In the Mood For… MANIFESTOS

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the power of manifestos. This might have something to do with the fact that I recently re-picked up Manifesto: A Century of Isms, but whatever the reason, I’m considering drafting a personal manifesto for Ribbon Around a Bomb. I love the straight-to-the-point, confrontational style of manifestos, and simply put, I just think it’s a good idea for everyone to outline what they stand for.

I have been particularly inspired by the DADA Manifesto, Huidobro’s Creationism Manifesto, and the (totally ridiculous) Cow Manifesto. My longtime favorite, however, is not included in the Manifesto book: It’s the 2nd manifesto for the Estridentismo movement in Mexico, which had strong ties to Futurism and Ultraism. I basically like this one because it’s the best of both worlds in terms of manifestos: It combines extremism (too many isms!) with absurdity, and includes clauses like, “LET US SHIT:” and the utterly offensive “To be stridentist is to be manly. Only eunuchs will not be with us.” The original copy in Spanish is also right here.

And one of my favorites, just because Castration Squad is so wonderful:

If anyone has any RAB manifesto ideas or phrases, send ’em this way please.