In the 1980s a Polish anti-communist group called the Orange Alternative used cute images of a mythical creature with a tiny pointed hat to spread its anti-authoritarian message. That innocent symbol of an impish dwarf amplified a powerful political message to the world, which ultimately contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union. This approach is being used in creative and clever ways today by people protesting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

Orange Alternative

Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free. 
Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.