Cultural Impact
Anonymous, an Internet-based group, has adopted the Guy Fawkes mask as their symbol (in reference to an Internet meme) notably worn by members during Project Chanology's protests against the Church of Scientology. Alan Moore had this to say about the use of the Guy Fawkes motif adopted from his comic V for Vendetta, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly:
| “ | I was also quite heartened the other day when watching the news to see that there were demonstrations outside the Scientology headquarters over here, and that they suddenly flashed to a clip showing all these demonstrators wearing V for Vendetta Guy Fawkes masks. That pleased me. That gave me a warm little glow. | ” |
According to Time, the protesters' adoption of the mask has led to it becoming the top-selling mask on Amazon.com, selling hundreds of thousands a year.
The film is said to have inspired some of the Egyptian youth before and during the 2011 Egyptian revolution.
On 23 May 2009, protesters dressed up as V and set off a fake barrel of gunpowder outside Parliament while protesting over the issue of British MPs' expenses.
During the Occupy Wall Street and other ongoing Occupy protests, the mask appears internationally being used as a symbol of popular revolution. Artist David Lloyd is quoted saying: "The Guy Fawkes mask has now become a common brand and a convenient placard to use in protest against tyranny – and I'm happy with people using it, it seems quite unique, an icon of popular culture being used this way."
In November 17 2012, police officials in Dubai, warned against wearing the Guy Fawkes mask that is painted with the colors of the UAE flag during any celebration associated with the UAE National Day, declaring it an illegal act after it was sold in online shops for 50 DHS.
Read more about this topic: V For Vendetta
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