Bringing down the West, one bucket of custard at a time

In a striking example of contemporary activism, the crown jewels recently became the target of a custard-and-crumble stunt. The question arises: can participants in a capitalist system use it against itself, or was this a spontaneous act of grocery-driven rebellion?

At least this episode was a minor improvement over an earlier incident involving manure at the Ritzs extravagant Christmas display. Yet, the combination of custard and excrement remains emblematic of todays radical methods.

The methods and messaging of modern activists differ greatly from past generations of radicals. The group Take Back Power displayed a banner reading, Democracy has crumbled, tax the rich, just before being apprehended by authorities. Their slogan hinted at existing social discontent, even as the current government imposes historically high taxes.

Meanwhile, some citizens are choosing to leave, seeking more favorable tax environments and a sense of optimism elsewhere. One entrepreneur recently relocated to Israel, citing financial relief, vibrant social life, and a welcome change in atmosphere.

The positions of groups like Take Back Power on issues such as Israel, climate, or Western values remain ambiguous. Their professional websites, videos, and fundraising campaigns provide little clarity on their broader political stances, leaving their true agenda open to speculation.

These movements appear to be part of a wider trend. Over recent years, groups such as Black Lives Matter, Just Stop Oil, Rhodes Must Fall, and Palestine Action have challenged established norms, often through symbolic acts rather than physical confrontation. The goal seems to be societal upheaval rather than immediate violence, with social media serving as the primary arena for influence.

Many attribute the rise of these movements to a failure of centrist elites, who allowed progressive ideologies to dominate education, media, and cultural institutions. The result is a society increasingly defined by unconventional protestsan era where custard can make headlines and traditional authority is mocked.

Author: Natalie Monroe