A flash mob is a unique form of public gathering that arose in the early 21st century. Spurred on by the ease of communication afforded by Internet and cell phone connectivity, flash mobs involve a large number of people converging on a single location for a brief period and then dispersing. Flash mobs can be used as a form of protest, entertainment, art or absurdism. Participants and bystanders often film flash mobs and post the films on Youtube. The flash mob phenomenon, like many such fads, was quickly coopted by corporate promoters eager to appear edgy and sell more products.
Protesting in the nude is a method of gaining attention for a cause while simultaneously appearing somewhat ludicrous and non-threatening. Nude protests have been used to draw public attention to the problem of global warming, and mass nude bicycle rides have occurred around the world as part of the Critical Mass movement. The Doukhobors, a religious sect found in Western Canada, have been far ahead of the trend with a tradition of nude protest dating back to the 19th century. Depending on the context, public nudity can convey messages ranging from vulnerability to outrage to humor.
Riots are extreme forms of disturbance that often involve property destruction and physical injury. Some riots have an overtone of festival and partying to them, while others are in response to public anger. Riots have occurred around the world in response to racial tension, sporting events, lack of food, political unrest and widespread drunkenness at public festivals. Creative and unique events sometimes degenerate into riots when the participants go out of control or when opponents or counter demonstrators attack an event.
Burning money is a creative and very effective means of gaining public attention. In a culture that grants a very high value to money, many people are shocked, bewildered or angered when they see it being burned. Money is burned at protests to bring attention to the evils of capitalism, mis-spent public funds or wage inequality. The effectiveness and newsworthiness of money burning events is usually in direct proportion to the amount of money being burnt. On August 23, 1994, the K Foundation burned one million British pounds. Their reasons for doing this remain unclear, but there is no denying that the act was noteworthy, and generated an ongoing public debate.