Report by Roberto Trippini

In American political discourse, "banana republic" stand for a small foreign state that is essentially controlled by US corporate interests. The expression has its origins in United Fruits and other big US corporations dominating a number of small Central American republics in the 20th century.

Now, imagine a mass happening (20, 50, or more people) joining the ongoing protests around Downing Street and/or in front of the Commons, each person with one or several bananas, to be be waved in well-choreographed patterns (Mexican wave, etc.) while apposite slogans are being chanted.

A mere frivolous sideline of merely symbolic import? Yes, but also one that can give birth to a lasting political meme. For one thing, "bananas" is an expression that splendidly conveys the unbalanced, preposterous, and vainglorious mindset of the pillock who's the present PM of the UK. More to the point, it may help introduce the notion of banana republic into current political discourse as conceptually vivid expression of the current risk the UK faces.

Ideally, this humble fruit may well become the visual leitmotif of the opposition to the grand plans of the hard right. At political events and rallies, in marches and demos, banana-themed floats, posters, cartoons and signs will evoke the fate that awaits a post-Brexit Britain in the hands of those who see a catastrophic no-deal as the historical opportunity to dismantle the welfare state, curb rights, and bring about US corporate domination.

Bananas may be waved, used as performance props, and eventually eaten or composted. Bananas can be also thrown, but it must be noted that throwing bananas at persons or buildings might be technically illegal. Let's have the banana join the chlorinated chicken as expression of dissent and rejection!