BP Stations as Contested Places

As reported here, protesters have begun to appear at retail BP gas stations in response to the Gulf oil spill.  As the article suggests, the protests are not likely to have a large impact on the consumption of gasoline at BP outlets.  Similar efforts following the Exxon Valdez oil spill were largely ineffective.  However, the public gatherings and protests will serve as a tangible reminder to the public of the ongoing catastrophe.