“It is art and we don’t believe it is offensive,” said Sandy Goldstein, president of the Stamford Downtown Special Services District. “We absolutely mean no disrespect to the church.”
Marilyn Monroe Statue Draws A Mixed Reaction In Connecticut Community
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June 9, 2018A statue of Marilyn Monroe in her iconic pose is taking center stage in Stamford, Conn.
Oops. https://t.co/PuMaDiKp7b
— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) June 9, 2018
Artist Seward Johnson’s “Forever Marilyn” captures the moment from “The Seven Year Itch” where the actress holds down her white dress as air blows up from a subway grate.
In the film, only co-star Tom Ewell sees what’s under Monroe’s skirt, but in Johnson’s colossal interpretation her underwear-clad caboose is on full display to all viewers — especially to those visiting the nearby First Congregational Church.
Therein lies the controversy. Some members of the congregation say it’s offensive because the statue’s butt is on full display. It’s basically mooning the church.
To be fair, it is an upskirt view feet from the church.https://t.co/AF9v0CHPOC
— TribLIVE.com (@TribLIVE) June 9, 2018
It’s not just churchgoers either. Others are worried, because little kids are often caught playing up and down her legs and sitting under her and whatnot.
“It’s disrespectful to the church,” churchgoer Pam Riley told The Stamford Advocate.
“Her skirt is up in the air and everyone’s under there looking up her skirt.”
Passerby Lorri Tamburro agreed, saying, “I looked at it and I think because of what I saw with all these little kids looking up, the height is ruining it. It’s ruining beautiful Marilyn.”
Others don’t seem to see the problem.
But the local business group sponsoring the exhibition defended the piece, arguing that there are plenty of naked statues near churches in Europe.
I should note: The church’s pastor seemed to brush it off, buuuuuuut he doesn’t sound like a fan. He jokingly suggested they get her some pants.
“The issue is, why that statue? Marilyn Monroe was an artist deserving our respect. Why appropriate her image in this way? Is this the best we can do?” Rev. Dr. Todd Grant Yonkman asked. “Maybe the city would let us give her some pants?”
I don’t think they were being deliberately disrespectful. It’s a really iconic pose. I guess it’s kinda awkward and weird to see kids literally hanging all over her legs, but I think that’s more of a parenting issue. If you see your kid swinging on a statue– WHATEVER that statue may be– tell them to GTHO.
Marilyn Monroe’s rear is getting some leers in #Stamford. What do you think cheers or jeers? https://t.co/UmWMzG4bQn
— WTNH News 8 (@WTNH) June 8, 2018
Controversial 26-foot tall statue of Marilyn Monroe triggers some consternation among church goers https://t.co/dJBMQGi3Ec
— RT (@RT_com) June 9, 2018
What do you think? Does the Marilyn statue need to go?
h/t New York Post
Hannah Bleau
Hannah Bleau is a writer for Chicks On The Right. Read her full bio here.