Roots of Expression & Seeds of Controversy
Local Store Goes Viral. More Than Half A Million Views.
We like to report in a non-partisan way, often falling back on that phrase “let readers decide”. We are not here supporting Israel, and we are not here supporting a Free Palestine movement. But we will take a part of that “non-partisan” vibe back on this one.
Plant Posse is a small business downtown, focused on sustainability… a business that donates a portion of its profits, a business that supports local artists, supports human rights, advocacy of all types, animal welfare, environmental protection, and education. We all have causes we support; those are theirs.
This business is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming space for all. A business they started, pay for, work for, and choose to pursue. And someone took advantage of that business. And that choice. A choice to express themselves freely, in a country… and a city, that was built on the freedom of expression.
Recently, the store shared surveillance images and a lengthy social media post showing a customer who entered the store and hid a display of “Free Palestine” stickers.
According to the owner’s “the stickers were being sold as part of a fundraiser, with proceeds directed toward organizations providing aid to Palestinians.”
Plant Posse posted security camera images showing a customer standing near the sticker display. The images show the individual concealing the stickers behind other merchandise.
Later, the store shared photos of the stickers and screenshots of direct messages it received following the incident. Some argued that publicly identifying her on social media went too far.
We don’t think it went too far. It’s their store, the one they choose to dedicate their time and resources to. A store where they can choose whatever forms of creative expression they want.
If you want to step into someone's private space and impose your public views on something, a space you didn’t invest blood, sweat, and tears into, then you open yourself up to public scrutiny as well. You walked into their space… if it was ok for you to hide something they supported… then you lost your right to hide yourself.
Don’t play the victim to circumstances you created.
Going Viral
The first video documenting the incident drew more than 119,000 views. According to the store owner, a follow-up video and update have now been viewed more than half a million times across social media platforms.
Supporters have since visited the store specifically to purchase the stickers after learning about the incident online. The shop owner told us that "the attention ultimately helped raise awareness and support for humanitarian aid efforts."
They even got a surprise visit in person by the cofounder, Hani, of Gaza Soup Kitchen.
Unlike a grocery store or hardware store, Plant Posse’s identity is rooted in art, creativity, and personal expression. Many of the products sold in the store are themselves forms of artistic and political expression created by local independent artists.
The same freedoms that allow an artist to create a “Free Palestine” sticker also protect artists who create messages supporting Israel, environmental causes, social justice movements, veterans, religious organizations, or any number of political viewpoints.
Corvallis has never been a city known for avoiding difficult conversations, and hosts a large community of artists, activists, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
The First Amendment does not exist to protect speech that everyone agrees with. It exists to protect speech that others may find uncomfortable, controversial, or even offensive. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, that principle remains one of the country's—and our town's—defining characteristics.
The Plant Posse controversy is a modern example of that tradition playing out at the local level. A business owner expressed support for a political cause. A customer apparently objected. Both sides spoke publicly in their own way. Hundreds of thousands of people weighed in.
“It’s amazing how one person’s prejudice turned into a call to action,” the owner said. “The community showed up and helped give aid to folks who so desperately need it. I’m still floored by it, and hearing about it from folks on a daily basis, how it inspired them to donate and directly help the people of Gaza.”
Whether you agree with the store’s political message or not, the incident demonstrates how a local business, a social media post, and a moment of conflict sparked conversations, fundraising efforts, and community action seen by hundreds of thousands of people.
Plant Posse's story serves as a reminder that freedom of expression remains one of Corvallis's defining ideals. You may disagree on politics, causes, and world events, but the right to speak, create, advocate, and support the causes you believe in is part of our city's identity.
As a media publication, we can also choose to exercise those First Amendment rights. And like Plant Posse, we too can choose which images to post and which articles to write. It's okay if you didn't like this one, but we appreciate you visiting our store.
Plant Posse recently opened a new downtown Corvallis storefront at 133 NW 2nd St., two doors left of Laughing Planet. More about them, and their hours can be found at
https://www.plantposseart.com/
We encourage you to shop and support local businesses like Plant Posse that give back.
This article was written by Brian Lindensmith, a contributor to The Corvallis Inquirer. Feel free to send us your stories or articles to publish at: editor@corvallisnow.com
Do you have a story for The Inquirer? Email: editor@corvallisnow.com
→ Support us
We’ll keep it ad-free even if you don’t.
