If we promise to keep polluting, will they promise to keep protesting?

In China, a method of protest certain – yes, certain – to get attention.

To achieve the end that the protesters want? Um…not so much. In fact, I’d guess it’ll have the opposite effect:

Last summer, the Wo Yi Dai hotpants hotties took to the streets in tight T-shirts and daisy dukes to encourage drivers to slow down.

Now concerned Chengdu women–whose legendary beauty has spawned numerous comparisons to the hot, spicy flavors Sichuan cuisine is known for…

I do love the Sichuan sauce. You can get it sometimes at the grocery stores around here.

…are taking their protest tactics to all-new states of undress.

On the afternoon of May 19, four university students from Chengdu gave a 15-minute “performance” near the Jialing Power Station outside the east section of the Second Ring Road.

Clad in nothing but bikinis and gas masks…

Not entirely true, as you can see from the picture, but close enough.

…they swept the streets with the straw brooms commonly seen in the hands of safety-vest-donning street cleaners.

That’s how they clean their streets? And we’re afraid of these people?

The women, all at least an eye-catching 1.7 meters tall, said they were protesting three serious levels of air pollution emitted by the nearby Jialing Power Plant.

As I said before: sure to get attention, but where’s the incentive for the power plant operators to change their ways? They’re getting a paycheck and a show.

Blogger Hot Pot says:

The Chinese might be on to something here. Sex + important social causes = lots of thought-provoking attention right?
On the other hand, does the seeming silliness of the approach also insulate it from potential consequences from the powers that be? My hunch is that its easier to break up a controversial protest based on signs and slogans rather than one based on bikinis and babes.

Well, true dat. The cops’ll leave them alone no matter how many times they protest!

Stacy McCain rattles the tip jar to fund his fact-finding trip to China in three…two…one…