Monday, March 15, 2010

Is Times Square mural racist and sexist?


From Fox 5:

In Times Square, where oversized billboards and flashing lights are routinely ignored, one mural is turning heads.

The mural was recently put up on 42nd Street. It depicts black and Latina women with long fingernails and little clothing. The mural and its creator -- a 26-year-old artist -- are facing fierce criticism.

"Why are they not standing here with briefcases and cell phones or even communicating with people to show the professionalism of black and Latino women?" says Anthony Herbert, a community advocate.

The young artist, Sofia Maldonado, a Latina woman herself, says she's bringing to Times Square a community of women representative of Harlem, Brooklyn, and other boroughs. And with it, a side of New York most tourists don't see.

But critics argue this mural is a step back in time -- back to a day when 42nd Street was overwhelmed by prostitutes and peep shows.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

calm the fuck down............

Anonymous said...

It's only racist if a white guy did it. Duh!

Anonymous said...

Oh no she di'int. It's refreshing to see a Latina artist accusing of racism towards Hispanics.

Anonymous said...

"But critics argue this mural is a step back in time -- back to a day when 42nd Street was overwhelmed by prostitutes and peep shows."

Back to a time when Times Square was Vibrant and Diverse?

Anonymous said...

B..but that's impossible! How can a black person go against his fellow brother! Everyone knows only white people are capable of racism!

-generic white guilt ridden liberal response

georgetheatheist said...

Fun City.

Jeffrey Tastes said...

what abotu the girls being represented here? I think they would be offended to learn that their image is not appreciated in Manhattan. They are intolerant.

Anony2 said...

Big deal... That's what the chicks in the non tourist areas look like. They aren't holding briefcases because most of 'em don't have jobs, but do have 6 kids.

The people upset over this ought to be crying over something serious, like why girls like these will never move out the projects or finish high school.


Why don't they take a look around Jacob Javits, or even 9th and 43rd? Just because the hookers and peep show chicks don't care for Disney, it doesn't mean they aren't here anymore!

Anonymous said...

It's just a mural. It's artwork. Build a bridge and Get over it! The critics need to channel their energy on solving real problems here in the city.

I won't lie. I miss the old Jerry Springer version of Times Square and 42nd street with its assorted characters, hookers and peep shows. Not this sanitized bullshit with its Disneyland image being presented as "progress."

The mural is not a big deal. Move on critics.

Deke DaSilva said...

"Why are they not standing here with briefcases and cell phones or even communicating with people to show the professionalism of black and Latino women?" says Anthony Herbert, a community advocate.

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA!

Where would we find this scene, downtown Detroit?

What planet do you live on, dude?

Mugged Liberal said...

The mural was recently put up on 42nd Street. It depicts black and Latina women with long fingernails and little clothing.

By this standard, every rap video on BET is racist and sexist!

Unknown said...

I dont appreciate her artistic aesthetic at all....

Unknown said...

I dont like the mural. Its not the fact that of the "subject matter", but how it is portrayed. The women's poses are highly sexualized ONLY. It that what she thinks of these women? That's pretty one dimensional.