August 09, 2004
the polite force
polite force
Christian Nerf's polite force project began as a subversive public performance, speaking back to the legacy politics always already in play in the 'New South Africa.' He took riot gear uniforms (complete with shields and helmets) from during the Apartheid era, and modified them to read 'polite,' rather than 'police,' asking his actors to carry bags, help people cross the street, light cigarettes, and compliment the outfits and hairdos of onlookers. The project began on September 11, 2002, also speaking directly to the politics of the post-9/11 world, and therefore garnering interest beyond South African borders. Through word of mouth, email, and his (admittedly, largely outdated) website, he's had invitational polite performances (by friends and strangers alike) all over South Africa, in New York City, Trinidad, Washington DC, and (soon to be) Boston. There are now several editions of varying polite uniforms, including his new project, the metro polite (shown, in bullet-proof vests and peak-caps), that come with guidelines and potential training sessions (though some galleries insist on waiver forms for their wo/men in uniform). You can ask to borrow, print or obtain a polite force uniform through Mr. Nerf, at the site linked above. (Posted by Nathaniel Stern)
Posted by at August 9, 2004 12:29 PM
