The Thoughts & Prayers Toilet Paper Campaign Calls Out Inaction
Georgia Wray Norsten — March 6, 2025 — Pop Culture
References: thoughtsandprayerstp & adage
The 'Thoughts & Prayers toilet paper' calls out political inaction in the most direct way possible. Created by Change the Ref, this satirical product transforms the empty condolences of pro-gun lobby politicians into something actually useful: printed quotes on rolls of toilet paper.
'For years, we’ve watched politicians offer ‘thoughts and prayers’ after every mass shooting but refuse to pass meaningful gun reform,' said Manuel Oliver, co-founder of Change the Ref and father of Parkland shooting victim Joaquin Oliver. 'So we’re giving people a way to show Congress exactly what they can do with those empty words.'
Each roll features actual statements from lawmakers made after mass shootings, shining a spotlight on the cycle of condolences without action. Buyers can also send a roll directly to their representative’s office, ensuring the message gets through. Paired with a mock commercial, posters, and digital content, this campaign is a bold, unfiltered response to America’s gun violence crisis and a demand for change.
Image Credit: Change the Ref
'For years, we’ve watched politicians offer ‘thoughts and prayers’ after every mass shooting but refuse to pass meaningful gun reform,' said Manuel Oliver, co-founder of Change the Ref and father of Parkland shooting victim Joaquin Oliver. 'So we’re giving people a way to show Congress exactly what they can do with those empty words.'
Each roll features actual statements from lawmakers made after mass shootings, shining a spotlight on the cycle of condolences without action. Buyers can also send a roll directly to their representative’s office, ensuring the message gets through. Paired with a mock commercial, posters, and digital content, this campaign is a bold, unfiltered response to America’s gun violence crisis and a demand for change.
Image Credit: Change the Ref
Trend Themes
1. Political Satire Products - Satirical merchandise like the 'Thoughts & Prayers Toilet Paper' highlights political issues, penetrating markets with humor and critique to engage consumers in activism.
2. Activist Marketing Campaigns - Innovative campaigns blending satire and direct action, such as sending provocative items to politicians, create new channels for public engagement and influence.
3. Direct-action Political Messaging - Products that allow consumers to participate in direct-action campaigns reflect a shift towards more interactive and impactful political engagement tools.
Industry Implications
1. Political Merchandise Industry - The political merchandise industry benefits from products that intertwine criticism and utility, as seen in the rise of satirical items addressing social issues.
2. Social Impact Marketing - Social impact marketing combines traditional advertising with advocacy, leveraging satire and direct communication to influence public opinion and policy.
3. Satirical Consumer Goods - Consumer goods that incorporate satire, such as toilet paper highlighting political failings, encourage discourse and raise awareness in unique, memorable ways.
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