That’s a pretty big statue

So the Federal Arts Commission has decided that the new MLK memorial is too “confrontational.” When I first read this and saw the image, I was ready to call SUSPECT, thinking this was about that “beware of the scary black man” foolishness because the arms-crossed gesture combined with a serious expression is generally code for “I’m a little pissed off.” I kind of like it, but the Christian in me is NOT a big fan of statues of individual people this huge. Looks too much like idol worship. I guess its no different than the Lincoln or Jefferson Memorial(my favorite), so if you like those, this might be your kind of thing. But would he want something this big?

However, back on topic, the commission’s problem is not that he looks angry, but he looks like a totalitarian dictator because it is done in a style similar to other images of dictators in history such as China, Russia or the most recent one we tore down in Iraq. Maybe its the crossing of the arms or the open leg stance. Either way, they want it torn down and done again. What do you think? Unhappy With “Confrontational” Image, U.S. Panel Wants King Statue Reworked – washingtonpost.com

BTW – Wouldn’t it be awesome if this thing was finished next year and a black president gave the unveiling/induction speech? Yes or yes?
Ahhh…symbolism over substance…how delightfully American.