Joker jumps from screen to streets of global revolutions
Joker masks — just like V for Vendetta masks 10 years ago — have become common in demonstrations from Lebanon to Iraq, as protesters search for symbols with which they can strike a blow against those in power.
BEIRUT — Bang! Bang! Bang! The man continued to hit the drum and shouted insults at major Lebanese political figures as a massive, tightly packed crowd of hundreds of people surrounded him with one man lighting a flare that created an eerie red glow in the darkness of the night and highlighted the man’s face that was painted white with a large red smile.
He was not the only one leading the crowd, though. He was joined by a couple of other men who, like him, all had their faces painted like the Joker.
Since Todd Phillip’s billion-dollar film "Joker" was released earlier this year, it has gained a massive following with Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the titular character becoming a symbol for revolution around the world.
In Chile, Iraq, Egypt and Lebanon, the Joker’s face has appeared not only on street walls but also on the faces of protesters, as many people have started to paint their faces in the style of the comic book villain.
