BP? Makes no sense whatsoever...does anyone truly think that *any* oil company could have handled this?

The answer is clear to me: Stop using *g-d-damn* oil!

If you drive a huge SUV, you are killing a bird. How about that?