So…let’s get this out of the way right now. This a recent Ralph Lauren ad. Apparently, Bobblehead Chic is the new black. Or something.

Seriously, this ad is terrible. So terrible, in fact, that several well-known and read websites posted the ad along with criticism/mockery of it.

And then, Ralph Lauren’s lawyers made them stop.

Cory Doctorow says it better in his article here and gives much more of the ins and outs of the legality of the situation. But the basic point is, this sort of censorship is ridiculous. I’m sure if the articles were mindlessly praising the advertisement, they’d have been allowed to remain online.

But this is Twitter. And Twitter has the power of reblog. So I’m asking you, readers, if you have a Tumblr REBLOG IF YOU BELIEVE IN OUR FREEDOM TO CRITIQUE. Reblog if you believe we still have the right to say we don’t like something, especially when it’s something as harmless as an epically terrible fashion ad.

The first ever Riot Photography contest is set to end August 31st, 2009.  If need be I will push back the date AGAIN, if only to encourage more entries.  Come on, folks, I know you’ve all got ideas on how to start a riot, lemme see ‘em!

HEY!  ALL YOU PHOTOGRAPHERS OUT THERE!  LISTEN UP!

The Riot is holding our first ever photography competition!  Why?  Because we can, that’s why.  The theme of the competition is:

START A RIOT

The idea is that your photo should be something that would make viewers understand the need for a new Grrl Riot and/or encourage them to help start one.  However you want to accomplish that is your choice.

And of course, there’s always rules:

• e-mail all entries to theriotmag@gmail.com and make sure “PHOTO CONTEST SUMMER 2009” is in the subject line.  Send your photo as an attachment.
• You can enter up to three photos, but please try to send all entries with the same e-mail
• Just like with our general submission policy, you are welcome to add watermarks to your shots…however, in this case for the ease of judging, we’re asking that watermarks be kept to one of the four corners of your shot.
• All entries MUST BE RECEIVED BY MIDNIGHT EST ON JULY 31ST, AUGUST 31ST, 2009.
• Judging will be done by editor in chief Ashly Nagrant as well as a panel of others she will select.  Potentially there could be a celebrity judge, gimme some time to pull some strings.
• Prizes will be awarded to the top three photos.  Each will be featured on The Riot.  The photographers will receive prizes to be determined at a later date.
• While you can enter up to three photos, only one of them will be eligible for a prize.
• any other questions should be directed to theriot@gmail.com or left as questions in the comments section here

Looking forward to seeing what you’ve got!  Tell your friends!  Start a Riot!