Whouuu, whouuuu, VOTE?

January 19, 2018 2:43 PM

I‘m taking the girls (2 and 6) to the Oakland Women‘s March tomorrow and need to make signs. Alas: my 6-year-old *really* wants to wear her wolf costume (think, Max in ‚Where the Wild Things Are‘).

Any idea for a sign that goes with a wolf suit? I‘m just completely out of ideas. Difficulty: kid-friendly, needs to be super peaceful since we‘ll be marching with Quakers. We‘re white European immigrants.

Other ideas for a family with 2 little ones are welcome as well (toddler will be on my back in a carrier). Topics on my mind these days: DACA/immigration/detention, disenfranchisement, Getting Out The Vote. Messages I‘m not too crazy about: generic ‚girls rock‘ stuff, Trump-bashing.

Thank you for brainstorming!

posted by The Toad to Grab Bag (22 answers total)

If it's super Max-ish, I'd go for the obvious: "Let the wild rumpus begin!"
posted by straw at 2:45 PM on January 19, 2018 [19 favorites]

You could always print out a copy of the relevant and timeless Paul Noth cartoon -- the joke might be a little beyond her, depending, but it's a classic and eloquent image.
posted by halation at 2:45 PM on January 19, 2018 [13 favorites]

I really like straw's answer, but the wild rumpus starts, not begins.

“And now," cried Max, "let the wild rumpus start!”

(I KNOW I'M SORRY I'M A JERK I tried to let it go but I couldn't concentrate on anything else...)
posted by lyssabee at 2:54 PM on January 19, 2018 [34 favorites]

I would tell her "we are going to a march and will hold up signs. What do you think is important and would you like to tell everyone?" Then let her have at it.

It could be "I went to Indiana once" or "My little sister's name is Nora" and I would love it.
posted by beccaj at 2:55 PM on January 19, 2018 [25 favorites]

I'd ask if there was some reason she wanted to wear that costume and then work that into a sign.
posted by bleep at 2:57 PM on January 19, 2018 [1 favorite]

I think asking you 6 y/o what she wants to write on the sign is a great idea. One of my favorite signs from last year's march had nothing to do with taking down the patriarchy, but was an adorable kid (pushing a pro-trains agenda) expressing themselves.

Also that would then only leave you on the hook for one sign.
posted by kendrak at 3:07 PM on January 19, 2018 [13 favorites]

Response by poster: She says she wants to be a wolf and shred Trump to bits with her sharp teeth. I can relate (oh god, can I ever relate), but it‘s too violent.

Of course I‘d never make her carry a sign she doesn‘t agree with. The wild rumpus idea is awesome. But keep them coming...
posted by The Toad at 3:10 PM on January 19, 2018 [11 favorites]

I guess "Stand Up / Bite Back" would be too violent? It's a good play on the oft chanted "Stand Up, Fight Back" and would fit the costume (and her feelings).
posted by kendrak at 3:11 PM on January 19, 2018 [9 favorites]

"Girls Bite Back" seems to be a thing right now.

"Blow the House Down in 2018"?
posted by vunder at 3:14 PM on January 19, 2018 [22 favorites]

Best answer: Protect all the Wild Things!

The Trump administration is shrinking our National Parks, proposing drilling in ANWAR, and refusing to meet with the Park Service Advisory Board.

I had a sign about the radio telescope in Green Bank WV being closed. Any issue women and girls care about can be a "women's issue."
posted by irisclara at 3:16 PM on January 19, 2018 [43 favorites]

Best answer: I love "Protect where the wild things are"
posted by bleep at 3:18 PM on January 19, 2018 [32 favorites]

"GRRRRRRR!"
posted by northernish at 3:23 PM on January 19, 2018 [9 favorites]

Or "GRRRRRL!"
posted by bunderful at 3:41 PM on January 19, 2018 [7 favorites]

Maybe something like "Together We Are Fierce"
posted by amtho at 3:42 PM on January 19, 2018 [9 favorites]

The better to impeach you with, my dear.
posted by velveeta underground at 3:48 PM on January 19, 2018 [22 favorites]

"I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down!"
posted by CMcG at 3:54 PM on January 19, 2018 [5 favorites]

Don't forget when the wild things said, don't go, we'll eat you up, we love you so, and Max said, No!
posted by mai at 3:59 PM on January 19, 2018 [2 favorites]

“Howling for equality” or “Howl if you want X” is less violent imagery and may get some audience participation going.
posted by tchemgrrl at 4:05 PM on January 19, 2018 [4 favorites]

"Howling in protest"
posted by puddledork at 4:46 PM on January 19, 2018 [3 favorites]

Response by poster: Wow, thanks, everyone! These are all awesome. I read everything to her and she made a ‚PROTECT WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE‘ sign (she loves wildlife).

(kendrak‘s‚Stand up, bite back‘ was my personal favorite, also, Hi neighbor!)
posted by The Toad at 5:37 PM on January 19, 2018 [24 favorites]

Please post pictures tomorrow!
posted by AFABulous at 6:31 PM on January 19, 2018 [18 favorites]

Response by poster: Here you go! Thanks again!
posted by The Toad at 5:51 PM on January 20, 2018 [17 favorites]