"Signs, signs, everywhere a sign". Protest signs have brought us so much joy and laughter over the years. And not just the ones that are meant to be taken seriously. For as long as there have been protests, there have been people who attend those protests in order to make a counter-protest. These protest protesting protesters usually come equipped with more than just their loud voices and determined swagger. More often than not, protest protesters are armed with a pretty killer wit as well. Here are 40 photos of protest signs that show off that deadly wit of some of those who attend...
1. "Mind-Blowing"
Every group of friends has one friend who isn't quite as bright as the others. They are the friend who checks the dictionary when told that the word "gullible" is not in there.
There is a chance that she is actually serious. It's a good thing that the lava in those lamps is encased in an extra thick "melt-proof" glass, otherwise, she'd be getting a lot more "fried" than usual.
2. "Nothing To See Here"
While some people attend protests because they firmly believe in something, others do so out of boredom...
There's usually nothing to see except for a bunch of angry people holding signs at these things anyway. Although, sometimes there are people wearing face paint and, on occasion, there's cake.
3. "How About An Adventure?"
One moment it can be a beautiful spring afternoon, and the next...as if out of nowhere a large crowd of protesters forms out of thin air and engulfs each unknowing passerby.
If the sky begins to darken and crowds begin to form for no apparent reason other than to create mayhem, be sure to choose a side early. Unless in possession of a special ring, try not to be mistaken for a member of "The Fellowship" when the bright eye in the sky shows up.
4. "Looking To The Future"
Protests are events for people to go to when they would like to make a point of standing up for what they believe in. It's never too early to start standing up for what we believe in...
Ever wonder what the future has in store for the youth of today, or what they think of the world that we are leaving them? This kid's sign says it all. If everything continues the way it is going, kids like him won't have a peaceful future to look forward to.
5. "Alohomora!"
Instead of the peaceful show of defiance that they used to be, protests have become large gatherings that are full of shouting, animosity, and at times, senseless violence.
A reminder of those we've lost and what they stood for is a great way to jog the memories of those around who may have lost their way. A peaceful protest is a successful protest.
6. "Justice Is Served?"
Pro-choice Vs Pro-life is one of the arguments that has been ongoing for centuries and will continue to rage on as long as people continue to control what others do with their own bodies.
Think about this for a moment: under the Human Life Protection Act, if a doctor in Alabama performs an abortion for a young lady who has become pregnant due to sexual acts that were against her will, the doctor could receive life imprisonment for being found guilty of a Class A felony, which is a harsher sentence than the individual would receive who engaged in the sexual acts with the young lady against her will. The courts in Alabama would rather that young lady bring the child to term and be reminded every day of the horrible things she has gone through.
7. "Trying Something New"
2020 was a year that most of us spent the majority of inside. Needing to find something to keep us busy many of us turned to old hobbies such as, puzzle building, collecting old memorabilia, or paint-by-numbers, however, not everyone chose a "family friendly" hobby to turn to.
It's not just a weird hobby, it's a weird thing to promote. There probably won't be a whole lot of tourists who are going to make a pitstop in this town after seeing these signs.
8. "Choices..."
Equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community have come a long way from where they were just a decade ago, but there are still too many people out there who are trying to send us back in time. Once we start deciding who some people are allowed to marry, where does it end?
I'm sure that Kentucky Karl would have just been "thrilled" to have seen this guy standing next to him at a protest, that he was attending for people who are trying to prevent same-sex marriages from being legalized.
9. "An Apple A Day"
If the point of a protest is to let one's opinion and/or demands be known, then it's probably best to make sure that those that are being protested against are able to read the aforementioned demands.
Knowing how notorious they are for having "chick-scratch" handwriting that is barely legible, it's a wonder more doctors don't hire people to write their protest signs for them.
10. "That's One Way Of Looking At It"
Freedom of speech is a right that Americans hold dear to their hearts. It's almost as important in some states as the right to bear arms. But the important thing to remember is that all because it's our right to do something, not everyone should exercise these rights all the time.
Attending a protest, whether one is for or against the reasoning behind it, is a fantastic way to make our opinions known. After all, we are all entitled to our own opinions...no matter how ill-informed some of them might be.
11. "Peek-A-Boo!"
There is a husband and wife in the states who have made it one of their missions to heckle anyone whom they see holding up one of these signs.
The two on the right are so proud of what they are doing that they even make sure to cover up their faces. FYI: If someone is proud of what they are doing, they generally don't try and hide that fact that they are involved.
12. "Stand Together"
A strong leader shows us that it's okay to stand up for what we believe in and a patient leader teaches us that if we stand together we can achieve greatness.
There will always be those who choose to divide, instead of choosing to unite those around them. It is the job of the people to not allow that to happen.
13. "Now We've Gone And Done It"
Some protests bring out the worst in people. Some bring out the best. And some people who go to protests have already accepted defeat and are only there as a sign of solidarity.
I know this looks like every Cleveland Browns fan out there, but this is actually what a protest looks like up north in Winnipeg, Canada. They haven't given up, they're just too polite to cause a scene.
14. "Lost In Translation"
Fearmongering has become one of the main methods that have been used in order to direct the narrative that each news outlet is attempting to portray.
Something as simple as the language with which a sign is written has the capability to awaken an unconscious fear in those who are too ignorant to know any better.
15. "It Wasn't Me, It Was Zack And Miri"
Some protesters participate because they believe in the cause, while some do so because they are the cause.
It's perfectly fine for everyone to have their own opinion on a matter, however, what people do in their private lives is their own business (as long as no one gets hurt).
16. "Pick Me Already!"
Throughout our school careers, we are taught that we must raise our hands if we would like the opportunity to speak. This seems like a rather reasonable request for educators to ask of their students in order to keep chaos out of the classroom.
Perhaps it's time to switch to a different method of calling upon students. It was only a matter of time before the students stood up for themselves. This guy looks like he's been waiting to be called on for the better part of a decade.
17. "Seriously, It's Cool. No Worries"
It has become somewhat of a hobby for those who read a certain "good book" to dictate to others how to "properly" live their lives.
With that much poise and confidence, he must be telling the truth. If only he would have spoken up decades ago.
18. "Incitement"
The sad truth of the matter is that a large number of people who go to protests do so for all the wrong reasons. Many do so in order to get videos to post online, or to live feed from the protest itself so that people know they were in attendance.
More recently, we have seen an increase in people who attend protests and rallies with one purpose in mind, to cause chaos. If the protesters truly wanted a change then looting and rioting should not be part of the agenda.
19. "Save The Turtles"
Clean water is essential for living a healthy life. That's why it's tough to keep light-hearted when there are water shortages and the hydro company keeps raising their prices. When things start to get too out of hand, it's time to show up to a protest armed with a secret weapon.
Good luck to all who oppose this man, he is done messing around. When this family had finally had enough of all the nonsense, they brought their dad armed with his most symbolic dad joke.
20. "Benefit Of The Doubt"
Every religion has had its fanatics over the years who have been responsible for creating a negative stigma around all those who follow the same religion. This has, in turn, led to an increase in hate crimes against innocent people who have been harmed simply for their beliefs.
We don't stop eating apples forever if we bite into a rotten one, so why are people so quick to turn on a whole group of people based on the actions of a few bad apples?
21. "Amen"
It is not very often that something happens that causes people of every age, race, and religion to come together, but when it does it's usually because things have gone too far...
Sometimes the only way to fully sum up just how messed up things have become in the world is to simplify a situation with a straightforward message. They sure have hit the bullseye with this one.
22. "It Matters To Them"
Some people feel the need to make their voices heard in order to compensate for the shortcomings life has thrown at them.
Kudos to the people who put in the effort to match not only the style of the signs at a protest but also the enthusiasm of the protesters in attendance. Someone looks like they've been found out...
23. "We Took OUR Jobs!"
"Real Patriots" don't want immigrants coming into the country and taking their jobs, but in reality, there is a job that needs to be done and someone needs to do it. One way to know that an issue is worth focusing on is when "South Park" bases an entire episode on the subject...which they did in season 8 with episode 7.
The reality of the matter is that a number of these "Patriots" would rather stay unemployed than work the jobs that most immigrants get hired to do. Everyone goes through tough times, but when it comes to it a job that puts dinner on the table is a job worth doing.
24. "Cutie Patuties"
The word on the street is that certain "institutions" that people choose to follow teach about love, forgiveness, and acceptance...unless of course, someone is different than the status quo.
Straight women throughout history have been voicing their opinions about how "all the good ones are gay". This is of course, in regards to the good-looking and kind men of the world.
25. "Vaccines Save Lives"
Anti-vaxxers all over the world have fooled themselves into believing that all vaccines are bad and that they are better off without them. There is a very good reason, however, why the average lifespan of humans has been increasing along with the advancement of modern medicine.
It's not just polio that we have managed to essentially irradicate thanks to modern science and vaccinations. There are at least a dozen other maladies that are not nearly as lethal as they once were...because we have been vaccinated against them.
26. "Any Takers?"
After months of being cooped up inside with no one to talk to but the birds and squirrels who come to visit on occasion, some people choose to attend protests simply for human interactions.
The father who is behind this guy on the left was probably hoping not to have that conversation with his son for a few more years but is going to have to explain a few things when they get home after this protest.
27. "Red Velvet Anyone?"
Deciding to spend one's afternoon at a protest can be a rather big commitment, especially if the event lasts more than a couple of hours. That's why it is always a good idea to bring a snack.
Attending a protest in order to stand up for what one believes in is a great way to prove one's moral compass, however, if someone says there is supposed to be cake, there damn well better be cake. Lying about the presence of delicious cakes is a reason of its own to incite a riot.
28. "He Was Totally A Bro"
Who we choose to associate with is usually a great indicator of the type of person we are, however, one of the first lessons we learn is to never judge a book by its cover.
To an outsider looking in this guy does have a point. The moral of the story is that no one is more entitled to follow a certain set of beliefs than anyone else. To each their own, as long as no one gets hurt, of course.
29. "Just A Spoonful Of Sugar"
Pride parades and equal rights protests have been some of the more peaceful events around the world. In fact, they have historically been celebrations of love and equality, and have also given us some of the more creative signs that we've seen.
In the past 5-10 years, we have seen more frequent protests in more nations around the world than we have seen in decades. It's always nice when a protest sign brings us back to our youths. It almost makes the insults seem like they are coming from a more innocent place.
30. "Woke Them Up Before We Go Go"
We all have places that we'd rather be sometimes, but when a protest or a march is important enough, even the most stubborn people are willing to sacrifice the things they love most.
Few things are better than an afternoon nap, but this kid knows that the International Women's Day March is one of those things. Someone is going to get an extra stuffed toy for being so good.
31. "Family Faux Pas For $400, Alex"
There are certain lessons that most of us learned when we were very young. Touching anything that was on the shelves while at our grandparents' places was pretty much out of the question for fear of breaking something and feeling the wrath of grandma's guilt.
If grandma has to get involved in a protest, we know it's serious. It looks like it's the middle of the afternoon there, which means grandma is going to miss her programs and the early bird special. No bueno.
32. "To Another Great Adventure..."
The annual Women's Day March in London is usually one of the most attended events of the year. As such it is not out of the ordinary for celebrities of all ages and ranks to attend and show their support.
Sir Ian McKellen has been attending the march for years. Leave it Gandalf to poke fun at his good friend and fellow knight Patrick Stewart at any possible opportunity.
33. "A Sign Of Things To Come"
There are some individuals who don't go to protests because they are for or against what's going on. Just in case they have nothing better to do on a crisp autumn afternoon, some people just happen to have a witty sign stored under the stairs
What I would like to know, is how this guy will know if time travel has been achieved. He doesn't seem like the type of person whose future self would be sent back in time to let him know...although, for all we know, he could be this guy's future self, sent back in time to be seen by himself while reading this article...
34. "This Again? Are You Serious"
There are some problems that have been making headlines for decades, and still, not enough is being done to make any progress. There is a limit to how long someone is able to continue protesting the same issues. Eventually, everyone caves...
...Except this lady who has been protesting about climate change in Vancouver since before most of us were born.
35. "The Power Of The Dark Side"
Fighting wars amongst the stars is a tiresome job but someone has to do it. Even after generations of fighting some people are just loyal to the end. It's too bad that guy on the left showed up at the wrong protest...
The storm troopers do have a pretty good case to back up their claims. I mean, they've probably seen Vader in person, and if that's the case, they've probably seen him use the force as well (which we all know is real, of course).
36. "It Happens To Everyone Sometimes"
Christmas week is a wonderful and merry time of the year but there are many people out there who don't quite feel as though one week is enough.
Christmas decorations have been appearing in stores as early as November, which barely gives anyone in America enough time to get over the happenings of their family's Thanksgiving dinner. The decorating has gotten way out of hand, but there is never enough Christmas music, so get those playlists ready, it's almost time for Christmas in July.
37. "Nothing Is Clear Cut"
When we speak to people who have contrasting views from our own, it can sometimes seem as though we are speaking to a brick wall, but their selective hearing isn't their only problem.
Selective interpretation has become a favorite activity of fanatics everywhere regardless of which beliefs they choose to follow. Some texts are open to interpretation while others are cut in stone.
38. "Window Of Opportunity"
It is only natural for one's views to change over the course of their lives, after all, what someone believes is good for them now might not be as good for them in 5, 10, or 20 years from now.
Some people go back and forth as to which party they support depending on how they could benefit the most from a situation. Immigration wasn't always such a big issue for Donald Trump. A lot of people forget that from 2001-2009 "The Donald" was a democrat. He married Melania in 2005. Hmmm...coincidence?
39. "Take All The Time You Need"
There are many different types of people who attend protests, and no protest would be complete without someone passive-aggressively insulting the protesters.
This person is 100% correct. I would think that it would at least take an hour or so in order to explain one's beliefs properly...except the person at the back of this picture. That sign says it all.
40. "Most Important Of All"
There has been way too much animosity and unchecked aggression towards people with differentiating views as of late. There is one main thing to remember when attending rallies and protests...
We are all people with different views and different upbringings. If someone is unhappy about something, speak up. Use words, not violence. And remember to play nice, we're all in this together.