Hoaxed!

My first reaction when I saw the BBC news item, about how Dow Chemicals had a multi-billion dollar compensation package for the victims of the Bhopal tragedy, was one of amazement. It sounded like a damn good deal, and there even was an interview with a spokesperson of Dow, who sounded like a typical smarmy corporate type, saying that Dow wanted to right the wrongs done by Union Carbide, etc etc.

Of course it was too good to be true. To find out it was all a hoax was very disappointing, especially since one always thought the BBC was the cornerstone of reliability in news.

Apparently this hoax was perpetrated by a group professional hoaxers called the Yes Men. Their aim, according to their website, is to impersonate some of the world's most powerful criminals at conferences, on the web, and on television, in order to correct their identities. These ‘sincere pranksters with a conscience’ launched a website lampooning George W. Bush, and have even released a movie, detailing their pranks. It sounds hilarious, as it follows Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno (founder of the Barbie Liberation Organization) on three worldwide stunts.

All in all, if this hoax makes Dow feel guilty enough to actually compensate the victims of Bhopal, then well and good. But somehow that looks unlikely and the Yes Men will probably be sued for their pains. And hey, if anyone wants to join in this wacky band they apparently have thousands of job opportunities available so sign up today!