Piestory
Although history records numerous incidents of objects being thrown at public figures—as early as the first century AD Roman chroniclers were describing how the Emperor Nero was pelted with onions in the Colosseum—the use of the cream pie as a means of political protest is a relatively recent phenomenon.
“In the past people have tended to express themselves by throwing eggs, vegetables or rotten cats,” says Barker. “That can be harmful, however. The whole thing about cream pies is that allows you to make your point without actually hurting anybody.”
Two figures have been especially prominent in the rise of confectionery as an instrument of political protest. In the U.S. left-wing activist Aron Kay has been dubbed “The Pieman” for a whole series of attacks stretching across almost three decades, and including such victims as right-wing political commentator William F. Buckley, former CIA director William Colby and former New York Mayor Abe Beame.
In Belgium, meanwhile, Noel Godin, the “Godfather of the Cream Pie,” has, since 1969, been engaged in what he describes as a “cream crusade” against “the great and the wicked.” During that time his International Patisserie Brigade has “entarted” everyone from New Wave film director Jean-Luc Godard to Bill Gates.
Godin and his fellow pie-throwers plan their attacks meticulously, exchanging information on the move-ment of prominent figures via the Internet and employing sophisticated diversionary tactics to outwit security guards.
A rudimentary “pie-wielders’ code” has developed, with activists adhering to certain basic rules of engagement: the pie must be “deposited lovingly” rather than simply thrown, attackers should try to wear some sort of silly costume, the attack should humiliate, but not injure.
“We only use the finest patisserie,” Godin told Britain’s Observer newspaper, “Ordered at the last minute from small local bakers. Quality is everything.”
Whether such attacks actually have any effect on the world’s decision makers, other than adding to their dry cleaning bill, is doubtful. An increasing number of people, however, are seeing the cream pie as a useful means of venting their frustration and making a political point.
“It might not have any direct effect on a politician’s policies,” admitted a spokesperson for Dutch flan activists T.A.A.R.T. “What it does do is bring issues to the notice of the general public.” There are few better ways of getting your voice heard than by slapping a big soggy pie in someone’s face.
