To want to run for the hills

[Scaredcrow]

Have name changed for this.
I live in a "naice" village where we have an annual Scarecrow trail, each year there is a theme and people, school, shops, businesses etc build scarecrows and display them for a week around the time of harvest.
I won't say what the theme is as it could be identifying and I don't think the crow in question fits very well anyway. The whole thing is meant to be fun and an activity meant to build community spirit.
It has come to light that an organisation have decided that their crow this year will be a slave trader who later became involved in the abolition of slavery, not very obvious as you drive on a main A road through the village but there will be a written explanation next to the crow. All fairly harmless so far, BUT they are going to have a small crow depicting an African child in chains next to it.
I am quite frankly horrified and have suggested that they rethink, I went as far as saying "you can't do that" but they are unmoved.
I live on the same road and want to run for the hills as I can envisage a huge shit storm descending on the village in a few weeks time, not to mention numerous traffic incidents as shocked drivers catch sight as they drive past.

We really are!

It's not a village link it's a church link - bad man involved in slavery, finds the lord and became involved in the abolition of slavery - hallelujah praise be!!!!!!

So many people work so hard to make this a lovely event, guide book, quiz, treasure hunt, mini bus for the elderly and mini Scarecrow making in the primary school, gingerbread scarecrows decorated by the scouts and all shot to shit by a group of people who think they're being really fucking clever. There are literally hundreds of biblical characters that could fit with the theme but having a theme in the first place is part of the problem - it should just be scarecrows to celebrate a country tradition not film characters or your favourite bloody cartoon imo.

If they are insistent on doing this, (and one presumes they are a majority white community) then it is their responsibility to involve the black community in their choices and in developing the idea, perhaps by partnering with a black arts or theatre company who could help create the piece and educate local people about slave trade etc? (This is assuming they won't change their mind about this terrible idea altogether).

Perhaps you could be the "helpful" and well-meaning resident who gets in touch with such an organisation and makes this connection on the church's behalf...?

Wedding that's a really good idea but these crows will sit in a very prominent position on a main A road so the majority of the people seeing it will do so from a car or bus so no chance to participate in the educational film being shown inside the church or any other initiatives that I fear are too late in the day to organise.

There is a time and a place for the depictions of the evils of slavery. This is not it I'm afraid.

They don't seem to realise that the vast majority of people will see a depiction of child slavery with no context rather than the depiction of the dodgy past of a relevant individual who realised the error of his ways and did some real good as a result. Most people really won't know what it is all about will they?

Also, please just go steal the child crow in the night. Who cares if they know you did it?

This is an awful idea. And from what you say I think I drive through your village on my commute (Home of AG?) I would certainly wonder why the idea was allowed to go ahead if I saw it. I'd also be surprised because the village I'm thinking of has some great community events on regularly and this would seem completely out of character.

Are you in isfield?

I don't want to say where I am because I don't want the daily fail on my doorstep frightening the dc's but I don't recognise either of your references.

When the crow fest starts I may well go and put some clothes on little crow and strip man crow bollock naked, I have time to formulate a plan before harvest festival.

That's a relief because I'd always had a good opinion of this village! I hope they pull it OP and good on you for trying to make them see reason.

Hopefully the Daily Mail will pick this up before it happens. well, they will now.

Why can't they get white man to hold up a placard saying "abolish slavery"?

Something very visual about who the man became...

Am guessing it's John Newton who turned Anglican church cleric. What an awful idea OP. His story could be depicted in so many other ways (if it is him of course!)

Oh dear oh dear, a shit storm is currently being played out via email, hopefully it will prevent things escalating out of control.

Eeek. Better some stroppy emails than a picture in a scummy newspaper though. Fingers crossed

Are you near Tunnocks Teacakes?

Ginger1982 that was my thought!!!

Nowhere near Tunnocks teacakes.

The boy crow will not be displayed, not before photos were circulated unfortunately - not by me I hasten to add.