The concept behind the "zero dollar bill" isn't just to be fun and cheeky, it's designed to act as a peaceful symbol of protest. Brian Romero designed the fake cash in an act of dissatisfaction with the system that manages US currency as well as high oil prices.
"Did you know the U.S. dollar is fiat currency?" he asks on his blog. "Or that the Federal Reserve is a private bank, whose board members and meetings are secret? That's right, our economy is controlled by a secret cabal of domestic and foreign banks!"
His graphics of were turned into black and white stickers in the standard U.S. currency size. They will come enclosed in future packages of Pocket Pistols as well as be available for sale on Brian Romero's site.
Fake Currency As Protest
The Zero Dollar Bill
Trend Themes
1. Protest Currency - Creating alternative currencies as a form of peaceful protest against the current monetary system.
2. Disruptive Currency Design - Designing and distributing unofficial currency banknotes as a means of challenging traditional financial systems and institutions.
3. Transparent Monetary System - Advocating for a more transparent and publicly controlled monetary system through artistic expressions on alternative currency.
Industry Implications
1. Printing and Distribution - Opportunity for printing and distributing alternative currency banknotes for protest movements and activist groups.
2. Art and Design - Incorporating artistic and graphic design elements on alternative currencies to promote social and political messages.
3. Financial Education and Awareness - Developing educational resources and platforms to raise awareness about the inner workings of monetary systems and financial institutions.