Flip-flops to mouse ears: Creative activists to protest Ron DeSantis’ Bluffton rally

Evan McKenna
·2 min read
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Not since flip-flops (yes, the beach sandals) were sold at the 2004 Republican National Convention to deride Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry for repeatedly changing his positions on numerous campaign issues, has clothing and accessories been used in political discourse.

That all ends in Bluffton on Friday morning, when the new accessory for debate isn’t footwear — but headwear.

Specifically, mouse ears.

A group of Beaufort County activists plans to protest 2024 presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis’ Friday morning stop in Bluffton. Demonstrators are encouraged to bring homemade signage — suggestions include “I can say gay!” or “No book bans here” — and to wear Mickey Mouse ears, a jab at the Florida governor’s crusade on Disney’s “woke” corporate values.

The protest is organized by Lowcountry Indivisible, a local chapter of the nationwide grassroots movement that sprouted in response to Donald Trump’s election in 2016. Anyone wishing to participate should report at 8 a.m. Friday to the nearby Food Lion parking lot, where the group will assemble before taking position along U.S. 278 near Okatie Ale House, said the group’s spokesperson Rita Conrad.

DeSantis’ 9 a.m. event is his first of three stops in South Carolina, originally planned for Beaufort Academy before the shift to Okatie Ale House early this week. The restaurant faced criticism following the announcement — with some even vowing to boycott the business — but Conrad says the protest is strictly in response to DeSantis and his values, not the venue.

Pairs of “John Kerry flip-flops” were sold at the 2004 Republican National Convention, disparaging the Democratic presidential candidate for “flip-flopping” on campaign promises. National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
Pairs of “John Kerry flip-flops” were sold at the 2004 Republican National Convention, disparaging the Democratic presidential candidate for “flip-flopping” on campaign promises. National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

Conrad adds, hot-button issues for the Lowcountry protesters are DeSantis’ anti-LGBTQ legislation and his support for book bans in his state’s schools. This hits close to home as Beaufort County wages its own war against controversial books in school libraries.

Friday morning’s demonstration will be non-violent and peaceful, according to event information provided by Lowcountry Indivisible. A team of “peace ambassadors” in yellow vests will be stationed across the immediate area to help guide attendees and ensure safety.

Conrad encourages all local progressives — even those not involved with Lowcountry Indivisible — to join the group Friday morning.