They were there, then “poof!” They were gone. I’m talking about elevator buttons above the regular floor buttons spelling out the word “RIOT” in all caps in a government building in downtown Sacramento, California. The buttons left building occupants, many of them state employees, baffled and “freaked out,” according to one worker, CBS local news was among news outlets to report. The buttons have since been covered up by round, blue stickers, and a state spokesperson says installing the RIOT buttons was an “error in judgement.” Intended to indicate an emergency scenario, such as a riot, the buttons will be replaced this week with regular, illuminated buttons that have no words.
Despite potentially serious connotations, the word “riot” is a fun one, bringing to my mind, at least, several bands, including this, this and this.
I would love to know what company manufactured the “RIOT”
What the?? RIOT button in the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Building; photo from CBS News
buttons, and, better yet, have one as a collector’s item. If anyone knows, please get in touch with me at kaija@elevatorworld.com!
A documentary about the Riot Grrrl movement; image from YouTube
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