Life inspired by Fiction

Life often takes some hints from fiction. In Thailand, there have been protests against the military coup. The protesters are using the three-finger salute from The Hunger Games as a sign of opposition, a call for liberty, equality and fraternity. And are being threatened with arrest if they don't stop.

Dear #HungerGames. We've taken your sign as our own. Our struggle is non-fiction. Thanks. #ThaiCoup #Thailand pic.twitter.com/nGaYJIdj05
— Manik Sethisuwan (@ManikSethisuwan) 1 junho 2014

The symbol for the rebellion in the series was borrowed for a very real rebellion. And the irony here resides on how this is being handled. Repressed as it would by the Capitol in the Hunger Games.

Col. Weerachon Sukhondhapatipak said "We know it comes from the movie, and let's say it represents resistance against the authorities. If a single individual raises three fingers in the air, we are not going to arrest him or her. But if it is a political gathering of five people or more, then we will have to take some action."

I hope that it won't get to that point...

(via and via)