Cards Against Humanity, the irreverent card game company, has proven time and again that it's not just adept at making people laugh but also at engaging in political activism with a unique and effective approach. Their ability to blend humor, creativity, and social commentary has made them surprisingly influential in the political sphere.
One of their most notable political stunts was the purchase of a plot of land on the U.S.-Mexico border in 2017. This move was designed to obstruct then-President Donald Trump's plans to build a border wall. By raising over $2 million from 150,000 supporters, Cards Against Humanity demonstrated its ability to mobilize its fan base for political causes, promising to make the wall construction "as time-consuming and expensive as possible for Trump"2.
The company's political engagement didn't stop there. In a bold move that garnered significant attention, Cards Against Humanity filed a $15 million lawsuit against Elon Musk's SpaceX in 2024. The lawsuit alleges that SpaceX trespassed on and damaged the border land they had purchased. This legal action not only highlights the company's commitment to protecting its assets but also serves as a public challenge to a prominent billionaire, further cementing their reputation as a politically active organization23.
During the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Cards Against Humanity showcased its political savvy by selling expansion packs called "Vote for Hillary" and "Vote for Trump," with proceeds directed to the Clinton campaign. They also created a political action committee called the Nuisance Committee, which funded billboards targeting Trump with clever and pointed messages. This initiative demonstrated the company's ability to use its brand and products to directly influence political discourse and fundraising2.
Cards Against Humanity has also tackled broader social issues, such as wealth inequality. As part of their "Cards Against Humanity Saves America" campaign, the company redistributed money to people in need, giving 10,000 people a $15 refund and 100 people a check for $1,000. This action showcased their commitment to addressing societal problems beyond mere rhetoric2.
Recognizing the importance of public opinion in shaping political landscapes, Cards Against Humanity launched a series of monthly public opinion polls called "Cards Against Humanity's Pulse of the Nation." These polls covered topics they felt other pollsters were "too afraid to cover," providing unique insights into the American public's views on various issues. This initiative demonstrates the company's understanding of the role of data and public sentiment in political discourse4.
CAH has shown a keen awareness of the global nature of politics and the importance of inclusivity. However, they've also maintained a focus on their primary market and the legal constraints of political participation. This is evident in their message to non-American visitors on their website, which humorously but firmly states that only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to participate in their political initiatives. This approach, while potentially disappointing to international fans, underscores their commitment to operating within legal boundaries while still maintaining their characteristic irreverent tone.
But for now, it's time to apologize!1
Stop masturbating and listen up, America. If you didn’t vote in 2020, Cards Against Humanity will PAY you to apologize, make a voting plan, and publicly post #DonaldTrumpIsAHumanToilet—up to $100 if you live in a swing state and lean blue. https://t.co/8zL2N0Lxhj.
— Cards Against Humanity (@CAH) October 8, 2024
Citations:
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Cards Against Humanity Just Sued Elon Musk for $15 Million - Here's Why (Forbes) ↩↩↩↩
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Cards Against Humanity vs. Elon Musk: Texas Land Dispute (CNN) ↩
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Cards Against Humanity's Pulse of the Nation (Roper Center) ↩
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Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Tesla, SpaceX, Border Wall, and Cards Against Humanity (Newsweek) ↩