Statue of black woman erected in Times Square

Marjorie Taylor Greene is already on her way to NYC to plant a pipe bomb next to it in the dark of night.

They could have given her nicer boobs.

This is pretty representative of what the city actually looks like. I read a bio of H. P. Lovecraft and when he tried living in NYC during his brief marriage all the non-WASP people freaked him out so badly he had to run right back to Providence.

Cue conservative meltdowns over "racism."

well they caught the fat, anger, and slovenly look. Now we just need a cellphone and acrylic nails.

Wow. Nice.

[quote] Cue conservative meltdowns over "racism."

Looking on X, all the top responses are criticizing her being plus-size. Being fat tops race.

Then all the top responders on X have never been to Times Square.

IDGAF about "top responses" on X.

Statue of Ghetto black woman.

It would be fine if the weave was a little less obvious.

No outrage from me just.....bepuzzlement? What exactly is artistic of a statue of some random people I pass by in the supermarket...could they have made someone at least bad ass looking or pretty or made it of someone meaningfull to black americans? Where's the art?

She sho is ugly

It should've been a statue of Beyonce.

DEI statue alert!

WTF is the purpose of this eyesore?

And I would feel the exact same way about a 12 ft. statue of a white guy in a suit, carrying a briefcase. What the fuck and why should we care? One more goddamn thing to have to walk around in addition to all the other shit in Times Square and the fat flyover tourists.

All I'm getting from it is people just don't dress up anymore.

They would never put a statue of a grungy white, young, tattooed skateboarder with messy hair in Times Square, what's the excuse for this slovenly depiction?

LOL. It seriously looks like something a very talented MAGA sculptor would create.

It's a typical woman in a typical dress down attire. It's just nicely done public art. It's not intended to be a Michelangelo or Rodin level sculpture.

Looks like Letitia James ! It will trigger Trump every time he passes it.

r20 it's ugly AF. And one more thing people have to maneuver around. Between the fat flyover tourists and the Muslim jihadists on their loudspeakers, the old days of porn theaters, pimps and hookers look pretty good.

You sound bitter. Have you tried prunes?

Apparently, it was created to counteract all the white statues; it's not working.

r23 try working near Times Square some time. We all bitch about it.

R22, exacto-knife a wang-sized hole in your refrigerator box and start a VIRAL trend that brings back those porn theaters, pimps, and hookers.

It will help replace some of the missing tourism dollars.

r26 = humor impaired

R20 well it reeks to me as "I'm secretly untalented so I'll just pass this off as "public" art (whatever that is).

I actually think the statue is really well done.

If the goal is to “confront preconceived notions of identity and representation,” then, well… the comments obsessing over the woman’s appearance are doing exactly that... proving the point.

I haven’t seen many people say the artist failed. They’re just upset that the woman doesn’t look like whatever ideal they had in mind. But she does look like a lot of New Yorkers. And the fact that bothers people? That’s what’s really sad.

It's not very attractive, now is it?

Is that Star Jones?

Van Gogh set a precedent and this is a result. Good job.

I know my rights.

Statues should be attractive. This one is not.

Is that Queen Latifah?

I can't tell from the image, but is she wearing her trademark strap-on or is that just while she's filming 'The Equalizer'?

they should have put it in front of the welfare office

They couldn’t have sculpted her a brassiere?

R36 OH NO YOU DIN'T!

Gut tits, aka, gits, are never fetching.

Loving the meltdowns here.

Some of you are so [italic]pressed[/italic].

She's obviously meant to be a relatable everywoman, not Beyonce or Harriet Tubman. Why is that hard to grasp?

is that teacakes?

This thread is crude, inappropriate and a total dumpster fire. I hope it reaches 600 replies.

Girl is THICCC

It's unfortunate the sculptor gave her Mamie Eisenhower tits.

Looks like our sister, Letitia James, Attorney General of New York.

Statue of Proud black woman erected in Times Square.

fixed for honky beotch OP

R29 its not about her not being pretty or svelte. Its how ORDINARY she is. The statue looks like most people I pass on the street or see in a supermarket or in the subway. There is nothing remarkable about her, socits hard to see what artistic value she has. Hell if it was a statue of an obesse woman at least it would mean something.

“The 12-foot bronze statue of a young woman in everyday clothes stands with confidence, a nod to Michelangelo’s “David””.

Quite nice tits.

Young woman? She's a hard 40.

Black ppl and their ancestors built this country. While Trump and his people were hearding sheep and wearing skirts people like this woman were building America.

So only attractive people are worthy of "art," R47. Got it. You sound laughably shallow. Go back to your Thomas Kinkades and Hummel figurines.

Someone is already on the next bus out from Pittsburgh to Times Square with a carton of eggs and a can of spray paint.

I think she's an excellent representation of an everyday person. Very well crafted.

I agree it's not particularly arty but it will spark conversation. Sometimes that's the whole point.

But she's not pretty, R54. She's not even well dressed. I can't call this art. I can find prettier art at Target, nice prints of flowers, sunsets, pretty ladies on the beach. This? This... this... ordinary PERSON?? NOT art.

Clearly.

I like it

Maybe Rosa Parks or something but it diminishes getting a statue for your achievement to ypir fellow man if everyone gets one. You get a statue, You get a statue and You get a starue. Or maybe a historic broadway star black or white.

R47 and if you or any of the other posters complaining of the ordinariness knew a single thing about history you would know that there is a very long tradition of art representing the “Everyman” and one of the longest running conversations in art is the tension between “ideal” and “lifelike” representation. There have been multiple times in history when artists have unveiled paintings of real people ( ir: poor, non elite) to much pearl clutching from the prissy Datalounge types of their day.

there is plenty of precedent for this

It’s a beautiful statue, old navy jeans and all.

I like it, too.

Yes, R57. Everyone is getting a statue. That’s the point. It’s not an individual being singled out and rewarded for nothing in particular. She is everyone. She isn’t anyone special and she is heavy and not particularly well-dressed. But she’s handsome and holds herself with confidence. I think it’s beautifully executed (but I don’t know much) and it’s refreshing to see an average American, warts and all, presented in a dignified and positive light.

^ R58 beat me to it and said it better. How embarrassing!

R10 Ghetto = Black and Fat apparently

Make another black woman statue right next to hers, then place some washing machines around and those statues will come alive for a typical ghetto laundromat cat fight.

R57, "everyone" is not getting a statue; it's one statue meant to [italic]represent[/italic] everyone, with the artist making a choice to portray a demographic that is ubiquitous and even a plurality in some parts, but that is rarely offered as the "everyone" representative in art. As R58 explains this "everyone" (or "everyman") representation is not new and has a long tradition, often along with the same offended reactions we're seeing here.

I beg your pardon R44! I maintain my bustline with my corseter who works at Belk Lindsey!! Always full cup double under wire unless it's an armless evening dress and I will be showing some cleavage, then it's a half cup under wire. The statue looks mean to me .

Rather bizarre.

r53 did you check under your bed? Maybe this Defacto creature is hiding there.

I like it.

[quote] with the artist making a choice to portray a demographic that is ubiquitous and even a plurality in some parts, but that is rarely offered as the "everyone" representative in art.

I love this aspect of it, but didn’t understand it until R63 explained it. I felt it, though. Look at me, responding to art!

[quote]R2 They could have given her nicer boobs.

And why not topless? This is a tourist area. Give the People what they want!

They should've done a statue of the cast of Friends. Give the tourists what they want.

R52 when did I say it was about attractivenes? Shut the fuck up please

If you accept the premise that this particular woman is a rightful subject for a 12 ft sculpture in Times Square… the sculptor did a superb piece of work.

R47 No sweety, I am well aware that the every man/woman has been the focus of art for eons. But usually that person is portrayed in a particular context, or with a particular vision that says so much more than "this is a normal every day person that we don't normally see portrayed in art" and that's it....

R54 what conversation would it spark?

It does make me think that it's been a long while since I've given Eddy (Electric Avenue) Grant his due consideration.

[quote]r16 One more goddamn thing to have to walk around in addition to all the other shit in Times Square and the fat flyover tourists.

Do you work in the theater, or on restaurant row? Every New Yorker I know avoids Times Square. Why are you walking around there?

Van Gogh did this. Swear! So happy!

It's very nice!

A tribute to the ladies of “What’s Happenin?’”has been long overdue.

[Quote] [R53] did you check under your bed? Maybe this Defacto creature is hiding there

That’s creepy, are you replying from inside the house?

[quote]Do you work in the theater, or on restaurant row? Every New Yorker I know avoids Times Square. Why are you walking around there?

I'm an attorney who has client meetings in the Times Square vicinity. For many NYers Times Square is unavoidable in our professional lives.

Strange r81 because I work just east of Times Square (I’m an attorney too) and I’m NEVER there for work.

Too true, R81. I step through two clown zones daily - a drug-war zone at work and a visiting junkie tourist area where I live.

Good for you r82 but I am. Hotels and several offices in the TS vicinity. I hate going there but it's part of my job.

Pretty sure that statue is directly catty corner from Morgan Stanley world headquarters. Plenty of white collar 9 to 5-ers people work in that immediate area.

This is going look great once they remove those last two white man statues with the new 10ft high bronze likeness of Saint George Floyd!

They unveiled the statue today and Trump immediately hit 25,000 new supporters. Keep it up fringe wokies,, you’re doing great!

Uh, that's a racist caricature of a black woman. C'mon, fat with braided hair? If you're not gonna honor a famous black woman with a statue, then at least sculpt a pleasing image. Is this a joke?

R3, Lovecraft also had a cat named “N****rman” so he was just a horrible racist no matter where he would have lived.

A smugly proud motive doesn't excuse bad art.

Tig ol’ biddies!

I like it.

Her milkshake brings all the boys to the yard.

R92 = Whoopi.

[quote]could they have made someone at least bad ass looking or pretty or made it of someone meaningfull to black americans?

Whoopi Goldberg was asking for too much money for her 'posing fee' and Sunny Hostin simply wasn't asked. So who's left ?

When will she be a guest on 'The View' ? She's not in TS for long !

NYC removed the statue of Thomas Jefferson from City Hall in 2021 due to racism. lol

But Jefferson the musical was a huge hit. What a strange world we're in.

[quote] The Times Square Arts association admits its new 12-foot bronze statue of an overweight black woman is supposed to serve as a "contrast" to the two white men who have statues in the neighborhood. One of those white men was a distinguished WWI hero.

Will trigger warnings be placed near the statues of the two white men?

Thomas J. Price piece, called "Grounded with the Stars”

The title could even reference back to Van Gogh.

This is important. I

hope the naysayers are people who are angry their KinKade factory paintings don’t fetch Prepper painting figures….

Aww. The sculptor couldn't have waited until she put a bra on?

Maybe next summer there will be a statue of a hot muscled naked guy with a raging hard-on to pay homage to the defunct 'Gaiety Theater' which once defined Times Square.

r103 that would be very problematic. Despite being queer, the statue would still be of a white male and an erect penis is extremely triggering. It's also a symbol of the patriarchy.

R104 How about a hung black man or hung Latino ?

The erect penis would still be problematic.

The Louvre is sending someone to NYC to make a proper offer to bring it back for a permanent display.

Very dope.

Is this going to be the new Statue of Liberty ?

Is this a sculpture of the Frontier gate agent that just got fired?

A statue of Zoe Kravitz would've been better. She's black but she's thin and hot. People would like to look at that.

It's no big deal. I've seen plenty worse sculptures in NYC. The smug little girl with the bull was infinitely more annoying. People who hate it should just chill. It's only on view till the middle of June.

[quote] It's only on view till the middle of June.

Which Popeye’s will it be on display at after?

The one Teacake works at.

[quote] A statue of Zoe Kravitz would've been better. She's black but she's thin and hot.

Said no one ever.

I like the statue of the little girl as she was placed staring down the Wall Street bull.

I laughed thinking this was some jokey Onion type deal when I initially scrolled past the thread title and link image. What a parody of American slovenliness. Then I was shocked to find it’s real. A statute of a person who looks like they just rolled out of bed. How low can our standards get? Pretty soon people will be wearing sweatpants and flip flops to funerals.

read the results Maury, read the results

That Queen looks like she was carved out of Kongoleum.

R111 This isn’t about sexy and what is most esthetically pleasing. This is about art. It’s not a memorial or tribute statute. Some of you are so dense.

[quote]R81 I'm an attorney who has client meetings in the Times Square vicinity. For many NYers Times Square is unavoidable in our professional lives

Thanks. I lived on W. 75th and only went to Times Square for plays or to meet actor friends between shows. It was instinctively an “avoid” district.

Hopefully, after this she’ll be a-mov in’ on up to the Eastside.

I like that she’s a massive 12 feet tall. Honestly, she should be sitting beside her torch, robe, book and pointy crown. Liberty, taking a powder.

The sculptor should have installed retractable machine-gun barrels in her boobs, like the fembots have in the "Austin Powers" movies.

What women used to look like. Apparently they were also liberated from taste and decorum.

R124 Do you know women of any race that dresses like it’s 80 yrs ago still?

The photo at R124 is dated 1983, not 80 years ago, r123.

Smart, self-respecting women still take pride in their appearance, particularly avoiding the trashy fads of the day.

I was shocked to see Michelle Obama decked out in Fu Manchu nails and gaudy costume jewelry recently, perhaps attributable to post-menopause crisis.

Sad.

I really notice the difference around this time of year, R124, when the weather turns warm. Just fat girls in crop tops and strappy tanks, with their rolls a-hangin’, as far as the eye can see.

It plays into stereotypes having a single black woman with her baby daddy nowhere to be found. A sculptural group of a black family would have been way better.

Sorry, I meant r125, not r123, above.

R128 Maybe this isn’t ABOUT the black family unit or monogamy. Its art. She doesn’t have kids. She doesn’t have a husband. She is fucking creative symbolism of the regular 25 yrs old black urban woman riding the subway to work.

The only thing sad here is you. I have NEVER seen the former First Lady look unclassy. Never.

r130, you're saying that's a body of a woman who has not had children? That makes it worse.

R130 you underestimate how deeply committed a certain kind of Datalounger is to withholding respect, empathy or understanding to people of color. They get off on it. When presented with an outrageously well educated and spoken woman they make gorilla and King Kong jokes. That’s the whole game.

R132 oh so you are a troll, got it. Even using troll logic her husband and her mafuckin kids would not be connected at the hip to her. Shit so fucking stupid though. This is art. You can create any narrative you want.

Even scarier than "Scary Lucy".

Yeah wtf is up with those saggy tits? Is she supposed to be 80?

She represents your momma R136

No one can seriously say that the portrayal is flattering.

They should have made one of a grand old Church Mother ,hat and all . That would have been cool to look at . This young lady is sadly forgettable. In making her ordinary,they made her too ordinary .

I swear the dumbest people on earth post here.

It should be titled “An Ode to Diabetes and High Blood Pressure.” You know she’d already be hobbling around on a bad knee like a wounded war veteran. My mother is in her 80s and can rise from a seated position faster than this woman.

The arts are truly dead and buried in the US. It’s not even funny anymore. It’s tragic.

Remember the MLK arms statue that looked like he was giving head?

[post redacted because linking to dailymail.co.uk clearly indicates that the poster is either a troll or an idiot (probably both, honestly.) Our advice is that you just ignore this poster but whatever you do, don't click on any link to this putrid rag.]

She needs a cape!

That's Washington Flossing His Underwear

Should’ve been an effigy erected of the Guitar-Playing Underwear Cowboy. Erect.

Not the erection I would have preferred.

What's with the ratty t-shirt ??? Couldn't they have dressed her up better than a Kmart shopper? She's a half step above Felicia in Friday!

Also r86 and r87:

[Quote] What is it with some DL’ers thinking every black guy is “gorgeous!” And “ beautiful!” ?!

I don’t want to see statues of average people I can see everyday. It’s just weird

I don't get it but I learned long ago that just because a piece of art doesn't do anything for me, doesn't mean someone won't like it.

American look is boring. Walmart Amazon shopping Americans are BORING!

Here's some actual interesting fashion, not boring American duds.

More Lagos fashion! Better than that pitiful statue!

I like it. I've never been to NY, but I think this statue is good. I wish they'd do something like this in Chicago.

R154 Lagos fashion. Well, it looks like Paris and Milan can rest easy.

[quote]I like it. I've never been to NY, but I think this statue is good. I wish they'd do something like this in Chicago.

It would be icing on the cake.

r155, get a lot of clay and mold yourself a big ol' Lori Lightfoot.

Black women are the most reliably democratic voters. They’re like white men for republicans, only even more so!

So I say they deserve a statue in Times Square.

No, not Lori Lighfoot, lol. I just saw another thread with a different statue here on DL and I think that would have been great, too. Chicago does need something like this.

I have no problem with a statue of an ordinary black woman, so long as she looks like Lieutenant Uhura.

[quote]Smart, self-respecting women still take pride in their appearance, particularly avoiding the trashy fads of the day.

I'm a smart, self-respecting woman, R126 -- and smart enough to know that it's not your place to judge.

Why is it that, (it seems) since time immemorial, gay men have perceived themselves to be experts on women? For men-loving-men, you certainly spend a lot of your energy focused on women and what we do. Don't any of you think that's a spectacular waste of your time? I would think that you would just do what women do with men: shrug your shoulders, roll your eyes, say, "Well, what do you expect?" and go on with your lives.

But instead, you immerse yourselves in this running critique, because gay men are the experts in how women are supposed to look, act, and think. No wonder many people think you'd rather [bold]be[/bold] women; this kind of obsession borders on hysteria. Why do you care [italic]so much[/italic] about [italic]women?[/italic]

I like the statue; I wasn't crazy about it when I first saw it, but for some strange reason, it's growing on me. It's not just incredibly life-like, it's [italic]bigger[/italic] than life. It's fierce. It's not just a black woman -- it represents women of all races and shapes and sizes.

Besides, even the NYers have posted here that you don't go into Times Square if you can possibly avoid it (although a few of you can't): so what's your fucking damage?

I know you all live for pointless bitchery, but give this one a rest. It makes you look racist, petty, and small.

OTOH, if the foo shits...

Gay men are opposed to sloppy, slovenly appearances and poor grooming r162. It's as simple as that.

Good point, R163. If only that was their only critique of women!

The statue’s name is Echinacea.

She’s wearing t shirt and jeans. Arguable the most iconic contribution to fashion that America has ever made, and an outfit that every single person in this country has worn at some point. Her hair is tidy

Where, r162, are we getting “sloppy and slovenly grooming”?

People calling this Statue Everyone isnt seeing the elephant in the room. 13% of people in America are Black. Im certainty not racist but How is that statue representing Everyone? Plus, it almost certainly woukdnt ge Allowed look white these days unless there was 2 statues. Its keeping the division going.

Well non-racism at r167, The vast majority of citizens in this country ARE average looking people of modest means who, every day, face survival in a challenging if not outright hostile world that constantly seeks to minimize or discredit their humanity, often for no other reason than appearance alone.

That’s why this statue is you, me, and every other person on this thread. Especially those who would hate to be represented by a sturdy poor woman of color.

[quote]Where, [R162], are we getting “sloppy and slovenly grooming”?

Have you looked at the statue?

[quote]Smart, self-respecting women still take pride in their appearance, particularly avoiding the trashy fads of the day.

Same with men, too. I can't believe how most men in America (of all ages, sizes and race) dress in public these days. Those who still take pride are few and far between.

r168 you can get off your cross now.

Oooo! Leo XIV has entered the chat!

It accurately depicts what one sees n real life every day. The angry black woman. However, there are lots of whiten counterparts also. Cue MTG and Boebert .

This statue helps no one. I think black women will feel insulted by it. Perhaps racists will find its unnatractiveness a lot of fun?

[quote]It's fierce.

rolls eyes...

The scandalized penised-frauen hyperventilating through this thread are fucking HYSTERICAL.

Thank you!

Making her trans and differently abled would have been more inclusive.

And Muslim

[quote] And Muslim

That would be an easy update, to just put a sheet over it.

[quote] what conversation would it spark?

Thank you for this insight, R74 on a thread of 177 posts, responding to one of many articles written about it out of the many posts about it on Al Gore's internet.

What conversation could it possibly spark?

Still not as bad as the Lucy statue or the chinky MLK one.

It does look like a lot of people. A lot of women no longer wear bras or they wear bralettes

R180 since when is "what kind of question would it spark" insight? It's not, it's a question and so far the only question it HAS sparked is if that statue should/could be considered art...and I guess that's something but I dont think that was what you were referring to.

She looks like her pussy stinks.

[quote] Why is it that, (it seems) since time immemorial, gay men have perceived themselves to be experts on women? For men-loving-men, you certainly spend a lot of your energy focused on women and what we do. Don't any of you think that's a spectacular waste of your time? I would think that you would just do what women do with men: shrug your shoulders, roll your eyes, say, "Well, what do you expect?" and go on with your lives.

[quote] But instead, you immerse yourselves in this running critique, because gay men are the experts in how women are supposed to look, act, and think. No wonder many people think you'd rather be women; this kind of obsession borders on hysteria. Why do you care so much about women?

R162, I'm not the person you quoted, and he sounds like a nightmare, however the tone of your comment isn’t very appropriate for a LGBT website. I don’t think you get gay men, and how most of us have very strong and productive relationships with women, and work in industries that often have women clients. You’re implying some sort of meddling, and dealing in outdated negative stereotypes and generalizations, whereas it’s much more simple than that, it’s just that we often have strong friendships and family relationships with women. I also think you’re projecting. I mean “obsession borders on hysteria”? Girl, the mirror.

[quote]A lot of women no longer wear bras or they wear bralettes

FFS, R182 -- do I have to tell you guys [italic]everything?[/italic] The woman who posed for that statue, assuming there was one. was [bold]wearing a fucking bra!!![/bold]

If she hadn't been, those large breasts would be resting on the belly underneath them.

Go ahead -- ask me how I know that. I dare you!!

[quote] I don’t think you get gay men.

And you're a lesbian expert, R185? Spare me.

Since you weren't the focus of the post that seems to have offended your sensibilities (I quoted R126), I suggest you take it up with that poster, who you already admitted "sounds like a nightmare,"

And now, back to our regular programming.

Lots of black women hate it for making them look slovenly and fat, and have raised the point that the artist is biracial - black father, WHITE mother.

[quote] you immerse yourselves in this running critique, because gay men are the experts in how women are supposed to look, act, and think.

It doesn’t take an expert to point out that a woman is a fat dump. It’s entirely proper that we critique how people appear in public. Women certainly don’t get a pass.

[quote] the artist is biracial - black father, WHITE mother.

That makes sense.

R187 I never said I was an expert on lesbians, tf are you talking about? I just said you sounded nuts, and were kinda reading a lot (a lot) into a single guys comment and repackaging it as “all gay men want to control and be women” when that’s not what’s happening. You still sound nuts tbh, and something tells me you’re as much of (if not more of) a nightmare as the other guy was ;)

[quote] It accurately depicts what one sees n real life every day. The angry black woman. However, there are lots of whiten counterparts also. Cue MTG and Boebert .

No. Angry Black women look like Kerry Washington or Jasmine Crockett.

She's got that "don' talk to me while I'm watchin' my sturries" expression.

Why is she fat?

R194 do you really need to ask?

Is it supposed to represent the people who were priced out of NYC and can’t afford to live there anymore? A sort of monument to the past?

It kind of looks like Angela Bassett when she realized JLC won the Oscar and not her.

A statue of a woman who looks like she's waiting in a long line at Wal-Mart? Racists love crap like this.

Put up a statute of a successful black woman like Justice Jackson if you want to see them actually get mad.

And I'll 'Oh, dear" myself before anyone else does. Statue, not statute.

The mentality of R198 is precisely why this statue was erected, and why it’s not art. “If they put a black woman who looks like someone in line at Wal-Mart, it’s bad because racists love it. If they make it look like a successful woman, racists will hate it.” A black woman as depicted in the statue, “the Wal-Mart” type as R198 tellingly dubbed her, can not afford to live in Manhattan in 2025. No reflection on why that is, or how such a woman could reflect life in that city. But it sure will upset MAGA and racists, so it’s a good thing! It has nothing to do with art, and more to do with grifting.

[quote]She looks like her pussy stinks.

r184 And her breath and from the back she stanks like ass.

Let's take the statue and drop it on r200's head. It would be a true public service.

They should have done a whole bunch of statues, every ethnicity old, young, make it a village you could walk through.

What else can you do with a statue besides pose with it?

R200 no no you missed the point entirely. It's like when Disney made the Moana people fat.

R51 what have women depicted in this statue actually built?

This sculpture is everything that's wrong with us. We used to put up statues of people who made a difference in our lives like Lincoln or Jefferson but those ended up in the river and now we're supposed to revere statues of people who look like they live under Section 8 and shop at Walmart. And you wonder why the world is virulently turning away from the Left and choosing Right Wing extremists to lead the way.

Mystery solved r184 it’s a statue commemorating Cheryl

[quote]This sculpture is everything that's wrong with us. We used to put up statues of people who made a difference in our lives like Lincoln or Jefferson but those ended up in the river and now we're supposed to revere statues of people who look like they live under Section 8 and shop at Walmart. And you wonder why the world is virulently turning away from the Left and choosing Right Wing extremists to lead the way.

At the Miller building at B'Way and 46th street there are elegant sculptures of Ethel Barrymore , Marilyn Miller, Mary Pickford and Rosa Ponselle. And across the street in Duffy Square there's George M Cohan .

If the desire is for "inclusion" then how about a statue of Paul Robeson or Ethel Waters or the like...historical figures who actually contributed something to the theatre. It is Times Square after all. Funny thing is...people today don't even know who they are. Instead we get this.

There is nothing wrong with it, but it should have been Beyonce or Marsha Brown.

Maybe passers-by can rub her huge drooping boobs for luck, like they do with the Molly Malone statue in Dublin.

R208 In all fairness, I'm certain very few people today know who Ethel Barrymore , Marilyn Miller, Mary Pickford and Rosa Ponselle are, never mind Cohan. Now if there were statues of Ariana Bose, Cynthia Erivo, and Kim Kardashian in TS - you can only imagine the tourists flocking to take selfies.

Monishqua Malonaisia

There needs to be a statue of a nude, young, very good looking male stock trader that visitors could rub his nuts for luck.

I think Viola Davis posed for the artist who sculpted this statue.

That's hot r213.

[quote]I think Viola Davis posed for the artist who sculpted this statue.

That changes things. Anything that disses her is racism.

I like it! It is startling because I’ve never seen a black woman represented like that—but then I realize what its point is

[Quote] This sculpture is everything that's wrong with us. We used to put up statues of people who made a difference in our lives like Lincoln or Jefferson but those ended up in the river and now we're supposed to revere statues of people who look like they live under Section 8 and shop at Walmart. And you wonder why the world is virulently turning away from the Left and choosing Right Wing extremists to lead the way.

Translation: statues of white people only!

Not loving the statues attire

It would have been so cool to have also erected a Spirit Airlines counter in front of her.

That's one BIG black snatch.

Should have erected a nice statue of Harry Styles instead.

"She should be PRETTY, THIN and WHITE, and wearing EXPENSIVE CLOTHING."

-DLers with their whole asses on display.

[quote]It accurately depicts what one sees n real life every day.

It certainly does not. Who goes into Times fucking Square without their purse ?!

Is it supposed to be trans? Look at the face.

It’s dressed as a white target shopper.

Well r223 it would be an improvement.

Thomas J Price, a highly-respected 44 year old British sculptor, is the artist behind this statue. Here's more on is past work:

[quote]I don’t want to see statues of average people I can see everyday. It’s just weird

Same with TV/movie actors.

Bring back the hotties!

R228 oh so he can make them not ugly. He just made the American one chubby.

Cheeky.

r218, of course you'd turn that commenter's comment into a racial thing. He is absolutely right. Show people that changed the world and inspire humans to be better, not some Walmart trash. That includes black people and other "POC" that have done so!

Many teachers do the periodic table of black history. He could have cribbed from there.

That statue so ugly. He could have picked any of these women to model and at least has some style.

[quote]Maybe passers-by can rub her huge drooping boobs for luck

She's 12 feet tall, good luck with that!

Do you unimportant cunts go to the art museum and harrumph similarly when confronted with paintings of peasants and servants and everyday people in everyday settings? You sound so out of touch and ridiculous and clearly brainwashed into an idea of art and aesthetics which is, honestly , several steps BENEATH bourgeoise.

[quote]do I have to tell you guys everything?

You've been here long enough to know that yes, you do.

[quote] You sound so out of touch and ridiculous and clearly brainwashed into an idea of art and aesthetics which is, honestly , several steps BENEATH bourgeoise.

I doubt that would been as withering as you intended even had you spelled the word correctly.

r235 had to light up another Virginia Slim and change caftans after that diatribe.

Tell yo mamma I axe her how she durrin

There's no flow, it's a very blocky and solid pose.

Tear It Down!”: Statue Of Black Woman In NYC Times Square Ignites Debate

“She looks like she wants to speak to the manager,” that’s how some netizens described a new bronze statue standing in the heart of Times Square, New York.

“Looks like the woman running out of Walmart with free items under her shirt,” another wrote.

“I’m all for art and all, but did they literally have to pick the least flattering pose and demeanor for this statue? She ain’t even wearing a bra!”

"Pretending that a statue of an obese woman is comparable to Michelangelo's David is a spotlight on America's ignorance, arrogance and promotion of unhealthiness."

"Looks like she about to start a fight at Chuck E Cheese."

I wished they consulted datalounge first. This statue inspires nobody. Another thread has fantastic alternatives like Dominque Deveraux.

This statue is even more American

She looks like a bully, which says everything about me and nothing about her, I know, but if I saw her on public transportation, I would give her wide berth. I don't like the statue but I don't want to align myself with MAGA by criticizing it. If it makes people happy, that's fine.

It’s like the Lucille Ball statue all over again.

The caption underneath says, "Don't touch me! Do not muthafuckin touch me! I know my rights! I wanna call my Lawyer! Get your hands off me, f@**ot! I can't breathe! I can't breathe! I can't breathe!"

If I saw her on the subway, I'd offer her a bottle of water and a sandwich like I've been instructed to do by Miss Hostin.

We forgive Botero because of the joy.

This statue speaks to me as somebody who is running an algorithm - either as “Do I want to wade through that shop” or “how do I navigate white tourists with the least amount of bullshit?”

Regarding clothing: the top is fitted without sloppiness at the bottom. The pants are skinny jeans that don’t do her a misfavor. I can’t see the shoes.

This is suitable every-man wear on a woman of color.

The braids are tight.

As a white guy, I think she’s fucking awesome.

Sheryl Lee Ralph vibes is coming from the statue.

Why do “proud black women“ in the United States always have to be portrayed as fat, slovenly, and lacking in class? I have been to Europe many times and this issue absolutely not the case in Europe, where black women are thin, beautiful, classy, and well dressed. It’s almost as if African-Americans have been conditioned to believe that they should accept themselves to be less than everyone else.

R250 Where did you get the notion that she was portraying a 'proud black woman' and not just a 'black woman standing in TS ' ?

I really can't help but feel that black women got short changed here.

Tbh she’s thick but she doesn’t look unhealthy to me. She looks sturdy and strong as hell, like a female rugby player. Definitely more than capable of checking most of the queens calling her fat in here

It doesn’t have huge eyelashes and talons.

These Times Square statues are getting out of hand.

If Trump and MTG lose their shit over this it will be well worth it. I think she looks powerful. She could cut a bitch like MTG with that glare alone.

Worldstar!

[quote] I have been to Europe many times and this issue absolutely not the case in Europe

Because Europe is still 99% homogenized.

R256 Why the fuck would Trump gaf about some crap statue?

I live in London (,England) and there are plenty of fat black women here, and yes they have bejewelled talons. There are nail bars on every high street. Twenty years ago there were none.

[quote]Why the fuck would Trump gaf about some crap statue?

There are people who see the whole universe and everything in it in terms of it being positive or negative for Trump. It's an obsession that normal people can never even hope to understand.

why are so many black women so fat?

I wonder if she takes these?

I wish they had done a statue of Erykah Badu or Diana Ross, a real person.

or icon Marsha P. Johnson.

If she had been sculpted holding another woman's snatched-off weave in her hand, she would look even more powerful.

r266, that's a beautiful sentiment. Thank you.

Trump surely will call it a DEI statue and try to get Mayor Adams to remove it.

It will be a test of Trump's power if he can get Adams to do it.

[quote] It’s almost as if African-Americans have been conditioned to believe that they should accept themselves to be less than everyone else.

Yes, they've been conditioned and victimized by bad, rich White racists. They had absolutely no part in it.

Where is her stack of pancakes?

Is she supposed to be big wif chile?

R140 The absolute dumbest and the site used to skew smarter. But it’s just that trolls have infected every aspect of the internet not just here. A lot of bored people with little to do.

This isn’t a civil rights statute or even really political in terms of black womanhood. This is an artistic statute. I mean all art is political to a degree but this not a permanent fixture at its current location and thus be pretty and perfect. I think the Times Square location is throwing a lot of low brow people off. Artists having been premiering their art in high profile locales since the 80s. She is a black woman sure but it is moreso about the urban or downtown everywoman which is more likely to be black if we want to real about it. I digs it. You rarely see black regular folks as the main feature in art like this, almost like a statute Mona Lisa.

It's a deliberate decision to show someone ordinary and working class, which given the importance of Black representation, takes on political significance.. Here are the various readings of her stance: "Historically, "arms akimbo" was considered a neutral stance, but now it often conveys confidence, defiance, or even arrogance. "

I think any depiction would have generated controversy. It has no effect on my life so I have no opinion.

R274 yeah good point.

So it’s true you can’t be black in America WITHOUT being overly political. Because white people wont let us just be a person rather than a black person even in a fucking statute lol. In England, the conversation would be all about culture. This thread is more political than some of the political threads lol. Someone mentioned the Democratic Party, baby daddies, out of wedlock kids. Lawd white people let us be people first.

R265 is that Jasmine Crockett?

The statue is temporary. It’ll be gone soon.

[quote]The statue is temporary. It’ll be gone soon.

But that won't solve the problem of frumpy black bitches with bad hair in Times Square. There's way too many of them and we need to put a stop to it.

Here’s the original model

r279 At least she got off her fat ass and did something about her hair though.

It could be worse.

r281 Even the one on the right doesn't really look like Lucy though. What's wrong with sculptors these days?

Sherri Shepherd would have been an excellent choice

I’m surprised no one here on this thread has mentioned this before – when you pull the string of the statue it says – I’m going to slap you upside your head!

I saw a black TikToker giving everyone permission to criticize the sculpture. His complaint is that she is wearing “house clothes”. He points out that white figures are not in their house clothes.

r285 She looks like a slob. It's an insult to black folks and I'm surprised someone hasn't sabotaged the ugly thaaang yet.

[quote] I saw a black TikToker giving everyone permission to criticize the sculpture.

Oh, thank God.

I was desperately waiting for his permission.

I didn't know that Francis Bacon turned to sculpture before his demise.

There's nothing "grounded in the stars" about this piece of reactionary kitsch. The only thing the artist got right was the receding hairline from bad braiding.

Some channel was interviewing people as they walked by the statue. One guy was incensed— he called it a “DEI statue.”

So anything Black is DEI

I get why black women are pissed off. They get a statue of a fat, tired, poor black woman created by a mixed raised Brit with a white mother.

The Medusa statue isn’t of an ugly Greek crone. It’s of a white woman with a yoga toned body, flat stomach, generous perky tits and a hairless mons pubis worthy of an 18-year-old porn actress.

Monumentalizing Mediocrity: The War On Public Art

Why not Oprah or Gayle or both of them together in an erotic 69? people would be coming from all over to see that, and then spending money for the overpriced food in the area

Marvin Davis' untalented granddaughter says what

Why not RuPaul in drag?

Why not Saint Marsha?