Yes Men Strike Again
An arts intervention hit the streets of New York City yesterday when thousands of commuters were handed free copies of what appeared to be their trusty New York Times. A surprising headline, IRAQ WAR ENDS, donned the front page, arousing the astute readers’ suspicions. The fictional paper, dated July 4th, 2009, was in fact product of the guerilla collaborative, The Yes Men. The fourteen page special edition is a convincing Times look-alike down to the small details. The special issue, sure to be a collector’s item, is filled with full articles, advertisements, and even corrections. An equally convincing online version of the paper is available to readers outside New York and the other select cities where the spoof was distributed. The site mirrors the Times’ online format and is complete with links to full articles and comment features.
Along side The Yes Men, writers from the New York area (including three unnamed New York Times reporters), a film producer, art professor Steven Lambert, and thousands of volunteers all contributed to the execution of this elaborate prank. Using the pseudonym Wilfred Sassoon, a spokeman for the paper stated that one goal “was to get people to exercise their imaginations.” The publication represents the “real change” they hope to see from the newly elected president and administration.
If you weren’t lucky enough to grab one, they’re available on Ebay with bids already topping $100
