The Reverend Jonathan Swift was an eminent Irish author and satirist. He is best known for writing Gulliver’s Travels. In 1729 he published a short book entitled A Modest Proposal in which he suggested that poor people should sell their children to be eaten by rich people. He said, ‘A young healthy child is a most delicious, nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked or boiled.’ He went on to list the economic and social advantages of this suggestion. Many people on hearing the idea were deeply offended though some took it seriously. Only later in the book did it become apparent that he was being intentionally provocative. He then laid out his proposed reforms to improve the plight of the poor and starving in society.
Rod Judkins in the Art of Creative Thinking argues that Swift’s outrageous provocation was justified. He says, ‘Swift’s book had a profound impact. A sober and conventional proposal of reforms could have gone unnoticed. Swift wanted something to happen. He wanted to change things quickly. He took a chance. He walked along the edge of a precipice. It could have backfired badly but it did not.’
The Punk Rock movement in the 1970s deliberately rejected the conventions and approaches of contemporary pop and rock music. “No Elvis, Beatles or the Rolling Stones”, declared The Clash in their song “1977”. The Ramones, the Sex Pistols, the Clash and the Damned were groups which were purposefully offensive in their lyrics, dress and actions. This rebel movement had a major impact on popular culture and ironically became mainstream.
In a world where so many excellent but conventional musical performers go unnoticed Madonna, Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga have all used deliberate provocation to draw attention to their acts. The TV cartoon show South Park has garnered a large following by provocatively tackling taboo subjects.
If other methods fail to get your creative message noticed then maybe you should try being annoying, irritating or even offensive. It is a risk. But innovators have to be risk takers. Dare you walk the precipice?
