The Controversy of Drawing Dicks on The Herald Sun: A Satirical Act of Protest

In recent years, an unusual form of protest has gained traction—drawing penises on newspapers, particularly on The Herald Sun, a prominent drawing dicks on the herald sun Australian tabloid. What started as a crude joke has evolved into a satirical statement against media bias, sensationalism, and corporate influence. This article explores the origins of this trend, its cultural significance, and why people continue to deface The Herald Sun with phallic imagery.

Why The Herald Sun? Understanding the Target

The Herald Sun is one of Australia’s most widely circulated newspapers, owned by News Corp Australia—a subsidiary of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire. Critics argue that the publication often leans toward sensationalism, political bias, and fear-mongering, particularly on issues like immigration, climate change, and social policies.

Given its controversial reputation, the newspaper has become a prime target for activists, pranksters, and satirists who use humor to challenge its credibility. Drawing dicks on The Herald Sun is not just about juvenile humor—it’s a form of guerrilla art that mocks the paper’s perceived lack of journalistic integrity.

The Origins of the Trend

The trend of defacing newspapers with phallic drawings isn’t new. Similar acts have been seen in other countries, often targeting politically charged media outlets. However, in Australia, the phenomenon gained momentum around the mid-2010s, fueled by social media.

Key Moments in the Trend’s Popularity

• 2015-2016: Images of The Herald Sun covered in crude drawings began circulating on platforms like Reddit and Twitter.
• 2017: Activists encouraged people to buy copies, doodle on them, and leave them in public places.
• 2020: The trend resurfaced during COVID-19, with critics accusing The Herald Sun of downplaying the pandemic’s severity.

Is It Vandalism or Protest? The Legal and Ethical Debate

While some see this act as harmless satire, others argue drawing dicks on the herald sun it constitutes vandalism, especially when done on copies in newsstands or public spaces. However, since most participants purchase the newspapers before altering them, legal repercussions are rare.

Arguments in Favor of the Trend

• Freedom of Expression: Supporters argue that defacing a corporate-owned paper is a form of protest against media monopolies.
• Satirical Commentary: The absurdity of covering a “serious” newspaper with childish drawings highlights the absurdity of its reporting.
• Public Engagement: The trend sparks discussions about media bias and corporate influence in journalism.

Arguments Against the Trend

• Property Damage: Altering newspapers in stores without purchasing them could be considered theft or vandalism.
• Diminishing Serious Issues: Some believe the trend oversimplifies media criticism and reduces activism to juvenile pranks.

The Psychological Appeal: Why Drawing Dicks Works as Protest

There’s a reason why phallic imagery is so effective in protest movements:

1. Universally Understood Symbolism – A penis is an instantly recognizable, humorous, and subversive image.
2. Disrupting Authority – Defacing a powerful media outlet with something so crude undermines its seriousness.
3. Virality – The shock value ensures the images spread quickly online, amplifying the message.

Has the Trend Made an Impact?

While The Herald Sun has not publicly acknowledged the trend, it has undoubtedly affected public perception. Social media posts mocking the newspaper’s defaced copies have reached thousands, reinforcing skepticism toward its reporting.

Other Examples of Similar Protests

• “The Sun” (UK): Activists have long criticized Murdoch’s The Sun for its controversial headlines, leading to similar defacement campaigns.
• Trump Newspapers: During Donald Trump’s presidency, critics often drew on his interviews or covers featuring him.

How to Responsibly Participate (If You Choose To)

If you find the trend amusing or meaningful, here’s how to engage without crossing legal boundaries:

1. Buy the Paper First – Altering a copy you own is legal; defacing store copies is not.
2. Share Thoughtfully – Pair your doodles with explanations about media criticism to add depth.
3. Explore Other Forms of Activism – Consider writing letters, supporting independent journalism, or engaging in digital campaigns.

Conclusion: A Crude but Effective Form of Media Criticism

Drawing dicks on The Herald Sun may seem juvenile, but it’s part of a broader tradition of using humor to challenge authority. Whether seen as vandalism or satire, the trend reflects growing public distrust in corporate media and the power of grassroots mockery.

As long as media bias exists, so too will creative—and sometimes crude—forms of protest.

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