“Anytime someone tells me I can’t do something, I want to do it more.” — Taylor Swift
(I know this is supposed to elicit the Can Do, and Don’t Hold Me Down spirit. But it also puts me in mind of 1 Corinthians 13:11 – “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” Of course, I had NO idea of the actual chapter and verse, but that’s what Google is for! Right? 1 Rave 1:1 – “Be well and doeth good, friends.”) — YUR
Unclerave's Wordy Weblog 
What’s interesting about this statue is that it’s doing more than even his author was expecting. To be honest, I thought it was kinda silly, out of place, if not slightly perv, what, with a little girl among grown up, and arguably, sick wealthy bros. And also because why it had to be an underage girl and not a full-grown woman, independent, and in-facto, a figure of dare and challenge? Boy, I was wrong. It already caused enough stir to earn its keep. In the short time it’s there, it exposed a group of that aforementioned brutes, photographed doing despicable things in front of it, and also a whole undeniably feminist-driven discussion about the place of women in Wall Street and other important issues. Now it’s provoked also the undisguised misogyny of the creator of the bull statue, who obviously missed a golden opportunity to keep his mouth shut. So well done.
Do you really think the artist of the bull statue is a misogynist, Wes? I think he has a valid point about the girl statue altering the meaning of his statue. I haven’t read anything from him that sounds anti-woman. If anything, he might just be a shameless opportunist, trying to make some more money by suing. (and settling) I would definitely explore some other venues for the Defiant Girl statue. I’d be open to suggestions.
— YUR
He may not be a full-blown misogynist, but has been playing one to critical acclaim. In what way is the little girl affecting the ‘meaning’ of his statue? It’s a bull, for crying out loud, celebrating the over optimistic financial macho culture of the 80s. You go to a museum and the way a masterpiece is placed right next to another work of art of lesser or greater importance is very democratic, with each having little or no impact on the other, apart from esthetics. I agree, he’s trying to cash in on the coverage of the other one; I don’t recall the last time I wondered, gee, who’s the genius who created this transcendental work of art? Unless, he’s playing meta with everyone, and having a laugh, which I’d surely appreciate. But I don’t mean to take issue with either sculpture; they are just part of the landscape of New York, tourist magnets, fulfilling the function they’re designed for, and that’s about it. I’m glad they’re there and everything, but I’m not losing sleep over them just yet. Cheers
I’m not looking to argue with you, Wes. I was just looking for a little context to his being – some kind of – a misogynist. I haven’t picked up on that, but then again, I have become averse to so much political correctness these days, so maybe it’s me. Perhaps you just know more about the artist than I do. The bull was designed to show the strength and prosperity of the U.S. following the 1987 stock market crash. It represents the “bull market” – strong and vibrant, charging ahead, in contrast with the “bear market” which is like in hibernation – down and lethargic, or asleep. The Defiant Girl, or Fearless Girl, was put there as a political statement, which I don’t think is fair to the Bull statue, because it was not designed, or placed somewhere, as a political statement. I like the Girl statue, and I do agree with the politics it represents, but I just don’t think it’s fair to the Bull statue, or its creator. To follow up on your museum scenario, I would pose: Suppose there were a statue, or painting, of an anatomically correct low-life, street “flasher”. And, let’s say some marketing “genius” at the Louvre decides it would be a GREAT IDEA to hang this 10 – 12 feet across from, and perfectly aligned with the gaze of, the Mona Lisa. Do you think that Leo, and fans of the painting, would consider this as appropriate? Well, Leo WAS a bit of a misogynist himself, so maybe he would get a kick out it! I’m not putting the Charging Bull and the Mona Lisa on the same level, by any means, but you know what I mean. They are both great, but I think they should be separated. Or better yet, maybe they should be placed side by side, as a display of defiant teamwork. That would work for me!
— YUR
Yes, let’s be fair to the bull lol 12 years of financial journalism should inform me a bit about its meaning. I don’t think you’re trying to argue; to me it’s fun to banter with you, like a slo-mo ping pong on a Sunday afternoon. Let’s meet there this afternoon and discuss it further, would you be up to it? Cheerio
Yeah. I was in banking for 24 years, so I usually assume a lot of artsy types don’t know anything! LOL! More of my arrogance.
Would if I could, Wes. I’m up in Rochester, taking care of my Mom. I’m sure we’ll get together one of these days though.
— YUR
It’d be my pleasure. My regards to Ms. Unclerave..