Marilyn Monroe and her statue of discord
Some say that it is a tribute to a classic. Others, that we are facing a clear case of misogyny. The controversy is served with the statue of Marilyn Monroe that reigns in front of the Museum of Art in Palm Springs, California. The figure, made of stainless steel and aluminum and weighing more than 15 thousand kilos, recreates the actress in the iconic scene from the film The Temptation Lives Upstairs in which her skirt flutters.
This is not a new controversy. It already raised asperities when the creator of it, the American artist John Seward Johnson II, presented it in 2011. He traveled through different places, the first being Palm Springs and also passing through New Jersey and Chicago, among others. Now, it returns to its origin, although situated in such a way that everyone who leaves the museum sees in the foreground the underwear of the protagonist of Los caballeros, preferring them blondes.
Associations denounce that sculpture promotes "misogyny and 'upskirting'"
The sculpture has been advertised in various local media such as "the Eiffel Tower in Palm Springs." The truth is that there are several tourists and neighbors who stop her walk to contemplate her and take photos of her. Although it is surprising that more than one decides to take the snapshot from a questionable perspective. Something that has not gone unnoticed and that several groups, such as the Women’s March Foundation, who denounce in networks that upskirting is promoted or, in other words, taking photos under a woman’s dress or skirt without her permission. In addition, the entity has called the work "exploitative and misogynistic."
The criticism has reached such a point that, on the day of its installation, a small rally was organized. “It is absurd for you to leave the museum and see the back of someone's underwear. People have all kinds of problems with other things that are obscene to them, but this, you know, they think is acceptable, and it shouldn't be that way, ”Brooks Thomas, a 50-year-old neighbor, has reported to the press. he does not quite understand why the figure has been placed in that position.
Despite complaints, the statue is expected to remain in Palm Springs for the next three years. The authorities have promised to listen to all points of view although they have recalled that, nevertheless, it is an important tourist attraction in the area.
