"Fearless Girl" belongs onWall Street. Her opposition to the bull shows that she is a short seller. As such she stands for the spirit of the Street: To make a fortune on others' losses.
20
Id love to have the Fearless Girl here in my GA world for a bit of excitement and also agree letting her roam the country would be a great idea. So funny that the Bull Guy has his big girl panties in such a knot when she is giving his Bull the opportunity to show off and strut his stuff.
It would be interesting to have them travel the world together. Imagine the Middle East...
It would be interesting to have them travel the world together. Imagine the Middle East...
16
Having spent a fair number of school-year weekends and full summers on my family's dairy farms down on the South Carolina coastal plain, I am more than familiar with the posturing behavior of bulls.
Let the creator of The Bull take his posturing bull home. I suspect the City of New York can find contributions aplenty to replace his bull with a similar one---I'll send a check.
The "literal" meaning of Fearless Girl is irrelevant. Her "meaning" evolved very quickly and far beyond the original issue of "greater gender diversity on corporate boards."
Simply put, she became a marvelous symbol of the power of women to stand up to the posturing power of men.
Unlike another poster, I find her serenity in the face of a powerful figure of male posturing to be not "crazy" but almost exhilarating. She exudes not only confidence but surety: "Posturing does not make you more powerful than me. I am your equal. I am not afraid. And I will stand my ground."
I was fortunate enough to be in New York City just after Fearless Girl made her initial appearance. Like everyone else there, I was taking pictures. But they were not for me, They were for my nieces, as a reminder that they need not go through life fearfully ceding power to posturing males. And one was for my son, as a reminder that men who resort to posturing in order to exert power can look really silly when confronted by a woman confident enough of her own power that she finds posturing unnecessary.
Let the creator of The Bull take his posturing bull home. I suspect the City of New York can find contributions aplenty to replace his bull with a similar one---I'll send a check.
The "literal" meaning of Fearless Girl is irrelevant. Her "meaning" evolved very quickly and far beyond the original issue of "greater gender diversity on corporate boards."
Simply put, she became a marvelous symbol of the power of women to stand up to the posturing power of men.
Unlike another poster, I find her serenity in the face of a powerful figure of male posturing to be not "crazy" but almost exhilarating. She exudes not only confidence but surety: "Posturing does not make you more powerful than me. I am your equal. I am not afraid. And I will stand my ground."
I was fortunate enough to be in New York City just after Fearless Girl made her initial appearance. Like everyone else there, I was taking pictures. But they were not for me, They were for my nieces, as a reminder that they need not go through life fearfully ceding power to posturing males. And one was for my son, as a reminder that men who resort to posturing in order to exert power can look really silly when confronted by a woman confident enough of her own power that she finds posturing unnecessary.
55
I hope she gets to stay right where she is and I hope she causes the Bull and everyone he is associated with many sleepless nights.
22
You beat me to it! My first thought was to place her across the street from the White House.
Maybe facing down the Congress in front of the Capitol and the Supreme Court would work, too.
She is a terrific, wherever she is!
Maybe facing down the Congress in front of the Capitol and the Supreme Court would work, too.
She is a terrific, wherever she is!
21
Seriously-the artist was emotional and said it had to go? Really? More reason to keep it. But I do like the idea of Lafayette Park.
21
While I can see both sides of the argument, in my view, art is a living breathing thing, especially public art intended to be a symbol which represents a political or societal viewpoint from that point in time. In this case, the artist, Arturo Di Modica, according to the artist's website, created and gifted the work of art to represent "...a way to celebrate the can-do spirit of America and especially New York, where people from all over the world could come regardless of their origin or circumstances, and through determination and hard work overcome every obstacle to become successful." While a positive and beautiful message and one that I believe in, up until recently this message is being questioned in American politics and society and playing with travel bans and border walls. I recently heard a lecturer talk about art and its role in society. The speaker made a point which I thought was very poignant, which was that artists who create works to make a political or societal statement should strive to educate rather than dictate. I'm paraphrasing. If the role of such artists is to encourage positive change or memorialize a core value in society than I think the artist should be proud to have his work of art evoke a conversation about women's strength and place in society. Fearless Girl leaves next February 2018. Perhaps Charging Bull should follow.
22
When I was a kid growing up in St Louis and the beautiful Gateway Arch was being constructed, the story went around that East St Louis was going to build a giant statue of a man with a croquet mallet.
26
If American women want a symbol then the least they could do is choose some good, non-commercial, non-branding art and a piece that doesn't depend on its opposition to a male symbol for its existence.
The irony is palpable but like all good irony - it goes mostly unnoticed - similar to a movement that seems to have ended with a march on Washington and a few selfies and FB posts... what was that trending hashtag again?
The irony is palpable but like all good irony - it goes mostly unnoticed - similar to a movement that seems to have ended with a march on Washington and a few selfies and FB posts... what was that trending hashtag again?
8
Wall Street is a place where even the fearless fear to tread sometimes, a gambler's paradise where certainty is a lost word. That little girl reminds me of the Chinese protester standing up before a column of impersonal tanks. The message is in her willingness to stand up to the outrageous slings and arrows of fortune whether she wins or is crushed is almost irrelevant.
17
Good article, funny, detached from any political message, and Ms. Collins may have regained her groove, and her vocation,which is to make us laugh. "Ojala," she has regained her objectivity, gotten over her devotion to HRC, and is no longer proselytizing.. A good thing. Back in the Early Stone Age,when folks still used manual typewriters, and there were places to have them repaired, one repair shop owner in Chelsea told me that Russell Baker came in with his machine for repair and announced:"I won a Nobel Prize with this typewriter!" Well, Baker did not win those awards proselytizing for RR or any other politico.Humbly suggest that Ms. Collins follow a similar line of conduct. Nothing puts many of us off more than a humorist turned overtly political,Political correctness is the bane of today's "comedians!" Can't be funny if you r bowing down to p.c., like Colbert, Stewart and Oliver, who cracks jokes at the expense of us "petits blancs" who support The Donald!
3
So the sculptor of the bull, who originally placed his piece without permission, is upset over another piece placed in front of his. Appropriately, he sounds like a (pun intended) "bully".
30
With respect and affection Gail, no. She is just exactly where she belongs. Not for any reason that I can clearly articulate. Some things are just meant to be; this is one of those. The only circumstance that would in my view justify her removal is if the bull were removed.
19
"Personally, I vote for Lafayette Park, across from the White House" - but for the bull instead - for me the bull represents everything Donald Trump stands for. .
9
There is a very funny scene in the movie “Hitch” where a man, who has shown disrespect for women who use a dating site, is struck by a woman and he falls face first into the rear end of the bull.
That movie was made before the statute of the little girl was placed there. It seems as if there is a Wall Street attitude toward the chauvinism represented by the bull.
I saw it in bull fights in Mexico where the bull is severely disadvantaged by picadors, forcing the bull’s neck down. By the time the toreador faces him, the bull cannot raise his head more than a few inches from the ground. It’s extremely uneven; but, on occasion, the bull wins.
If the bull is symbolic of capitalism, then have the creator stick spikes in the bull’s neck or tie a rope around his genitals they do in rodeos to get the bull to show the ferocity that sculptor intended; otherwise, the girl should stay.
That movie was made before the statute of the little girl was placed there. It seems as if there is a Wall Street attitude toward the chauvinism represented by the bull.
I saw it in bull fights in Mexico where the bull is severely disadvantaged by picadors, forcing the bull’s neck down. By the time the toreador faces him, the bull cannot raise his head more than a few inches from the ground. It’s extremely uneven; but, on occasion, the bull wins.
If the bull is symbolic of capitalism, then have the creator stick spikes in the bull’s neck or tie a rope around his genitals they do in rodeos to get the bull to show the ferocity that sculptor intended; otherwise, the girl should stay.
7
Famous artist René Magritte did a painting of a pipe. And in that painting he wrote in French (translated here) "This is not a pipe!" What he was saying was the image we look at isn't a pipe, but is "a picture of a pipe!" It's not a real pipe.
Everyone seems to be excessing over Fearless Girl. It's not a real girl. It's a sculpture made of metal. And the bull isn't real either. Its a statue and that's all it will ever be.
Whether you leave fearless girl where it is or put 40 more up all around the City, it's all fantasy and nothing will come of it.
Get back to the world of flesh and blood and the here and now. Symbolism is just that and it rarely moves anyone or anything. But a week without real flesh and blood women showing up for work, making hundreds of thousands of businesses grind to a halt will get everyone's attention and put change on the fast track.
Fearless girl is a nice novelty and that's all it will ever be. If you want action, forego the symbolism and do something that really registers in the real world.
Everyone seems to be excessing over Fearless Girl. It's not a real girl. It's a sculpture made of metal. And the bull isn't real either. Its a statue and that's all it will ever be.
Whether you leave fearless girl where it is or put 40 more up all around the City, it's all fantasy and nothing will come of it.
Get back to the world of flesh and blood and the here and now. Symbolism is just that and it rarely moves anyone or anything. But a week without real flesh and blood women showing up for work, making hundreds of thousands of businesses grind to a halt will get everyone's attention and put change on the fast track.
Fearless girl is a nice novelty and that's all it will ever be. If you want action, forego the symbolism and do something that really registers in the real world.
4
Leave Fearless Girl where she is; and while we're discussing universal female defiance of bull, maybe someone will sculpt this moving image of grace in defiance, and also place it somewhere NYC:
http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/q/3/2/p/9/image.related.artic...
http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/q/3/2/p/9/image.related.artic...
10
Unfortunately, the context of Fearless Girl defines her--opposition to the testosterone-driven culture of Wall Street. Girl (or anybody) against bull without picadors and toreadors, swords and spears, red cape and pink tights, would not stand a chance. So I think there is a whiff of (perhaps politically incorrect) self-destructive bravado here.
I would vote to see Fearless Girl standing against something more meaningful. I would opt for Gail's suggestion of Florida coastline in a spot that floods at every rain and full moon. I would be sure that she is in a place where the water comes up to her knees. I would hope that the world would get the message that before too long, if we are not all fearless, she will drown and there won't be many other places to move her.
I would vote to see Fearless Girl standing against something more meaningful. I would opt for Gail's suggestion of Florida coastline in a spot that floods at every rain and full moon. I would be sure that she is in a place where the water comes up to her knees. I would hope that the world would get the message that before too long, if we are not all fearless, she will drown and there won't be many other places to move her.
2
In Wroclaw, Poland there are little bronze statues scattered around parts of the old city that are gnomes in poses related to their location. I could see a series of "Fearless Girl" statues used in a similar way, but specifically related to issues important to females in this country.
12
Why should the girl go? The bull has had a long run and has always been more popular with tourists and commuters than New Yorkers anyhow. Send him on tour and let her have a turn.
What really annoys me is how the pro-bull people's argument has morphed. When people complained about the statement, siting, and symbolism, the bull fans retort was always "but the tourists love it" and insisted tourist dollars trumped aesthetic or civic concerns. But now that tourists love the juxtaposed girl, their arguments have done a 180.
How very familiar, men changing the goal posts and criteria when women start to win.
What really annoys me is how the pro-bull people's argument has morphed. When people complained about the statement, siting, and symbolism, the bull fans retort was always "but the tourists love it" and insisted tourist dollars trumped aesthetic or civic concerns. But now that tourists love the juxtaposed girl, their arguments have done a 180.
How very familiar, men changing the goal posts and criteria when women start to win.
18
Concerned by your alarm, I checked out Albert Bertel Thorvaldsen and Alexander Lyman Holley. Both are great! Why are you trying to kick them out? Public art in NYC doesn’t have to be a zero sum game. There are still plenty of open statue-sized nooks and crannies for new arrivals. New York needs more art, not less!
10
I'm so glad the parks department is making permanent political statements.
Yes, it's a deliberate, commercial use of someone else's artwork. From the context of the lawsuit, it would be just as wrong as Remmington using a Green Day song in an ad, without permission. From the context of a citizen, it's a blatant political statement by a government. Neither is good or defensible.
Yes, it's a deliberate, commercial use of someone else's artwork. From the context of the lawsuit, it would be just as wrong as Remmington using a Green Day song in an ad, without permission. From the context of a citizen, it's a blatant political statement by a government. Neither is good or defensible.
1
I am woman --I am able
I belong at the head of the table
I belong at the head of the table
17
Despite NYC's 1,000 permanent statues across the city, I believe Fearless Girl should stay right where she is.
Money is what is most important in our country and it is heartening to see a third-class female stand up to it. I write third-class because women have always been, at best, second-class citizens and with dictator Trump's election, there was an obvious demotion.
So, we need Fearless Girl now more than ever.
Money is what is most important in our country and it is heartening to see a third-class female stand up to it. I write third-class because women have always been, at best, second-class citizens and with dictator Trump's election, there was an obvious demotion.
So, we need Fearless Girl now more than ever.
16
If you want fearless girl removed just call United Airlines.
31
Touché touché!
12
She's perfect in that spot. Di Modica should have realized that the downside of public art installations is not getting to control the public spaces around the art. Once the art is out there, it's like an adult child. The parent no longer determines its environment or message. The meaning is determined by each individual who interacts with it, and what happens around it. Perhaps he should read the poem "Ozymandias" for some perspective!
For me, the bull represents a powerful force that is perfectly willing to trample me if I get in the way, and not care about it afterward. But then, I knew a few genuine bulls, the kind that eat grass and charge at you if they feel like it.
Sorry, DiModica, I just can't see that bull as an optimistic, positive force. And with the ruthless, lawless behavior of Wall Street today, I can't see that as a positive force either. It's an out-of-control animal. And someone needs to stare it down before it tramples us all. Go, girl!
For me, the bull represents a powerful force that is perfectly willing to trample me if I get in the way, and not care about it afterward. But then, I knew a few genuine bulls, the kind that eat grass and charge at you if they feel like it.
Sorry, DiModica, I just can't see that bull as an optimistic, positive force. And with the ruthless, lawless behavior of Wall Street today, I can't see that as a positive force either. It's an out-of-control animal. And someone needs to stare it down before it tramples us all. Go, girl!
21
I think it's time to move the bull. It was a lovely present to Wall Street in those days, but now it's time they stopped rampaging and started to evolve. Maybe it's time to replace the bull with a cow.
The bull is also part of the Merrill Lynch logo. Why should they get free advertising?
The bull is also part of the Merrill Lynch logo. Why should they get free advertising?
13
Fearless girl is challenging the bull representing wealth and power.
She should stay where she stands right now. There isn't a better place for her.
She should stay where she stands right now. There isn't a better place for her.
14
Lafayette Park: Trump would have her clad in gold and allow her to be fondled like the bull has been.
8
Put the Fearless Girl in front of Fox's or 21st Century Fox's office, or anywhere in the country where sexism should be challenged. The bull is not sexist. Not all men (males) are sexists. The bull is simply a male animal.
5
Doesn't Arturo Di Modica exemplify what's wrong with too many in our current society--massive force, whether financial or physical--threatening the rest of us?
Love the idea of hundreds of "Fearless Girl(s)" flowering around the country placed in front of other manufacturers of bull droppings--like Mitch McConnell's office, the White House and almost any place that Republicans gather. Yes!
Love the idea of hundreds of "Fearless Girl(s)" flowering around the country placed in front of other manufacturers of bull droppings--like Mitch McConnell's office, the White House and almost any place that Republicans gather. Yes!
14
Why does "Fearless Girl" have to be moved? Have you seen the number of Thinkers that came out of Rodin's studio? Why not create copies instead of moving her from this iconic standoff?
In this time of the struggle against the 1% and against the grouper in chief who represents them, backing down is the last thing she should do!
In this time of the struggle against the 1% and against the grouper in chief who represents them, backing down is the last thing she should do!
13
"Meanwhile, the bull’s creator is going nuts. “It’s really bad,” said an emotional Arturo Di Modica, 76, at a press conference."
Lighten up, Francis...
Lighten up, Francis...
8
By all means, put the little "fearless girl" opposite the Bully in the White House to remind everyone of that he's a sexual predator who "likes" other predators such as Bill O'Reilly, both of whom are full of bull.
10
Seeing as the Bull himself wasn't supposed to be there in the first place either I see no reason why Fearless Girl cannot stay. Removing her will only further the ludicrous notion that a woman must forfeit her place in the world for a man. Society needs to recognize how much the women in our lives sacrifice on behalf of a greater good- for friends, family, etc.
18
If the Empire State Building was known informally as Al Smith’s last erection, perhaps the bull should also have a moniker. My entry: Ed Koch’s ego monstrosity doppelganger (that's as clean as I can make it).
3
How about a bunch of "fearless women" around the white house and us capitol standing for reproductive rights, their choice of sexuality, right to equal pay, protection from sexual harassment and physical abuse, etc.
I am a 70 something liberal male and the rush back to the early 1900s makes me worry about my daughter and granddaughters future.......
I am a 70 something liberal male and the rush back to the early 1900s makes me worry about my daughter and granddaughters future.......
17
She's perfect right where she is! Let her stay there until the rising oceans from global warming sweep Manhattan away.
14
Gail has done it again. I kind of like her idea of putting her in Lafayette Park, I think it would freak out our narcissistic president. At least I hope it would.
5
As corporate boards remain male and corporate greed increasingly colors daily life, are we to feel relieved that a bronze statue of a girl is positioned facing a bronze statue of a bull? Or is the idea now that seeing the two statues will motivate girls and other people to upend the status quo? I think the juxtaposition insidiously communicates that such change can only be tolerated as a fantasy. That's because we know, deep down, that if the statues were really flesh and blood then the next moment would be horrific, without question.
On the other hand, if the girl were RIDING the bull... that would be a different story.
On the other hand, if the girl were RIDING the bull... that would be a different story.
A bull on wall street stands for optimism. A 10 year old girl is just out of place and probably lost. She seems quite adamant about being lost, a fine symbol of typical 10 year old girls, who generally haven't a clue and are quite proud of the fact.
1
Fearless Girl should stand beside the bull, or a hair ahead of it. This is not a time to continue separating "us" and "them." Want more women on the board? Empower them to lead "charging bull" and enter Wall Street and stay there! Make their voices heard by being Wall Street. The more of us there are, the better policies will be implemented due to need. So many women drop off from Wall Street when it is time to have children. The girl's placement opposite the bull does not inspire as strong of a message than if it was leading the bull, right beside it.
1
Perhaps the girl could be turned around. Instead of seeming to stand in opposition to the bull she could be seen as charging into the future with the bull. Or perhaps even leading the bull into the future.
2
The Fearless Girl has done her job in NY. On to the next important battle. I love it. Lafayette Park is perfect!
Bravo.
Bravo.
4
"Fearless Girl" and "Nameless Sculptor." Why has the artist gotten lost in the shuffle?
10
There's always money to bail out the banks and prop up Wall street when things start to get shaky and the multi-millionaires start to squeal. Trade in the Bull for a Squealing Pig and you've got it about right.
5
My husband just showed me a FB pic of a friend's 2 daughters standing shoulder to shoulder with Fearless in NYC. The bull didn't make the cut. They are visiting her instead of believing in the Easter Bunny this year.
I do have sympathy for Mr DiModica which is a different issue. But I am beginning to think there are so few public symbols of female strength and beauty in America right now that even a commercial, Norman Rockwell-ish garden type sculpture on Wall St serves a purpose. It's prob all we can handle. After all India has that goddess with the beast head and chain of skulls around her neck to help run things smoothly.
I do have sympathy for Mr DiModica which is a different issue. But I am beginning to think there are so few public symbols of female strength and beauty in America right now that even a commercial, Norman Rockwell-ish garden type sculpture on Wall St serves a purpose. It's prob all we can handle. After all India has that goddess with the beast head and chain of skulls around her neck to help run things smoothly.
12
MDCooks8 had better so some studying. Some investment banks are socially conscious, unlike Goldman-Sachs and friends. Mr. Cooks remind us that State Street Global Advisors is a BIG financial firm. Yes, they are and thanks to them. According to Wikipedia:
"Fearless Girl was initially commissioned an advertisement for State Street Global Advisors (SSgA), an index fund which comprises gender-diverse companies that have a higher percentage of women among their senior leadership. The plaque below the statue states, "Know the power of women in leadership. SHE makes a difference," with "SHE" being both a pronoun and SSgA's NASDAQ ticker symbol."
Please keep up the Good Work, State Street Global Advisors.
"Fearless Girl was initially commissioned an advertisement for State Street Global Advisors (SSgA), an index fund which comprises gender-diverse companies that have a higher percentage of women among their senior leadership. The plaque below the statue states, "Know the power of women in leadership. SHE makes a difference," with "SHE" being both a pronoun and SSgA's NASDAQ ticker symbol."
Please keep up the Good Work, State Street Global Advisors.
17
@njglea
Thanks for the background story. And great intentions by the State Street Global Advisors -- but there is nothing "diverse" about this statue, and "SHE" hardly speaks to ALL women.
Thanks for the background story. And great intentions by the State Street Global Advisors -- but there is nothing "diverse" about this statue, and "SHE" hardly speaks to ALL women.
3
Perhaps she,and ten thousand or so of her sisters, could stand on our southern border in place of Trump's wall. It would be much more ascetic than concrete and barbed wire, and as we all know, Mexico would pay for it!
7
How much space does one man's bull need?
DiMorica's Charging Bull does not achieve its efficacy. Day after day people pose touching the bull's balls and pose face to balls for pictures. I wondered if you castrate the bull would anyone even bother to visit it. Fearless Girl, a site specific work achieves its efficacy and elevates the work of Charging Bull. I am sorry DiMorica doesn't want to let his work do what I thought artists wanted from their work. Together with Fearless Girl, Charging Bull makes us think and transforms us. Alone, Charging Bull is reduced to a ridiculous photo opportunities. Fearless Girl should stay and DiMorica could instead get back in his studio and respond in the way the world really needs.
DiMorica's Charging Bull does not achieve its efficacy. Day after day people pose touching the bull's balls and pose face to balls for pictures. I wondered if you castrate the bull would anyone even bother to visit it. Fearless Girl, a site specific work achieves its efficacy and elevates the work of Charging Bull. I am sorry DiMorica doesn't want to let his work do what I thought artists wanted from their work. Together with Fearless Girl, Charging Bull makes us think and transforms us. Alone, Charging Bull is reduced to a ridiculous photo opportunities. Fearless Girl should stay and DiMorica could instead get back in his studio and respond in the way the world really needs.
9
I love 'Fearless Girl' and the New Yawk sensibilities her form encapsulates,
the 'Oh Yea?' look on her face and the resilience of her stance.
I also love the hubbub art causes when placed out on the street, where it belongs.
I do feel for Di Modica, the artist who created the bull sculpture. His vision
has been co-opted, without his acquiescence, which is kind of unforgivable.
But (the big BUT) DiModica realizes that art exists for its own sake, and that, if proven successful(and his certainly has been) his work might morph, on its own, into areas not foreseen when he originally conceived the work. He absorbed the costs for the sculpture he originally deposited in front of the Stock Exchange. Surely he deserves renumeration and huge props for creating such an iconic sculpture - one whose meaning continues to change and grow....becoming a big part of this amazing city.
the 'Oh Yea?' look on her face and the resilience of her stance.
I also love the hubbub art causes when placed out on the street, where it belongs.
I do feel for Di Modica, the artist who created the bull sculpture. His vision
has been co-opted, without his acquiescence, which is kind of unforgivable.
But (the big BUT) DiModica realizes that art exists for its own sake, and that, if proven successful(and his certainly has been) his work might morph, on its own, into areas not foreseen when he originally conceived the work. He absorbed the costs for the sculpture he originally deposited in front of the Stock Exchange. Surely he deserves renumeration and huge props for creating such an iconic sculpture - one whose meaning continues to change and grow....becoming a big part of this amazing city.
4
I have an arts background, I gotta admit, I don't really like Fearless Girl herself. But I really like seeing all the responses to her, good and bad. She's a success!
I think Mayor DeBlasio hit the nail on the head - “Men who don’t like women taking up space are exactly why we need the Fearless Girl.” ... Men in power don't care about, let alone like to be reminded of - girls - because girls symbolize "nobodies" to powerful men. I would really like to see thousands of Fearless Girls multiply throughout the world.
I think Mayor DeBlasio hit the nail on the head - “Men who don’t like women taking up space are exactly why we need the Fearless Girl.” ... Men in power don't care about, let alone like to be reminded of - girls - because girls symbolize "nobodies" to powerful men. I would really like to see thousands of Fearless Girls multiply throughout the world.
16
If "Fearless Girl" were placed and stood alone in the Sheep Meadow in Central Park, she would be "Bratty Noisome Child". The conscious decision to use the adjective "Fearless" is evidence of the conscious decision to use the bull. Mr. Modica has a point. But litigation? It all seems so childish.
4
Trumping "fearless" masculinities frames female empowerment.
8
Why not lots of fearless girls? They're needed everywhere. Also, why don't we hear anything about the fearless girl's sculptor ~ was s/he a woman or man? Finally isn't it ironic that this little girl is bringing down the 70 year old male bull sculptor?
Still I support both artists in their visions. Whenever times are tough, the arts are the first to have their funds cut. Yet here we see how profound their effect can be.
Still I support both artists in their visions. Whenever times are tough, the arts are the first to have their funds cut. Yet here we see how profound their effect can be.
10
While it's a relief not to read about Donald Trump for a change, any deep discussion about this statue isn't really warranted.
Like any piece of art, it means different things to different people -- But it means nothing to me. No big whoop.
Like any piece of art, it means different things to different people -- But it means nothing to me. No big whoop.
1
If she makes tourists take fewer pictures of themselves rubbing the bull's balls, I'm all for her staying.
8
I'm all for the Fearless Girl statue moving to Lafayette Park...to have a child stare down the President or anyone else prone to tantrums. In fact, she could rotate between Lafayette Park and just outside the Naval Observatory, where the Veep lives. The other reason? Having a female child stare down a bull on wall street is the only way wall street can tolerate women with ambition -- when it's from a cute, pigtailed little girl. So please move it to where it belongs.
3
You clearly, have the wrong interpretation of fearless girl. it may have been put in place first week in march, but took months and months to make. long before Trump. i think its a fearless republican conservative women going against Obama's polices
Remove the bull, keep the girl. Widely applicable advice.
7
Fearless Girl - if you romanticize it sure, she's our hope and the future.
Depending on your lense, she ALSO represents unadulterated White Privilege in the present: absolutely no fear, knowing the whole world will have YOUR back...taking on evil and winning!
Except, the reality is white women in REAL LIFE voted overwhelmingly FOR TRUMP (he IS that bull and they did NOT stand up to him anything like this quixotic Fearless Girl). She SHOULD have been a black girl....but, then this whole thing would have devolved to an even dumber controversy instead.
Depending on your lense, she ALSO represents unadulterated White Privilege in the present: absolutely no fear, knowing the whole world will have YOUR back...taking on evil and winning!
Except, the reality is white women in REAL LIFE voted overwhelmingly FOR TRUMP (he IS that bull and they did NOT stand up to him anything like this quixotic Fearless Girl). She SHOULD have been a black girl....but, then this whole thing would have devolved to an even dumber controversy instead.
9
If enshrinement is good for the goose it's good for the gander! Whether she stays or goes, she's already made her point: Little girls should not be scared and we shouldn't be scared of them not being scared.
The piece evokes the image of the Chinese citizen facing down the tank in Tiananmen Square. Brave and resolute, come what may. Maybe when we get our next, bonafide woman national elective candidate (Not Nikki Haley, please) she'll be as tough and unflinching as this symbolic little girl.
It's a shame the bullish artist doesn't get the point here. But that's the reason we needed the little girl in the first place.
The piece evokes the image of the Chinese citizen facing down the tank in Tiananmen Square. Brave and resolute, come what may. Maybe when we get our next, bonafide woman national elective candidate (Not Nikki Haley, please) she'll be as tough and unflinching as this symbolic little girl.
It's a shame the bullish artist doesn't get the point here. But that's the reason we needed the little girl in the first place.
13
I'm not so crazy about the Bull or the Girl. I would support, however, an abstract piece of art that reminds us that our ultimate goal is not money, nor resistance to it, but human dignity, as without it we are truly lost.
3
Art is individual to the viewer. I like her strength and positive stance.
That said, Fearless Girl may not be defiant, perhaps she is ready to partake of the riches of the market, fearlessly willing to see how rich the bull market can make her!
That said, Fearless Girl may not be defiant, perhaps she is ready to partake of the riches of the market, fearlessly willing to see how rich the bull market can make her!
Wonderful idea! I don't understand why the artist of the bull is so upset anyway. The girl has brought a lot more visitors there who see the bull as well which they might not have bothered with before.
13
Here's an idea: Place replicas or holographs of Fearless Girl in every male-dominated board room and legislature. Remind them who owns the future.
9
More girl, less bull.
20
Context is everything. If you turned "fearless girl" around, and placed her closer to one of the bull's dilemma, she would be "oblivious girl," with a very different message about both her and the bull. On this quirky view, you have to appreciate the sculptor of "bull's" annoyance, since his permission wasn't sought for this encounter. Imagine the outrage if some artistic vigilante group were to take it upon themselves to re-position the two sculptures as I have imagined.
It seems to me that a precedent has been set. Anyone can make a sculpture and plop it down in NY as long as A) It weighs 7000 pounds, or B) It's paid for by a wealthy financial firm. Either way I'm going to need a sponsor but I'm heading to NY for fame and fortune. I like making heavy art.
42
If she was truly fearless she could be turned around so her back faces the bull, just as toreadors do to show their courage.
3
Arturo Di Modica, like all petulant boys who don't like the way the game is being played, needs to take his bull and go home.
7
The "Fearless Girl" statue is little more than capitalism trying to rebrand itself with a feminist message.
When Wall Street stops praying on the poor, a large portion of whom are women, then perhaps we can start considering a feminist symbol. As it stands, it represents a sort of corporate feminism that is not actually interested in dismantling inequality, it only allows for more women to participate in the perpetuation of it.
When Wall Street stops praying on the poor, a large portion of whom are women, then perhaps we can start considering a feminist symbol. As it stands, it represents a sort of corporate feminism that is not actually interested in dismantling inequality, it only allows for more women to participate in the perpetuation of it.
3
Which fork will fearless girl take? Will she join a corporate board & become one of the good old girls with the golden parachute hedge or side with the remnants of remunerative labor & underemployed consumers?
Just as likely, she'll be the template for a super-heroine movie or comic book & take the easy way out, leaving us just where we started.
Just as likely, she'll be the template for a super-heroine movie or comic book & take the easy way out, leaving us just where we started.
3
Having both there changes the conversation. It takes nothing away from the bull. If anything, it enhances its status. Both should stay. New York is amazing.
17
Maybe she should be installed on her own special spot so she's not seen as a reaction to anything else, rather an identity and force unto herself. Then, Mr. Bullish can go back to being the symbol of Capitalistic oppression and not be threatened or flustered. Reminds of the Trump administration's revulsion with being played by female actors. False strength and no sense of humor.
2
The artist and its parent corporate benefactor are too cowardly to create Fearless Woman, as that would offend the highly aggressive male frat guy culture of Wall Street. A little girl is much more "daddy's girl" acceptable to these meat heads. Every girl can be inspired standing next to her, but don't you dare aspire to that freaky thing called Fearless Woman
9
Why does girl statue title need accompanying macho "fearless"cliche-ish representation.
2
Somewhere near Trump Tower, facing it, letting the Grabber-in-Chief know that when the little girl gets old enough for attract the attention of the Grabber, she'll be ready to repel the attack.
7
I hope to wake up one morning and find her outside the gates to Mar-a-lago.
17
I am completely opposed to the notion that, because the sculptures are placed in a public place, anybody is free to modify the message intended by the first sculpture placed there.
People are ignoring the message. Those who like the fearless girl message feel that it is correct to modify the message of the bull. I feel their approval would change if the message was not to their liking.
Just to provide a graphical example of what I mean, I will travel back to Milan Italy: Mussolini created there a very ugly building to represent the fascist ideology of the times. In modern times, an artist placed in front of it one of my favorite sculptures, a large partial hand giving the finger to the building.
Would you approve of another work of art that would change the meaning of the finger, so as to be pro Mussolini, to be placed in the same spot?
Obviously, I am ignoring the fact that the "finger" itself might be interpreted as a modification of the original intent of the architect who designed the building.
My point is that modification of original works of art is a slippery slope. It is arrogance personified to assume that it is okay because we like the message it provides.
In this case, I am giving myself permission to like the "finger" only because fascism is such a disgusting ideology.
People are ignoring the message. Those who like the fearless girl message feel that it is correct to modify the message of the bull. I feel their approval would change if the message was not to their liking.
Just to provide a graphical example of what I mean, I will travel back to Milan Italy: Mussolini created there a very ugly building to represent the fascist ideology of the times. In modern times, an artist placed in front of it one of my favorite sculptures, a large partial hand giving the finger to the building.
Would you approve of another work of art that would change the meaning of the finger, so as to be pro Mussolini, to be placed in the same spot?
Obviously, I am ignoring the fact that the "finger" itself might be interpreted as a modification of the original intent of the architect who designed the building.
My point is that modification of original works of art is a slippery slope. It is arrogance personified to assume that it is okay because we like the message it provides.
In this case, I am giving myself permission to like the "finger" only because fascism is such a disgusting ideology.
2
In the grand scheme of things this is much ado about nothing.
I strongly disagree, susan. This is about empowerment of over one-half the population of America and the world. Women. Women who start out as girls then are brainwashed, as you seem to be, that their empowerment doesn't mean anything.
It means everything.
It means everything.
13
Better yet, at the capitol, where she can remind clueless "representatives" that they won't get away with any "bull."
3
How about a sculpture that represents all girls and not the one we see day in and day out, Caucasian, thin, perfect nose. Way too often there are girls who have a body type, color, way different than this stereotypical image and are left feeling sad, unlucky, unfortunate, whatever the socialization they experienced translates into when presented with this image. How about adding some other body types, color types and the next time require the sculptor to open his neural pathways and consider portraying girls in a more realistic way. What do you think children relegated to using wheel chairs or crutches feel? And I can't believe there aren't more comments discussing this.
2
Brava, Gail!! But I say keep her in NYC. I recommend she stand directly opposite the main doors of Trump Tower. Now there's a placement even Mr. Di Modica can get behind.
4
Really, I am just tired of all the bull.
1
Oh for heaven sake, take your daughter to see this, it's inspiring, she'll stand a little taller for it.
12
Install her in Vatican Square!
3
Maybe time to move her to Trump Tower, or the White House.
2
Put her in your living room, 'cause the bull is gonna crush her!
From a Capitalist point of view it is a good thing because it brings tourists and money.
From an artistic point of view it is a violation of both artists. It alters the work of both without permission thereforechanging both of them. Both without the permission of either Artist. Would you allow a halo sculpture to be placed above alongside the Statue of Liberty?what would it meanif neither Artist meant it to be displayed together.
Most of feminism seems to be the desire to ride the bull not stand in his way.
From an artistic point of view it is a violation of both artists. It alters the work of both without permission thereforechanging both of them. Both without the permission of either Artist. Would you allow a halo sculpture to be placed above alongside the Statue of Liberty?what would it meanif neither Artist meant it to be displayed together.
Most of feminism seems to be the desire to ride the bull not stand in his way.
1
The bull was not a commissioned artwork. No one ordered it or asked for it. It was originally placed by stealth on a spot were it was not wanted, and was subsequently moved. Why does the artist have rights? What about the right not to have 7000 lbs of bull dropped on your doorstep?
17
I don't think artists pick where their work is displayed in museums.
2
Can't they just turn her around so that she's leading the charge?
1
We live in a world that is often described in bicameral terms... Republican/Democrat, Communist/anti-Communist, liberal/conservative, Catholic/Protestant, etc. Sometimes a context is given where one was not originally or necessarily implied. In this case it seems that the notion to charge ahead like (some would argue) a bull in a China shop is confronted with an icon that virtually screams "not so fast." It is now within this unintended consequence that these two statues will forever be linked as opposing forces of human nature.
4
I rise each morning to read the editorials and especially relish the comments. I have read most of these and hope that one day I can write as well as many of these readers, especially those who write one or two sentences. My comments are too long.
At any rate, it's a pleasure to read the comments on this one with so many divergent perspectives offered to consider, think on, people differing, sharing thoughts and being considerate of other views.
I personally think she should stay right where she is. Hasn't the bull remained? Since the city owns the bull, the artist of that has no more say where it goes...in fact it could be removed just as easily as the girl.
The artist's name of the new statue should be in the article as someone mentioned, and I'm guessing that was an oversight...maybe they could add it to the bottom
of the article or maybe they already have or maybe they could add it to the title.
Keep her where she is. If she wasn't there would we ever have known her? Doubtful. And isn't that amazing? She landed exactly in the very spot she needed to be at exactly the right moment.
At any rate, it's a pleasure to read the comments on this one with so many divergent perspectives offered to consider, think on, people differing, sharing thoughts and being considerate of other views.
I personally think she should stay right where she is. Hasn't the bull remained? Since the city owns the bull, the artist of that has no more say where it goes...in fact it could be removed just as easily as the girl.
The artist's name of the new statue should be in the article as someone mentioned, and I'm guessing that was an oversight...maybe they could add it to the bottom
of the article or maybe they already have or maybe they could add it to the title.
Keep her where she is. If she wasn't there would we ever have known her? Doubtful. And isn't that amazing? She landed exactly in the very spot she needed to be at exactly the right moment.
20
Excellent comment, Lindsay, and not too long. Please keep using your voice to speak out for your truth.
10
A small fountain should be added to the bull statue where the tourists are stroking it and it should be renamed "Trickle Down Economics".
12
The sculptor should make an African American fearless girl, Asian American fearless girl, Mexican American fearless girl and have them all stand together side by side.
6
Asian children, succeeding en masse, don't need ersatz trophy depictions.
1
My first thought was the same as Gail's... somewhere to confront the so-called president and his (almost) all mail advisors and cabinet secretaries. But in the mean time, the current location does well.
5
The "Fearless Girl" statue actually makes me a little sad. While it's a reminder of how most women start out, it's also a reminder of how too many lose their fearlessness as they grow up. It's easy to be fearless before they've actually faced the world of men and been pushed back, stepped on and ground down. We have more fearless women than we used to, that's for sure, but we still have plenty that give up when faced with the reality of being female in the world.
7
Women's fearlessness is still there, Ms. Pea. Many women chose to back off and silence their inner thoughts during the 70s, 80s and 90s while they worked their way up the male-model corporate/governmental/ financial ladders. One had to "assimilate" to an extent to survive.
No more. Many of those women are shouting out now. Many assumed that, because of their successful participation in making American "great", things would change.
Apparently there is no "changing" the Neanderthal idea that men are in some way "superior" to women, that women are merely "breeders" meant to stay home, shut up and stay barefoot and pregnant (or covered with a burka), and that children and women are chattel/war fodder to be used as men deem "necessary".
Socially Conscious Women will not let this stand in America. Not now. Not ever again.
No more. Many of those women are shouting out now. Many assumed that, because of their successful participation in making American "great", things would change.
Apparently there is no "changing" the Neanderthal idea that men are in some way "superior" to women, that women are merely "breeders" meant to stay home, shut up and stay barefoot and pregnant (or covered with a burka), and that children and women are chattel/war fodder to be used as men deem "necessary".
Socially Conscious Women will not let this stand in America. Not now. Not ever again.
14
Let fearless girl stay put and stare Wall Street and hedge fund managers until they blink first. But she also needs to be there in multiple places and situations where her fearlessness and resolve are needed, starting with gender equality. Maybe, we can commission Artura Di Modica to do her clones.
4
Fearless Girl is my hero in this time of the nasty, me greed, ammo hoarders, private-part grabbers, and let me take-away your: school lunch, clean air/water, student loan, voting rights, pension, and health insurance.
May Fearless Girl go forth from Evacuation Day Park, the day the Revolution finally ended, with her head high and legs akimbo showing grit, persistence and determination and multiply. She is needed at Planned Parenthood, in Washington DC's halls of swamp, in ths school yard, at the NRA convention,
and everywhere that folks are vulnerable.
May Fearless Girl go forth from Evacuation Day Park, the day the Revolution finally ended, with her head high and legs akimbo showing grit, persistence and determination and multiply. She is needed at Planned Parenthood, in Washington DC's halls of swamp, in ths school yard, at the NRA convention,
and everywhere that folks are vulnerable.
9
et tu, Ms. Collins?
You would have women and girls slink back and try to "appease" The Con Don? When he just appointed the man to OUR U.S. Supreme Court who will try to destroy Women's Right to Choose What They Do With Their Own Bodies and Lives?
NO. The "establishment", which includes the New York Times, wants socially conscious women and men to "suck it up and accept it." NO. NEVER!
Fearless Girl should stay right next to the "Bull", wherever they are. Insatiable Greed - as personified by Wall Street and every supposed "market" today - has destroyed civilizations as long as HIStory has been noted. The story of destruction of the many for the power of the few.
Fearless Girl is a new chapter in OUR story - one that will be written with socially conscious women and men sharing power around the world and stopping the cycle of destruction.
Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be war fodder for the Robber Barons.
You would have women and girls slink back and try to "appease" The Con Don? When he just appointed the man to OUR U.S. Supreme Court who will try to destroy Women's Right to Choose What They Do With Their Own Bodies and Lives?
NO. The "establishment", which includes the New York Times, wants socially conscious women and men to "suck it up and accept it." NO. NEVER!
Fearless Girl should stay right next to the "Bull", wherever they are. Insatiable Greed - as personified by Wall Street and every supposed "market" today - has destroyed civilizations as long as HIStory has been noted. The story of destruction of the many for the power of the few.
Fearless Girl is a new chapter in OUR story - one that will be written with socially conscious women and men sharing power around the world and stopping the cycle of destruction.
Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be war fodder for the Robber Barons.
14
Thank you Gail Collins. Your thoughtful witty pieces brighten my day each time I read one! I learn and I laugh and they both feel good. You are a treasure.
9
I don't know why so many people are complaining about this statue. I love it! The way the statue interacts with the bull, the boldness - dare I say fearlessness - of her stance, the way it projects the uninhibited courage and optimism of youth, the fact that it reminds me of Degas "Little Dancer of Fourteen Years" - everything! If I had a daughter, I'd be proud if she had the depth of character represented by Fearless Girl. I hope the statue stays where it is forever, or at least until I can get to NYC to take a selfie.
15
It is a beautiful sculpture that would name "Libera" and the location, as you suggest Gial, in front of White House, the current Labyrinth in which, lonely, awaits the post modern minotaur.
1
Maybe, what we need are multiple copies of Fearless Girl, to place in sites where her message is most needed, size depending on the need? I for one would like to see her facing the TX Legislature , as a message to the people inside.
13
Well said Gail Collins! Why not establish "Fearless Girl" all over the problem spots in the country? That would be super! But best of all, I agree would be across from the White House!
5
The world changes. I understand the unhappiness of the bull's creator, but he donated his work to New York City without (or so I presume) an agreement of what might be displayed alongside.
Keep 'Fearless Girl' where she is. Failing that, send her on a national tour before deciding on her final location.
Keep 'Fearless Girl' where she is. Failing that, send her on a national tour before deciding on her final location.
8
Where most see gender, I see children. Fearless Girl to me is an apt symbol to remind all those Wall Streeters that greed alone does not a country make. Children, their education, their health care, and their well being are what does.
If a reminder to invest in our kids requires an "over my dead body" attitude, so be it.
Leave her where she is. Go girl!!
If a reminder to invest in our kids requires an "over my dead body" attitude, so be it.
Leave her where she is. Go girl!!
20
The Bull was inspired by the 1987 market crash.
NYT 12/16/89: Wall Street awoke to a gigantic bull on its doorstep yesterday - a 3 1/2-ton 16-foot-long bronze sculpture by an artist from SoHo who deposited it outside the New York Stock Exchange and declared it a Yuletide symbol of the ''strength and power of the American people.''
It’s supposed to be inspirational and uplifting. As such, having Fearless Girl posed in defiance of the “strength and power of the American people” just doesn’t work. It would make more sense if she were riding the bull.
That said, I agree with those who suggested she be placed outside the White House gate.
NYT 12/16/89: Wall Street awoke to a gigantic bull on its doorstep yesterday - a 3 1/2-ton 16-foot-long bronze sculpture by an artist from SoHo who deposited it outside the New York Stock Exchange and declared it a Yuletide symbol of the ''strength and power of the American people.''
It’s supposed to be inspirational and uplifting. As such, having Fearless Girl posed in defiance of the “strength and power of the American people” just doesn’t work. It would make more sense if she were riding the bull.
That said, I agree with those who suggested she be placed outside the White House gate.
1
People can read into art anything they want; at least this statue actually looks like something identifiable.
That said, a "Fearless Girl" who plants herself in front of a charging bull is likely to become "Dead Girl" in very short order. Perhaps it should be called "Socialist Girl", about to be annihilated by the power of the free market?
That said, a "Fearless Girl" who plants herself in front of a charging bull is likely to become "Dead Girl" in very short order. Perhaps it should be called "Socialist Girl", about to be annihilated by the power of the free market?
If there was a truly free market, AIG, Citigroup, Bank of America and several others would have joined Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns and maybe the world economy in the dustbin of history in 2008. Propped up by government? It is laughable that you invoke the free market, sir.
6
Fearless doesn't seem to need much but that bull has gotta go.
Or perhaps just a comb-over would mollify the rage, no? (the idea was suggested to me when somebody else mention "bull in a China-shop")
Or perhaps just a comb-over would mollify the rage, no? (the idea was suggested to me when somebody else mention "bull in a China-shop")
1
Wait a minute! The sculptor carted it there in the middle of the night & surreptitiously placed it there? Exchange officials carted it away, but Koch & the parks commissioner rescued it from its exile? And now Di Monica, the sculptor, is whining & threatening to sue? He sounds a whining little milksop or total wuss, than a bold artist or entrepreneur. He should take his charging bull & put where the Sun doesn't shine. "Fearless Girl" is a better symbol of Capitalism than his distorted, poorly proportioned bovine.
15
Thank you, I believe his sculpture is dreadful,
3
Why move her when we could instantiate her?
Imagine a fearless girl - African American - standing before the equestrian statue of Nathan Bedford Forrest in Memphis.
Let's mark places with fearless girls to say that we see the future promise of fearlessly confronting those aspects of the past which create injustice in the present.
Imagine a fearless girl - African American - standing before the equestrian statue of Nathan Bedford Forrest in Memphis.
Let's mark places with fearless girls to say that we see the future promise of fearlessly confronting those aspects of the past which create injustice in the present.
20
I loved love that the Fearless Girl is creating all this controversy! And creating angst in tne bull sculptor; does he not see the irony? And he's getting more attention than he's had since he illegally installed his pierce. Don't take her away, that's would be one more time a female has backed down to a male.
22
A group of fearless girls and fearless boys in front of Congress to remind those inside that the future of this country belongs to them, including the environment, clean air and water.
9
It's Deblasio's Pepsi can.
1
Install Fearless Girl permanently in the Oval,Office.
8
Fearless girl should be moved. I feel great sympathy for Mr. di Modica who has seen his most well known work altered into a two piece installation, completely changing the message of the original work. The statue never should have been created. Ms. Visbal, the creator of the Fearless girl statue crossed a line that should not have been crossed. It is unacceptable that any artist should feel it is okay to add to another artists work without permission. She should have simply created her own original statue to get the message of gender equality on corporate boards across.
8
Perhaps you failed to note that Mr. Di Modica created and placed his sculpture utterly without permission. Truly, what is good for the bull is good for the heifer.
11
Why isn't there a Fearless Boy sculpture, too? How do you answer a little boy who sees the Fearless Girl when he asks "what about me?" Do you tell him "You're the Bull!?" I don't think so.
2
Instead of fixating upon this single statue, I implore you to tell that hypothetical young boy to avert his gaze and look toward nearly any other corner of the world-- where representations of male power and fearlessness are readily available. Clearly, you have misunderstood the message.
12
I don't think that there is a shortage of statues of boys and men to display to young males.
12
Fun read.
Balance? The bull is an animal metaphor. What about a mother grizzly bear defending her cubs from the ravages of greed, deception, and irrational behavior that the NYTimes in a recent piece by Robert Schiller has the price earnings ratio at a historic high only barely less than the P/E ration before the big crash in 1929 ? The pictures I have seen of a grizzly bear in a defensive stance show a pretty ferocious looking beast that only a crazy bull would try to attack.
I like the little girl statute. Why not put her in Washington, DC on the plaza in front of the Frances Perkin's building?
Even though I really liked putting her on a Miami street by the end of the Century she would be totally below water.
Balance? The bull is an animal metaphor. What about a mother grizzly bear defending her cubs from the ravages of greed, deception, and irrational behavior that the NYTimes in a recent piece by Robert Schiller has the price earnings ratio at a historic high only barely less than the P/E ration before the big crash in 1929 ? The pictures I have seen of a grizzly bear in a defensive stance show a pretty ferocious looking beast that only a crazy bull would try to attack.
I like the little girl statute. Why not put her in Washington, DC on the plaza in front of the Frances Perkin's building?
Even though I really liked putting her on a Miami street by the end of the Century she would be totally below water.
2
Fearless Girl could make a profound statement in many contexts - Lafayette Park is a brilliant suggestion. Maybe later, facing the Senate, facing the Capitol Bldg, facing Betsy DeVos' office window, facing Jeff Sessions' office window, facing Tom Price's office window, etc.
Maybe we should loan her out to the world. Malala, where would you want to see her?
Maybe we should loan her out to the world. Malala, where would you want to see her?
10
Idea: Let's place a replica of "Fearless Girl" facing outward in front of every Planned Parenthood in the country.
20
Put Fearless Girl in the Oval Office, in front of Trump's desk, so the next time he tries to sign legislation that gives states the right to hinder her access to health care, he is forced to look her in the eyes. No more hiding behind closed doors, no more bull.
And tell her to bring friends.
And tell her to bring friends.
150
both of these pieces are kitsch and stand for nothing but bad taste.
the best thing would be to melt them both down and re-cast a giant hamster running in a wheel.
that lacking, string a line from one to the other and hang up a bunch of dripping wash, tidy whities.
the best thing would be to melt them both down and re-cast a giant hamster running in a wheel.
that lacking, string a line from one to the other and hang up a bunch of dripping wash, tidy whities.
2
Look again at 'Fearless Girl'. Her features, her hair, her clothes. She's obviously Caucasian. Diversity, my fanny. Bronze patina or not, someone needs to check her privilege.
To the best of my knowledge, no one has complained about this yet, so I point this out as a public service to the Indignation and Outrage Social Justice Warriors cadre. Hop on your Twitter accounts and get busy.
To the best of my knowledge, no one has complained about this yet, so I point this out as a public service to the Indignation and Outrage Social Justice Warriors cadre. Hop on your Twitter accounts and get busy.
2
I am a woman of color and I am delighted by this statue. It is statement about fearlessness, even when one is small and young and overlooked. I don't need her to be a woman of color. It is still an impact full work.
26
I'm with Gail, Lafayette Park would have the most impact. Let the occupant of the White House remember they work for little girls (and all children) too, when pushing policies which will directly impact their present and future lives.
Make sure she's well lit at night too — fearlessly staring down the impulsive tweeter is a 24/7 endeavor. That office will be hers someday.
Make sure she's well lit at night too — fearlessly staring down the impulsive tweeter is a 24/7 endeavor. That office will be hers someday.
7
The brilliance of Fearless Girl is the pubic debate it has inspired. This is precisely what art does: it provokes - thought, admiration, and even revulsion. In short it engages and enriches life and that is precisely why President Trump's budget gutting funding for the arts is so wrong-headed. As for the complaints of the Charging Bull artist whose sculpture has benefited from the news coverage resulting from his threat to sue, is the ego of a charging bull that fragile or is this just a publicity stunt? What makes this story so delicious are the parallel's to the real-life publicity-chasing, charging bull with the fragile ego and propensity to sue anyone who threatens it. Art imitates life, or is it the other way round?
26
Place her in the Texas Senate. Let her roam the Southern states. Plenty of governors and legislators who could use that Fearless Girl.
7
"Trust the tale, not the teller." When a work of art is released into wild, it takes on a life of its own. The artist can no longer force a specific interpretation of her or his work. The interpretation of any work of art depends on the audience and on the contexts of time and place, and changes as the audience and those contexts change. By virtue of their placements at this time in history, the Bull and the Girl are now integrated into a single work of art that is arguably far more potent than either of those pieces would be on their own.
20
I disagree. The mash-up thwarts the original intent - it does not enhance it. Let each stand on its own merit, separately. Would the girl statue have as much impact somewhere else? In a park it would be largely ignored.
Here is another idea, I know of a sculpture of some children fishing - how about we replace the girl sculpture with young fishers? What does that change? We could do this all day, exchanging sculptures like chess pieces.
The original piece was made to be stand-alone and should be stand-alone.
Here is another idea, I know of a sculpture of some children fishing - how about we replace the girl sculpture with young fishers? What does that change? We could do this all day, exchanging sculptures like chess pieces.
The original piece was made to be stand-alone and should be stand-alone.
2
Yes, why not bask in the new attention and the interesting dichotomy of the two pieces in juxtaposition.
I love Gails columns but I vote leave her there.
I typically think of that bull as some company's logo can't remember which one uses a bull, and if you get down to it, it represents many things and "bull" is definitely one, and I don't mean animal.
Her defiant stance is exactly what's needed for the stock market. Too many common people lose too much on the stock market while those at the top rake it in on the backs of 401k's. No doubt warren buffet was not really affected by millions lost on UAL....
Besides isn't the bull artist a bit disingenuous,? Did he not leave his bull in the middle of the night? Get over it and celebrate that people are talking about it. That's the cool part of the story.
I love Gails columns but I vote leave her there.
I typically think of that bull as some company's logo can't remember which one uses a bull, and if you get down to it, it represents many things and "bull" is definitely one, and I don't mean animal.
Her defiant stance is exactly what's needed for the stock market. Too many common people lose too much on the stock market while those at the top rake it in on the backs of 401k's. No doubt warren buffet was not really affected by millions lost on UAL....
Besides isn't the bull artist a bit disingenuous,? Did he not leave his bull in the middle of the night? Get over it and celebrate that people are talking about it. That's the cool part of the story.
6
Create several more and place them at each site Gail mentions. Not so many that the symbol becomes tiresome (no "little girl faces down Burger King", by McDonalds). If having a few more, located where they're needed most, is a bad idea, then Gail's Lafayette Park location is The One.
1
What nonsense all that talk about standing up against Wall street etc., you really need more than a small bronze statue for that.
If you really believe that, better to put her up against the current mogul and his mob in the white House.(Won't work either)
Just as immensely silly the notions about thé symbol needed for women against the male bastion etc..
In our city we also have the problem of something once placed, legal or not, it stays forever, good or bad, it is a wrong sentiment. This statue is just kitsch and the artist who created the fantastic bull, not kitsch!, is right to protest.
That girl is as our horrid bronze sculpture version of the Nightwatch, yuk, certain tourists love it...well, I fear your girl will stay put.
If you really believe that, better to put her up against the current mogul and his mob in the white House.(Won't work either)
Just as immensely silly the notions about thé symbol needed for women against the male bastion etc..
In our city we also have the problem of something once placed, legal or not, it stays forever, good or bad, it is a wrong sentiment. This statue is just kitsch and the artist who created the fantastic bull, not kitsch!, is right to protest.
That girl is as our horrid bronze sculpture version of the Nightwatch, yuk, certain tourists love it...well, I fear your girl will stay put.
This seems to be more of a 'statue in a china shop' issue that is more than likely impacting everyone except those who should be impelled to reflection on their work - doubtful that any of the speculators in that institution pay any attention to either statue...they are too busy building statues to themselves.
2
Seeing as how Di Modica sneaked his bull into its original place, seems to me State Street's girl is entitled to stay there.
What if she's moved to stand beside the bull, hinting it's time for The Market to serve all people?
By the way, here's my informal caption for the girl's statue confronting the bull: "Hey! I'm the boss! You got that, meatball?" ("Meatball"... Get it?)
What if she's moved to stand beside the bull, hinting it's time for The Market to serve all people?
By the way, here's my informal caption for the girl's statue confronting the bull: "Hey! I'm the boss! You got that, meatball?" ("Meatball"... Get it?)
3
Fearless Girl, like Hillary "we're Rodham again" Clinton depend on surrounding bullish virility.
3
Young Woman — arise for all to see!
Do you know yet what you may be?
Gone the strictures that encompassed thee —
Grasp, now, your opportunity.
Young Woman — Your Century
Do you know yet what you may be?
Gone the strictures that encompassed thee —
Grasp, now, your opportunity.
Young Woman — Your Century
5
How about at the front door of the White House. It might inspire someone.
1
Why are we assuming fearless girl is "cis-gendered"?
2
Simpler solution: get rid of the bull. There's more than enough on Wall Street anyway, and that one is so bullying, charging like that, so retro, so trumpian, all snarl and no brain.
One improvement would be to let the child grow up. Then maybe she wouldn't be there anymore. In the middle of traffic, I mean. She'd be hustling to get somewhere else with a better view.
One improvement would be to let the child grow up. Then maybe she wouldn't be there anymore. In the middle of traffic, I mean. She'd be hustling to get somewhere else with a better view.
3
I say HURRAY
for keeping that bull at bay!
The bull and his maker are bullies.
Three cheers for the ERA!
for keeping that bull at bay!
The bull and his maker are bullies.
Three cheers for the ERA!
13
The power of symbols cannot be underestimated. Yes! Let the girl roam through the White House, the Capitol, in front of a Planned Parenthood clinic, defending their work, in Campus colleges, reminding of inclusion at all levels and confronting a hidden rape culture, inside different capitols around the country reminding that women also count when voting about their bodies, defending places that protect refugees, particularly families and children, and she should appear as conspicuously as she did in front of that bull.
3
I would like to see a photograph with Malala standing beside "Fearless Girl" with their arms linked.
5
Let's pause for a moment. This isn't art (despite the artistry of the statue) it's a marketing stunt by a hedge fund.
44
If I hedge fund commissions good art, then let's celebrate – – it's doing something socially positive for a change.
2
Thanks, it's about time for people to recognize this. And frankly I don't think either statue amounts to much as a piece of art.
Kind of like the Medicis underwriting the great artists of the Renaissance, or Egyptian pharoahs commissioning statues and reliefs celebrating themselves.
Much of the art we know is "a marketing stunt" funded by wealthy dynasties to raise their status and create lasting influence. Nothing has changed.
Much of the art we know is "a marketing stunt" funded by wealthy dynasties to raise their status and create lasting influence. Nothing has changed.
4
I think she should spend some time in the state legislatures directly facing the podium staring down the men who rant on about the for guns everywhere and the wanton laziness of poor women with young children who can't seem to muster the energy to get a job and take care of their children all day (affordable day care probably won't clear committee). Fearless girl's look is reminiscent of a stern mom 'you've-got-to-be-kidding-me-stop-babbling-and-do-something-useful' look. A look sure to cow any testosterone poisoned lawmaker.
56
If Mr Arturo Di Modica doesn't like it, he can take his bull home. His bull and Fearless Girl are both in NYC street, the last we heard it is a public place
21
The fact that the small park in question is a public space is relevant only indofar as it strengthens the sculptor's case that his intellectual property rights have been violated.
There is a law protecting artists that prevents , under certain circumstances, the material alteration of the meaning of their work through close juxtaposition. Whether you like that law or not, it likely applies in this case.
Personally, I love the little statue, but I think that Gail Collins' solution is a good one.
There is a law protecting artists that prevents , under certain circumstances, the material alteration of the meaning of their work through close juxtaposition. Whether you like that law or not, it likely applies in this case.
Personally, I love the little statue, but I think that Gail Collins' solution is a good one.
3
I'm with you, Bos. Who asked him to plunk that bull there? Is he claiming squatter's rights now? Artistic squatter's rights? I don't get this at all. He should just take his bull home.
3
Put her in Lafayette Park for 1375 days.
Perfect
Perfect
9
it made my day seeing 'fearless Girl' standing up to the 'golden bull' of Wall Street. A 'Banksy' kind of move, re-contextualizing this symbol with the consciousness and in the perspective of our future generation. The consortium of Wall Street and K street need this and what better way to signify? Di Modica should be happy with all the publicity! It is now real 'Public ART'. Like seeing the same Rodin sculpture in numerous museums, 'Fearless' can be editioned yet appropriated In many places with much more significance, and in a relevant way. The Goliaths need their youthful Davids And 'Janes' to keep them in check! We are seeing that happen with 'Fox's' Bully Bill O'Reilly, Roger Ailes and next in many hopeful places like 'Planned Parenthood' and all those other needed contexts that readers and Gail have suggested. 'Go Fearless' '!!!!
13
Arturo, you had a great run. Now, go away and let the girl play whatever she wants. You do not like the games she might play? Who cares!
20
I say place Fearless Girl in Pastor Mike Pence's official residence in D.C.
14
It's a couple of statues ferchrisesakes! The fact that it has generated this much conversation, is a good thing and there should be more like it. Leave it, remove it. Who cares. Get out side and walk into the nearest woods. See the sculptures that nature put side by side. Breathe deeply for five minutes. A hundred bucks says you will no longer give a hang about a couple of hunks of metal in a noisy city
6
It seemed to me the girl was standing up to unfettered capitalism. The mayor did, too. Now it has been taken over by feminists and turned into a huge deal. Stop making every single thing a womans issue.
5
Well okay, because every single thing is a white male issue?
7
As a woman, I can tell you, Scott, that "every single thing" is most certainly a "woman's issue."
Unfettered capitalism? One of my issues. Civil rights? Another of my issues. Terrorism? Yet another of my issues. All of our issues are women's issues. If we were trolls or wolverines or grunions, then our issues would be ... well, think about it.
Feminism? That, too, is a woman's issue. And an issue with some pretty nice, pretty intelligent men, to boot. (Though I do understand how it might not be with you.)
Unfettered capitalism? One of my issues. Civil rights? Another of my issues. Terrorism? Yet another of my issues. All of our issues are women's issues. If we were trolls or wolverines or grunions, then our issues would be ... well, think about it.
Feminism? That, too, is a woman's issue. And an issue with some pretty nice, pretty intelligent men, to boot. (Though I do understand how it might not be with you.)
7
So you really think the age and gender of the figure are irrelevant to the meaning of the art and its placement?
Stop making every single thing a capitalism issue.
Stop making every single thing a capitalism issue.
6
Too much fuss about nothing. Just as the bull appeared without permission, so did the girl and they should both stay where they are. Di Modica has no right to deny another sculptor to do what he did, and those who take exception to placement of either statue should grow up and get a life. Personally I'd like to see a statue of the bull trampling a hedge fund manager while "Fearless Girl" claps.
34
Instead of moving "Fearless Girl" create a new message by placing a "Homless Jesus" behind her.
5
"Fearless Girl" should remain where she is. Collins' suggestion to move her to other locations should rather be a call to all artists to create other art pieces in different media, standing in strength to defy the ignorance of those wishing to eliminate all arts from our education and foundations (NEA, NEH for instance), as well as in defiance of misogamy, racism, greed, un-controlled inequality. "Fearless Girl" is only one example, though perhaps the one to start a movement of strength for girls, women, the arts, and all those who wish to show strength and solidarity in the path of outrageous acts of ignorance. Keep her where she is, create more.
14
Any artist who wishes to control how their art is seen or interpreted should keep their art in their own home. Public art belongs to the public.
17
I haven't read all the comments, but make more Fearless Girls and place them as needed, especially Lafayette Park which, by the way, also has my vote for a touring Fearless Girl.
9
Kind of ridiculous that ordinary people are required to support this clearly bad sculpture just because of its supposed ideological content.
And even that content is totally unclear, because the sculpture is just a cheap exercise in corporate image-burnishing.
Time to ditch both sculptures. Melt down the girl, which has no merit at all , and send the bull to a farm.
And even that content is totally unclear, because the sculpture is just a cheap exercise in corporate image-burnishing.
Time to ditch both sculptures. Melt down the girl, which has no merit at all , and send the bull to a farm.
3
How are people being required to support either sculpture? Both were donated (through abandonment).
After we melt down the sculpture, which books should we start burning?
After we melt down the sculpture, which books should we start burning?
5
How many artists get to choose what a museum juxtaposes with their work? How far from the bull must any other piece of art be for Di Modica not to protest about changing his meaning? Singapore? Give me a break!
14
To me, the poignancy and artistic value of the two statues together is much greater than the sum of their individual poignancies and artistic values, which are themselves by no means insignificant.
21
The male bastion that is Wall Street treats all women as if they're little girls. Fearless Girl is standing up to them.
16
Suppose an artist displayed a KKK fearless bigot statue opposite a Martin Luther King rendering, those supporting Fearless Girl would hypocritically demand removal.
Artistic freedom applies to the dominant as well as marginalized subalterns,
Artistic freedom applies to the dominant as well as marginalized subalterns,
5
If your KKK statue faced MLK's, I'd see it as Mr. King's power winning over KKK.
There's plenty of art I dislike intensely (anything religious, for example), but I just don't have to look at it if I don't care to. Artistic freedom is a good thing and never should be lost to anyone.
There's plenty of art I dislike intensely (anything religious, for example), but I just don't have to look at it if I don't care to. Artistic freedom is a good thing and never should be lost to anyone.
6
Blood! Ronald Reagan and Milton Friedman's blood "trickling down" the bull's horns every time I see an image of that bull. The blood may not be there, but I can't help but see it nonetheless. It was installed at the height of the Reagan administration and its message that government wasn't the solution, but rather the problem. It has always seemed like an unmovable sentinel guarding Wall Street's castle and drawbridge, the place where the ultra-rich gather to plot against the rest of us, the poor suckers of the free world.
7
From an artistic point of view, I fully agree with Ms. Collins. But, taking this article in conjunction with the Editorial "The One-Sided Gun War of the Sexes", I believe that women should arm themselves, perhaps like in "Annie, get your Gun", and be always ready to repel male brutality. In the interest of full disclosure, I am a man.
6
Keep her where she is. She is in the right place and should stand there, facing down the bull, as long as he is there.
26
Bravo! "Fearless Girl" is a gritty monument to our humanity, represented by women, facing the brute force represented by a bull "a la Trump". Of note, crooked lying Trump is a bully (a coward in disguise), seemingly undisturbed by his 'China Shop' destruction of the rule of law, and any residue of decency. "Fearless Girl" is an excellent reminder of real strength, restoring virtue to our sorely injured republic.
7
The girl is exactly where she needs to be. The bull did its good work in its time. Since then, though, the bull's acolytes have funneled the great majority of its gifts to a small minority. Following the bull has given us unsustainable trends of rising inequality and falling opportunity, a worship of profit that also blinds us to a warming climate and doomed-to-advance shorelines. The girl represents those to whom we are bequeathing this society and this planet, and her message is simple: "Enough!"
16
The juxtaposition of symbolic maleness--large, powerful, dominating,etc--with real girl--strong AND vulnerable--is too good to undo. The fearless girl should stay right where she is. Two gifts to the city, and, together, a thought-provoking installation.
18
The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World's Fair and was supposed to be taken down when it was over. Funny thing but sometimes 'the people' form attachments and The Tower is still there. That worked out well.
Fearless Girl must remain exactly where she is! Without the Bull she has no meaning. Put her in a park somewhere and she would look like a pouting preadolescent refusing to eat her broccoli.
Fearless Girl must remain exactly where she is! Without the Bull she has no meaning. Put her in a park somewhere and she would look like a pouting preadolescent refusing to eat her broccoli.
17
Reminds me Ramona Quimby....and that's why she should stay. Fearless, outspoken, increasingly more curious and independent...sometimes annoying and in a hurry to mature. Leave her alone.
16
It had to be a statue of a girl because that's the easiest message to grasp. Some day, in the future, we will all have to come to grips with notion that women are equal to their male counter-parts in the hallowed halls of big money-making. Not now, though. We're not ready, yet, for the notion of a woman standing up to the inequality in corporate ranks. The problem is that women need equality, now, as they have needed it throughout our shared history. So the concept of "one day" is more palatable, but the question is when. Let's put that realization off for another day, shall we?
6
Put the statue for an entire year in the path of Betsy DeVos wherever she alights. We will call Fearless Girl our Public School Girl during the time.
She will not be a child using vouchers to get away from those really awful under-achieving schools full of poor and stupid kids; she's the smart student who will learn all that she needs to learn in her taxpayer-funded, improved, wonderful local school.
She will not be a child using vouchers to get away from those really awful under-achieving schools full of poor and stupid kids; she's the smart student who will learn all that she needs to learn in her taxpayer-funded, improved, wonderful local school.
17
Rea Tarr, I like that. We just need a statue of a grizzly bear to bring this to perfection.
9
As an Italian woman who grew up with three brothers, I understand exactly where the bull's creator gets his views. Italian men are not known for supporting women's equality at home or in the marketplace. Rumor has it that Italian men prefer to stay home and be taken care of by "mama". Sixty Minutes even did a piece on this interviewing Italian men. Who wouldn't want an Italian "mama" to take care of their many needs. Italian men are not brought up to cook or clean for themselves. How can one wonder at Italy's declining birth rate. What clear-eyed woman would marry such a man. Not our Fearless Girl.
34
And with a little luck, she would only need to be in DC 3 and 3/4 years - then she can relocate as needed. She has a great presence.
10
Nevertheless, she persisted?
7
Yay Gail!! I love the Lafayette Park suggestion. I love Fearless Girl and I would personally feel safer knowing she was keeping a firm eye on Commander Nacho.
5
I've been thinking about Fearless Girl's future this week. While her current installation is very meaningful, she could tour the U.S. and inspire us all.
Across from the White House? Sure!
Across from every State Capitol too.
How about across from a Children's hospital? I've met many a fearless young fighter there as well. Just a different kind of fight.
Across from the White House? Sure!
Across from every State Capitol too.
How about across from a Children's hospital? I've met many a fearless young fighter there as well. Just a different kind of fight.
2
Mr. Di Modica, as one artist to another, get over yourself. When you put your art out into the world you takes your chances. You couldn't buy the promotion.
16
Indeed! Never heard of him ever until this.
Get a life, enjoy the free publicity and give pause.
They are better together.
Get a life, enjoy the free publicity and give pause.
They are better together.
8
Lafayette Park sounds good to me !!
1
Fearless Girl. Daughter of Lady Liberty. A bold message for our dark time.
Lady Liberty, torch extinguished, weeps for past great America which welcomed refugees from oppression. Fearless Girl speaks for present America, an awakening defiance and hope-filled resistance to greedy oppressors and their Republican overseers.
Lady Liberty, torch extinguished, weeps for past great America which welcomed refugees from oppression. Fearless Girl speaks for present America, an awakening defiance and hope-filled resistance to greedy oppressors and their Republican overseers.
16
What do all of these arguments mean for the two works of art that now face one another? It means we now have a SINGLE GREAT work of art occupying this space. All great works of art, no matter what form, are always controversial; each are subject to a thousand interpretations. Each has no single argument more convincing or more important than the next. All great works of great art are also timeless, demanding our attention, then our reflection.
Each of the two sculptures in this little tuft of space now seem to need the other. We cannot put each back in it's own bottle, because if we did, we now know we would suffer a loss. Keeping Fearless Girl is not taking away from art as much as enhancing it. To see it as a heightening of the original intention as opposed to what some young interloper has stolen from Di Modica will give us a reason to remember his name, and in a very generous way.
So what renders this new art exhibit timeless? Let's say that a hundred years from now (hopefully much less) when it would be considered just plain silly to consider a woman as unequal to a man in any way (the gist of so many arguments here), someone were to view this piece of art for the first time. What could this person possibly see? Let us consider a literal interpretation: a girl, in a surprise encounter with angry bull. The bull, staring straight on with it's head turned to the side, is considering an attack. It is the posture of the girl though, not her sex, that is giving him pause.
Each of the two sculptures in this little tuft of space now seem to need the other. We cannot put each back in it's own bottle, because if we did, we now know we would suffer a loss. Keeping Fearless Girl is not taking away from art as much as enhancing it. To see it as a heightening of the original intention as opposed to what some young interloper has stolen from Di Modica will give us a reason to remember his name, and in a very generous way.
So what renders this new art exhibit timeless? Let's say that a hundred years from now (hopefully much less) when it would be considered just plain silly to consider a woman as unequal to a man in any way (the gist of so many arguments here), someone were to view this piece of art for the first time. What could this person possibly see? Let us consider a literal interpretation: a girl, in a surprise encounter with angry bull. The bull, staring straight on with it's head turned to the side, is considering an attack. It is the posture of the girl though, not her sex, that is giving him pause.
10
She needs to stay right where she is.
14
She is quite clearly perfect where she is.
14
Name her Chiquita and stand her outside Steve King's house.
3
She is standing firm in the face of threat. If anything moves it has to be the bully.
9
So interesting to see all this commentary and fallout form a four foot statue. That is I guess the emotion that art is supposed to inspire. Personally, I love both of the statues and would say that they probably ought to stay put. The little girl need not become a touring curiosity. I do feel for Di Modica since he is just trying to defend his own artistic vision even though, with a bit of perspective, he might see the second statue as a compliment.
5
Which one of these ideas/symbols has the least to apologize for, Fearless Girl or Raging/Unconstrained Capitalism?
And what in the world does a huge raging bull have to fear from a small girl standing a few feet away (other than the not so subtle Masculine Rage as a camouflage for impotence...)?
Methinks the bull doth protest too much.
And what in the world does a huge raging bull have to fear from a small girl standing a few feet away (other than the not so subtle Masculine Rage as a camouflage for impotence...)?
Methinks the bull doth protest too much.
16
If the young woman is ever moved, Lawd Forbid please, the last line is the best vote.....put it across the street from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
3
You need to own stocks in order to defend rising stock prices.
2
The raging bull stature was intended to represent the the upward advancing stock market, the bull market, that always follows the worst bear market. The bull was a good guy, so to speak. Maybe not the best guy, but a good guy none the less.
But with the Fearless Very Young Woman facing him, now the bull become a symbol for female exclusion from the financial industry or unbridled capitalism. Both very bad guys. No wonder the sculptor is angry.
The Fearless Young Lady would be fearless and defiant anywhere. She does not need the bull. But the bull's meaning is distorted by her.
Further, any human who stands like that within ten feet of a raging bull is about to teach a lesson in Darwinian survival of the fittest to the remaining members of the tribe. People who support the juxtaposition of the two statures should really thing about what they mean together.
But with the Fearless Very Young Woman facing him, now the bull become a symbol for female exclusion from the financial industry or unbridled capitalism. Both very bad guys. No wonder the sculptor is angry.
The Fearless Young Lady would be fearless and defiant anywhere. She does not need the bull. But the bull's meaning is distorted by her.
Further, any human who stands like that within ten feet of a raging bull is about to teach a lesson in Darwinian survival of the fittest to the remaining members of the tribe. People who support the juxtaposition of the two statures should really thing about what they mean together.
I like the idea of moving Fearless Girl around. She could travel around the country, even around the world. She could be a great symbol for fearless girls everywhere.
3
What about we release our own, inner Fearless Girl and stare down injustice, intolerance and inequality where ever we encounter them.
28
It seems to me that confident women are fine with removing the statue of the girl. I understand what her sculptor had in mind, but - hey, women don't really need a fight like that, do we? Strong, confident women go about their work every day, whether in an office, military post, operating room, board room, school, home, retail, church.... There is such a thing as 'protesting too much,' and at that point, we (women) lose credibility. It's worth thinking about -
Another good article, Gail Collins.
Another good article, Gail Collins.
2
Stand her at the front gate to the White House with a sign that says "go ahead, I dare you try"
13
I have no sympathy for touchy artistes. Fearless Girl does not diminish the 'positive message' of the bull stature. I use this term advisedly because in the over 10 years of working in the Financial District I never considered the bull to be anything more than a metaphor for the excesses of boorish, greedy Wall Streeters. If Di Modica sees that as a positive message, he is sadly mistaken.
11
The bull looks like a pumped up on steroids, angry, reckless, out-of-control American voter. The girl portrays common sense even a 10-year-old possesses.
11
Sometimes a sculpture is just a sculpture. It's easy to mock Arturo Di Modica here but I think he's in the right, as is Ms Collins.
Artists generally have little or no leverage in this world; they serve their masters like everyone else. But they do insist on, and must be granted, creative control over their own works. Yes, it is fantastic how Fearless Girl counterbalances and negates the might of Charging Bull. It's in the best tradition of guerilla art. But that's the point: It's not Di Modeca's sculpture and vision any more. I wasn't aware of the details of the original installation, which definitely add a layer of interest to the story, but I do believe that Fearless Girl must succeed or fail on her own merits (which- if I'm understanding all of the reading into the meaning of these works that's suddenly going on- is part of the message of that work.)
Put another way: Personally, I much prefer the Mona Lisa with Marcel DuChamp's subversive mustache, but I wouldn't suggest that it should be added to the original.
So remove or enshrine either neither or both sculptures but don't insist that they become a new work together in a way that one of the artists never intended.
Artists generally have little or no leverage in this world; they serve their masters like everyone else. But they do insist on, and must be granted, creative control over their own works. Yes, it is fantastic how Fearless Girl counterbalances and negates the might of Charging Bull. It's in the best tradition of guerilla art. But that's the point: It's not Di Modeca's sculpture and vision any more. I wasn't aware of the details of the original installation, which definitely add a layer of interest to the story, but I do believe that Fearless Girl must succeed or fail on her own merits (which- if I'm understanding all of the reading into the meaning of these works that's suddenly going on- is part of the message of that work.)
Put another way: Personally, I much prefer the Mona Lisa with Marcel DuChamp's subversive mustache, but I wouldn't suggest that it should be added to the original.
So remove or enshrine either neither or both sculptures but don't insist that they become a new work together in a way that one of the artists never intended.
4
I like the idea of her standing so that she can stare down Trump and watch comings and goings at the White House. Hey! Maybe we can install a camera in her left (of course) eye so the rest of the world can know who's actually coming and going! SOMEBODY needs to keep track.
9
Among the many observations in Gail's wonderful op-ed piece and the comments that followed, I would add that 'Fearless Girl' reminds us how art can take on a life of its own and help to shape our experience of the world. No one put it more eloquently than the great American poet Wallace Stevens. In his gem of a poem 'Anecdote of the Jar' he writes "it took dominion everywhere" and for the moment so has Fearless Girl.
https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/anecdote-jar
https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/anecdote-jar
9
Spoken like a man who does NOT get what this is all about.
1
No one seems to comment on Fearless Girl in relation to its quality as art. I think it has a cartoonish appearance that dimishes the power and (yes) beauty of the bull, just as graffiti reduces the beauty of some beautiful buildings around the city. The Girl sculpture is clearly inferior to the Bull as art and is not the symbol I would want to represent any group or concept as noble or heroic. It has the prankish quality of a photobomb. It can go someplace else like an amusement park and be a good prop for selfies.
2
Put her in the voting booth because until we have a democratic house, senate and White House, nothing will improve.
13
Gail Collins, I'm a huge fan, but I have to say that I'm surprised and disappointed that you didn't name the artist of "Fearless Girl" anywhere in your column. Her name is Kristen Visbal, and she deserves, like all the women who are disappeared, to receive credit for her work. It's a pretty stunning lapse, given the content of this column.
20
The beauty of "The Fearless Girl" is that she is facing down something challenging and formidable. Standing alone she wouldn't have much context. DiModica can get over his snit. She adds another dimension and interpretation to his original sculpture.
18
NYC owns the sculpture. NYC has the right to alter the sculpture in whatever way it sees fit. The artist was paid for his effort - and while the addition of Fearless Girl clearly alters the artist's intent, the sculpture's presentation stopped being up to him when he accepted payment.
7
The "Fearless Girl" can dream of becoming the next Ivana or Ivanka or Melania Trump. Or she could rise to be the next Hillary or Chelsea Clinton. Or she could become the next member of the Kardasian Jenner clan
It would be even nicer if she could be the next Margaret Thatcher or Angela Merkel or Ellen Johnson Sirleaf or Sheikh Hasina or Theresa May or Oprah Winfrey and we did not know nor care who her father or husband was.
It would be even nicer if she could be the next Margaret Thatcher or Angela Merkel or Ellen Johnson Sirleaf or Sheikh Hasina or Theresa May or Oprah Winfrey and we did not know nor care who her father or husband was.
9
Read into it whatever you want, but tourists love her. To me that's the bottom line. It's not about art.
2
Interesting that the column mentions the artist who made the bull, but not whoever created "Fearless Girl.' A neat comment on the relative obscurity of female artists throughout the history of painting and sculpture.
12
Leave Fearless Girl where she is. Cast additional Fearless Girls, and leave them in front of the White House, Congress, RNC headquarters, and Trump Tower. She is, as Bill Blasio has said, a symbol of the people's resistance to power. We don't need to move her, we need more of her.
When I was downtown on business two weeks ago, I saw a whole line of women taking photos and having their daughters photographed with "Fearless Girl." Men were doing the same. Nobody was taking photos with the bull. Maybe that is what disturbs the artist who created the bull - that his creation is being ignored in favor of the response - but opposition and courage in the face of cride power is exactly the message and purpose of the girl. That message should be multiplied, not moved or squelched.
We have been warned, we have been given explanations, but we persist.
When I was downtown on business two weeks ago, I saw a whole line of women taking photos and having their daughters photographed with "Fearless Girl." Men were doing the same. Nobody was taking photos with the bull. Maybe that is what disturbs the artist who created the bull - that his creation is being ignored in favor of the response - but opposition and courage in the face of cride power is exactly the message and purpose of the girl. That message should be multiplied, not moved or squelched.
We have been warned, we have been given explanations, but we persist.
24
We are in dire need at the currenttime of many women's representatives speaking for us. All I see on the Cable News and other outlets is men and more men voicing their opinions which are sometimes idiotic. I am sure there are some military women who can speak about the many many wars we are engaged in or who could address the "Banion" issue. There are a lot of reporters but no women in the forefront. We are being left behind. Get some interviews from our viewpoint which is totally different from ole white men.
6
I want Fearless Girl staring down the White House and Donald Trump! Perfect spot for her.
13
Gail, you should be titled "The Awakener." Commenters like Socrates and Gemli surely are thanking you for offering them this opportunity to rant. They have both shined brilliantly.
Great column!.
Great column!.
5
"Fearless Girl'" reminds us that without courage, there is no Freedom, no matter what the Constitution says.
8
Love the little girl please STAY
6
Everything is an issue in this country anymore, even a statue of a little girl symbolizing courage and fortitude. Move the bull and leave the kid alone.
2
Get rid of that girl. It is the "Bull and the Bear" Wall Street stock market ups and downs and has nothing to do with anything else.
3
Appropriate you lead with analogies of TV bowl games and fantasy movies, commercial products whose goal is to make a profit.
Art, it has been said, is either inspired or it is contrived. Rest assured the "brave little girl" is as contrived as it gets. At the foot of the statue reads a plaque "know the power of women in leadership : SHE makes a difference." Under the inscription the SSGA logo. The SHE the plaque refers to is the SSGA gender diversity ETF fund. The ticker for that fund is SHE.
This "art" is a billboard intended to market this fund. It stands for nothing. You have all been had.
Perhaps, now that the circus has officially ended, a better statue would be one of PT Barnum with his famous saying "there's a sucker born every minute."
Art, it has been said, is either inspired or it is contrived. Rest assured the "brave little girl" is as contrived as it gets. At the foot of the statue reads a plaque "know the power of women in leadership : SHE makes a difference." Under the inscription the SSGA logo. The SHE the plaque refers to is the SSGA gender diversity ETF fund. The ticker for that fund is SHE.
This "art" is a billboard intended to market this fund. It stands for nothing. You have all been had.
Perhaps, now that the circus has officially ended, a better statue would be one of PT Barnum with his famous saying "there's a sucker born every minute."
3
I vote with you, for Lafayette Park, to face down our misogynist SCP.
7
I also originally thought that the girl was supposed to be standing up to Wall Street greed. Far from being "another interpretation," I think this is the most obvious one. If it was just supposed to be about gender equality, why is she facing down the Wall Street bull? The bull represents many things, but it does not represent the lack of diversity on corporate boards (at least that's not an interpretation I've ever heard before).
4
Billionaires get to commission art, but once they've done so, we all get to decide what it means.
3
Gail, the girl was not created by a financial firm. She was sculpted by a female artist who should be named every time someone writes about her Fearless Girl. The effectiveness of this sculpture lies within the art of her design, not within its opposition to the bull.
13
Elsewhere in the NY Times, there is an analysis that argues that Di Mondica has a legitimate violation of intellectual property complaint because the Fearless Girl's placement changes the meaning of Charging Bull.
The juxtaposition of the two sculptures certainly does affect the interpretation of Charging Bull, BUT given that Charging Bull isn't located where Di Modica chose to place it originally, then resolving any intellectual property conflict by moving the bull is as sensible as moving the girl.
Evidently, the placement of both sculptures is a choice made, or come to have been made, by the City of New York, not either artist. Hence, relocating either is the city's prerogative, unless Mr. Di Modica chooses to withdraw his work entirely.
The juxtaposition of the two sculptures certainly does affect the interpretation of Charging Bull, BUT given that Charging Bull isn't located where Di Modica chose to place it originally, then resolving any intellectual property conflict by moving the bull is as sensible as moving the girl.
Evidently, the placement of both sculptures is a choice made, or come to have been made, by the City of New York, not either artist. Hence, relocating either is the city's prerogative, unless Mr. Di Modica chooses to withdraw his work entirely.
6
Elizabeth Warren is the closest adult example that we have of the fearless "girl". The Senate Leader Mitch McConnell removed her (voice) as she read the letter written by another fearless "girl", Coretta Scott King, denouncing the nomination of then congressmen Jefferson Beauregard Sessions to the federal bench only because he was an admirer of the Klu Klux Klan and had a penchant for calling Black men, no doubt with affection, "boy".
Could somebody make a sculpture of that beautiful and fearless pony tailed girl named Ruby Bridges depicted in Norman Rockwell's iconic painting "The Problem We All Live With" and put it right beside Fearless Girl so that every girl knows they need not remain speechless in the face of marauding madmen?
Could somebody make a sculpture of that beautiful and fearless pony tailed girl named Ruby Bridges depicted in Norman Rockwell's iconic painting "The Problem We All Live With" and put it right beside Fearless Girl so that every girl knows they need not remain speechless in the face of marauding madmen?
14
The girl has had her 5 minutes, and this story is getting old.
Move it to another location.
Move it to another location.
2
Move the bull. Donald gives us enough and we don't need anymore. Perhaps the bull belongs in the White House since our democracy is being taken over by the 1% and Corporations. Hail Koch Brothers--the true face of our leadership.
8
Greater than the sum of its parts. That is how I view the bull and the girl. They now belong together and exist in the public's imagination as one. I am an older person (Trump's age) and know how grumpy and intransigent a 87 year old can be. His bull has gained a new focus and I wish he would welcome it. Let her stay where she belongs.
20
Sending her around the country sounds great to me!! We could certainly use her grit and spunk in the more racist, bigoted, misogynistic parts of North Carolina!!!
14
Arturo is going to sue? The guy who, incognito, in the of the night, plunked his bull down, where he had no permit to. So, we will rename the bull Chutzpah and the defiant girl Victoria.
36
Sue for what? He no longer owns the bull.
1
There are so many places that need a "Fearless Girl". Put at least one more in Congress and one in the Senate. Perhaps one should be standing in the front of every Planned Parenthood clinic.
There is a Trumpian ring to Di Modica's narcissistic whining. He's scared of a little girl getting more attention than he is.
There is a Trumpian ring to Di Modica's narcissistic whining. He's scared of a little girl getting more attention than he is.
34
Despite recent events, I'm convinced women are in the ascendancy. For me, Fearless Girl represents that. Many men, and not a few women, seem to have a problem with it.
Tough! I suggest bringing her to the PA Capitol building for a few weeks to stare down one of the nation's most corrupt and bloated legislatures.
Tough! I suggest bringing her to the PA Capitol building for a few weeks to stare down one of the nation's most corrupt and bloated legislatures.
25
Fearless Girl might be most appropriately located on the sidewalk facing Trump Tower.
8
Why not remove both statues and replace them with a single one along the lines of Ted DeGrazia's 1957 oil painting "Los Ninos" (later turned into a 1960 UNICEF greeting card)? Boys and girls holding hands and dancing, symbolizing a positive and vibrant future -- isn't that where all our work and financial dealings are supposed to be taking us anyway?
2
So, what you are saying about Fearless Girl is that "SHE PERSISTED". Take that Mitch McConnell!
15
We could definitely use Fearless Girl in Wyoming, which dubs itself the Equality State. Never mind it has the largest disparity in mens/womens wages in the country. Place her near Old Faithful geyser. A symbol of nature's power.
15
I love the idea of Fearless Girl facing down the sexual assaulter in chief at the White House while watching his secret visitors come and go. She can keep eyes on "Alternative Facts" Kellyanne and the "Daddy's Girl" self proclaimed feminist Ivanka who has abused her position to hawk her "look" and Chinese made goods.
Fearless Girl can stand guard for the.country during crises like being on the brink of another Korean War while Trump is enjoying yet another golfing weekend at Mar-a-Lago at $3 million taxpayer dollars a trip, oblivious to the various wars in the Middle East and Asia that he is igniting with his ignorant insulting tweets. I doubt even Fearkesd Girl can save us from having an unstable mental case as president who has dropped bombs on four different countries in less than three months, but at least there will be another witness to his madness.
The Women's March on Washington brought out millions of protesters. One little bronze girl can be a temporary stand in for the rest of us.
Fearless Girl can stand guard for the.country during crises like being on the brink of another Korean War while Trump is enjoying yet another golfing weekend at Mar-a-Lago at $3 million taxpayer dollars a trip, oblivious to the various wars in the Middle East and Asia that he is igniting with his ignorant insulting tweets. I doubt even Fearkesd Girl can save us from having an unstable mental case as president who has dropped bombs on four different countries in less than three months, but at least there will be another witness to his madness.
The Women's March on Washington brought out millions of protesters. One little bronze girl can be a temporary stand in for the rest of us.
18
I wonder if Fearless Girl's surname is Dodd-Frank.
3
Fearless Girl is genius. She shouldn't be moved; she should be replicated and positioned into all of the places mentioned, and more! Fearless Girl represents determination, fearlessness and utter rage toward the testosterone-fueled self-interested gains earned at the expense of the American middle-class, whom Fearless Girl represents.
18
Uhh Gail:
I have used your link to New York City Parks, and the link for Manhattan. Neither one list an Evacuation day Plaza. Can you fix the facts?
I have used your link to New York City Parks, and the link for Manhattan. Neither one list an Evacuation day Plaza. Can you fix the facts?
1
Fearless Girl Rules.
9
We need fearless girl to stand in front of Planned Parenthood...
11
Facing out, standing up for the right to rule her body.
4
No! She should stand her ground. May sculptures of young girls and woman of all ages, ethnicities, and colors spring up across the land in various poses of defiance. Let the bull back off for once.
23
I'm all for women leaders as long as they're not shills for evil- like Betsy DeVos. I do love the little girl statue. She Persisted would be a great title.
17
Can you imagine her standing there, facing down Donald Trump every day?
nice
nice
3
Is this silly censorship or a temper tantrum?Tell the artist to go cut his ear off in protest. His lawyers must love him. I hope they charge by the hour.
15
You could place Fearless Girl on the lawn of Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood. This could be a reminder that there have been over 50 million abortions since Roe v Wade. This is a child who was spared abortion and now plans on going to college and becoming a successful female doctor.
1
If your fantasy is that she will become a doctor, then mine is that she will practice gynecology and specialize in providing abortion services to all women who choose to request them.
5
I would see it as a child who will grow up to be able to decide whether or not she will have an abortion without people poking their big noses in her personal business.
I would, further, see this brave little girl as defending women's rights to not just their own bodies, but to equal pay, equal treatment, equal opportunities in every endeavor.
I would, further, see this brave little girl as defending women's rights to not just their own bodies, but to equal pay, equal treatment, equal opportunities in every endeavor.
7
Duane McPherson,
I see this girl becoming a surgeon operating on women who have breast cancer, cervical cancer and all cancers that affect women today. Her mission is to save lives not eliminate them. Abortion is the taking of innocent human life. Since her mother decided to allow her to be born she sees how precious life is and celebrates it to the fullest.
I see this girl becoming a surgeon operating on women who have breast cancer, cervical cancer and all cancers that affect women today. Her mission is to save lives not eliminate them. Abortion is the taking of innocent human life. Since her mother decided to allow her to be born she sees how precious life is and celebrates it to the fullest.
You should have named the sculptor of Fearless Girl. Why was she not given credit?
18
I say let her wander and we can ask 'Where in the World is Fearless Girl'?
1
I'd like to see more statues of little girls facing the bull. Addressing the (justifiable) complaint that the girl there now is white and privileged, placing statues of girls who are not white and privileged to stand facing the bull as well. And add little boys, currently privileged and not, to stand there as well.
1
How is she seen as privileged? And she might just be the image of the artist's self when a child. What the heck is wrong with that?
If you want a non-white, underprivileged statue somewhere, cast it yourself.
If you want a non-white, underprivileged statue somewhere, cast it yourself.
4
I do not believe that the Fearless Girl is advancing the feminist movement and should be removed. In Wall Street lingo (used by men and women) the Bull represents a rising stock market, so by standing in its way the Girl seems to be obstructing profits. Is that the message feminism wants to project? I understand the bull is carved as a male figure, but should its sex matter more than what it symbolizes?
I suggest she be recast as riding the bull, or as a Young Donald Trump biting the ankle of Lady Liberty.
I suggest she be recast as riding the bull, or as a Young Donald Trump biting the ankle of Lady Liberty.
2
I don't agree with your comment.
4
It symbolizes rampant unbridled do whatever it takes to make money on the stock market, citizens be damned.
And it does whether it was designed to or not, symbolize the power of rich men. Period. After all I hear the bull is very well endowed as if that really means anything to the regular folks who do not equate size with any particular great and meaningful personal qualities.
Didn't we pony up and no one, my mistake, one unknown fellow went to prison after the stock market crashed in 2008?
Hospitals on the stock market? Insurance companies?
Mr. Munoz and his ridiculous faux apologies?
Get over it. Wall Street is not for the common people.
And it does whether it was designed to or not, symbolize the power of rich men. Period. After all I hear the bull is very well endowed as if that really means anything to the regular folks who do not equate size with any particular great and meaningful personal qualities.
Didn't we pony up and no one, my mistake, one unknown fellow went to prison after the stock market crashed in 2008?
Hospitals on the stock market? Insurance companies?
Mr. Munoz and his ridiculous faux apologies?
Get over it. Wall Street is not for the common people.
2
But women have no political power and precious little in other spheres. Compare this statue to multiple photos of trump and his gang of old white men gleefully eliminating women's health care. The majority of white women voted for this, including many millions of well educated and prosperous professionals. Happy to leave real power to the white boys who run everything of consequence. My guess is most trump voting women also imagine that god is a guy. Clean sweep!
15
Only true if they don't vote. Same for poor and minorities - you don't vote, you get the government you deserve. 2010.
1
"Fearless Girl" will grow up to be "Fearless Woman".
Go get 'em, kiddo.
Go get 'em, kiddo.
16
This engaging column finds reason to explain the connections of State Street Global Advisors, Charging Bull sculptor Arturo Di Modica, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Mayor Ed Koch, NYC promoter Kathryn Wylde, and even George Washington, but fails to name the sculptor of Fearless Girl, Kristen Visbal.
19
Gail Collins certainly has a point that Fearless Girl does not have to stay put. Both sculptures need context to have any power. Put Fearless Girl next to Degas's ballerina or the bull next to Picasso's She-goat in a museum and their aesthetic worth would become disappointingly clear. The bull does need to be in lower Manhattan to have meaning. Fearless Girl could be overlooking a cliff, stuck in traffic or on the top of the stairs to the Metropolitan Museum and be as effective. Let her roam!
4
Put the little woman in her place?
How about NO? Can you live with NO?
How about NO? Can you live with NO?
6
Conflating women and little girls is hardly striking a blow for gender diversity on corporate boards. And the girl is alone, with no weapons other than her audacity, a poor strategy for confronting power. Attitude isn't enough.
The bull's sculptor has a point. The girl's defiance is meant to transform our understanding of the bull from a symbol of optimism to one of aggression and hostility. It's like drawing mustaches on portraits.
We don't need to defeat capitalism; we need to tame it. My suggestion: Dump the girl and the bull. Replace them with a women *riding* a bull, rope in one hand and briefcase in the other.
The bull's sculptor has a point. The girl's defiance is meant to transform our understanding of the bull from a symbol of optimism to one of aggression and hostility. It's like drawing mustaches on portraits.
We don't need to defeat capitalism; we need to tame it. My suggestion: Dump the girl and the bull. Replace them with a women *riding* a bull, rope in one hand and briefcase in the other.
6
Fearless Girl is the future standing against an image of power and money in the form of a bull, an uncontrollable animal. With Trump destroying environmental regulations so that big businesses can get bigger at the expense of the people, Fearless Girl says that she wants to be able to breath clean air and drink clean water when she grows up and that this wild beast must be tamed.
13
Dear Ms. Collins,
Nope. Put her squarely in front of "Mar-A-Lago" and let Mr. Trump and his well heeled patrons at the swank resort face her.
Nope. Put her squarely in front of "Mar-A-Lago" and let Mr. Trump and his well heeled patrons at the swank resort face her.
7
But what happens when the bloated Bull market turns into the always unwelcome Bear of $ Reality? And Little irl finds out her Bubble illusionary College fund has blown away with a cold wind of correction even stiffer than the breeze that. so artfully realized blows back her innocent gamine skirt. No Harvard or Stanford. Honey-- don't cry!-- President Cuomo has made sure you can still go to a SUNY or CUNY school. Then maybe you can get a good civil service job. God Bless America always making sure You be all You can be. Good Girl.
3
Arturo di Modica is 76. it's time to grow up. Be bold; be brave, Arturo! Accept the fact that women are treated atrociously worldwide, and increasingly here in the Land of the Brave.
Let some estrogen cut through the torrent of testerone that floods Wall Street daily. Women in the midst of raging bulls can only civilize them. That is a good thing; we'll all be richer for it.
Stop whining, Arturo, like a girlie man!
Let some estrogen cut through the torrent of testerone that floods Wall Street daily. Women in the midst of raging bulls can only civilize them. That is a good thing; we'll all be richer for it.
Stop whining, Arturo, like a girlie man!
22
How about placing her in front of Congress or Fox Studios maybe go international and find a spot near the Vatican?
7
The old guy who made the bull now slings what naturally comes out of bulls.
The story speaks for itself: ipse dixit.
The story speaks for itself: ipse dixit.
8
Best comment so far!
3
It's simple: remove the bull. It was plopped down in dark of night. How does the sculptor have grounds for a suit? We should all laugh in his face.
9
The bronze is no longer where the artist "plopped it down". The city selected its current location and moved it there almost 30 years ago as a permanent installation to symbolize the resilience and strength of the American financial system, an artistic intent subverted by the presence of "Fearless Girl". That's how Mr. DiModica has grounds for a suit.
1
The bull sculptor floated the idea of turning the bull around, which would create the unintentionally hilarious visual of the bull fleeing from a little girl. Yeah, let's go with that...
11
Shhhh.....Now you've told him. I had that same thought.
3
I like Fearless Girl just where she is. She balances the area, which I believe is a "public" space(?)! The two statues for me represent what America can be. We sometimes overstate our power through brute force, and we need a tender force of nature to keep us safe and to prosper. Especially now when we have a "bull in a china shop" who seems to only be able to break things.
I know a lot of discussion has been about the sculptor of the bull protesting that the girl changes the meaning of HIS art. I say that perception of ANY art is in the eye of the beholder, and is interpreted based on individual experiences and environments. She can be a symbol of strength without brute bulk; she can be a symbol of feminine strength; she can be an icon for a young girl. I like her just where she is.
I know a lot of discussion has been about the sculptor of the bull protesting that the girl changes the meaning of HIS art. I say that perception of ANY art is in the eye of the beholder, and is interpreted based on individual experiences and environments. She can be a symbol of strength without brute bulk; she can be a symbol of feminine strength; she can be an icon for a young girl. I like her just where she is.
23
Send an homage to a grown woman. We're infantilized enough.
After a successful career, I find the child who adopted Wall Street's values obnoxious.
After a successful career, I find the child who adopted Wall Street's values obnoxious.
4
My daughter is a decorated combat veteran who graduated from college with 2 separate degrees in 4 years, and commissioned in the Air Force at the same time. She gave the commencement addresses in high school (as valedictorian) and in college (as top in her class). She has 5 degrees, 3 advanced degrees, all with high honors. Her mother speaks, reads and writes 3 languages fluently. My daughter is a CrossFit trainer and will start her own practice as a clinical psychologist soon. And she is 32.
You can't tell me women are not as skilled and capable as men. We ignore women or hold them back at our own peril.
You can't tell me women are not as skilled and capable as men. We ignore women or hold them back at our own peril.
People who have no fear are not normal. Everyone at one time or another is afraid of something. I would rechristen the statue "Courageous Girl". It takes courage to be afraid of something but to stand up to it anyway.
I would vote to leave the statue exactly where it is. If we are to build a better society, we are going to have to rein in unfettered capitalism. That might be scary to a lot of people. They could take inspiration from our pint sized heroine.
I would vote to leave the statue exactly where it is. If we are to build a better society, we are going to have to rein in unfettered capitalism. That might be scary to a lot of people. They could take inspiration from our pint sized heroine.
7
As does all remarkable art, the girl commands viewers' projections. Seems arbitrary to judge one viewer's response better than another's but important to ponder the future of a piece that has generated such emotion. Having positioned the girl on Wall St the artist co-opted the bull, forever changing it and its historical artisic achievement unless they are separated. It strikes me that the decisions in the girl's future and who makes those decisions will be performance art in its own right. I hope the conversation endures. Isn't that the point of art, after all?
5
I would like Fearless Girl to stare down NJ Governor Chris Christie. He long ago stopped even trying to govern New Jersey, but seeing FG daily could help him feel the shame he should feel for his gross misuse of public office.
I disagree, Gail. I like her just where she is. The only problem is that she's needed in so many places.
Maybe we need more than one...
Maybe we need more than one...
15
When small copies start being marketed, I will buy two: one for me and one for my two-year old still fearless granddaughter, with proceeds going to Planned Parenthood.
24
FGs should be reinterpreted and installed everywhere - and some sold at auctions to aid women's causes.
7
I like Gail's ideas about where Fearless Girl could be moved to, but she doesn't have to be moved. It would be great to make a hundred fearless girls - perhaps with various faces - and put them in all those places.
9
The Grand Lady standing on Liberty Island was also a "volunteer" project. New Yorkers and in a larger sense Americans seem to need someone to foist the truth upon us before we can ultimately come to appreciate it's value.
7
Absolutely love her.
You go girl, for the future women you are meant to become!!
Bravo!
You go girl, for the future women you are meant to become!!
Bravo!
5
Were I a mother of a growing girl child, I would want Fearless Girl to stay where she is. I would want that image available in places where she would see it just enough to not have it fade into the woodwork. I would want it available in small sizes for her to keep by her bedside so that she sees it every morning. I would want it to precipitate conversations about its meaning and to demonstrate physically what I would want my girl child to incorporate as she faces a world of bull.
13
Symbolism, symbolism symbolism!! Everybody goes crazy about symbolism and in the real world, which we actually live in, it amounts to nothing!
Occupy Wall Street was a big deal wasn't it. I remember all the news photos of people sitting around the park. How did that all work out in the real world? Wall Street is more egregious than ever. Once I saw the sandal clad guitar players there sitting around and singing, I knew Occupy Wall Street would amount to nothing.
Stop focusing on fearless girl and expend that energy in the here and now on something that will have impact. Perhaps every woman not going to work for a week would show how important they are when businesses all over grind to a halt. Real world impact!! And right now!!!
Whether fearless girl stays or goes, nobody really cares. The huge Woman's March on Washington, more symbolism, resulted in absolutely nothing in the real world. So stop focusing on trivia and focus on serious and effective strategies that might actually get something done!!
Occupy Wall Street was a big deal wasn't it. I remember all the news photos of people sitting around the park. How did that all work out in the real world? Wall Street is more egregious than ever. Once I saw the sandal clad guitar players there sitting around and singing, I knew Occupy Wall Street would amount to nothing.
Stop focusing on fearless girl and expend that energy in the here and now on something that will have impact. Perhaps every woman not going to work for a week would show how important they are when businesses all over grind to a halt. Real world impact!! And right now!!!
Whether fearless girl stays or goes, nobody really cares. The huge Woman's March on Washington, more symbolism, resulted in absolutely nothing in the real world. So stop focusing on trivia and focus on serious and effective strategies that might actually get something done!!
1
The addition of a girl completely changes the meaning of bull. It turns the scene into a cartoon bullfight, instead of an image of confidence in the stock market. It turns an iconic symbol into a little civics lesson. I'm sure the "little girl" will have her champions, but it results in the complete negation the original meaning the bull.
2
How about if Fearless Girl takes turns in different states over the next four years. A two inch miniature version could be created to sell to help raise money to defeat any candidate who doesn't keep women's concerns front and center.
Then, after four years, she can stand on the lawn in front of the White House looking out at everyone who passes by. We will all cheer her on!
Then, after four years, she can stand on the lawn in front of the White House looking out at everyone who passes by. We will all cheer her on!
24
I love Fearless Girl! Thanks for writing this. Wish se was at colleges, in Miami Beach, and in front of the White House, next to the UN and at the border.
10
I like FG but its interesting that we have a child not a woman defiantly representing womens rights.
13
Unfortunately, it's not really up to an artist to determine how people interpret his/her work. If he's so upset about another artist's work, then he should move his sculpture and call it a day. I would love to see "Fearless Girl" move around the country, but love her facing down Wall Street, and to put her in Lafayette Park, across from the WH, would be a stroke of genius (staring down all the misogynistic buffoons headquartered over there.
21
Fearless Girl's stance coincidently (or not?) is the so-called superman pose. So, before an interview or critical meeting take a private moment and strike a pose!
https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are
Apparently (and sadly) many accomplished intelligent women who have every reason to feel confident don't - men (too much evidence for this today... eh hem) don't need a reason to feel confident. Genetics apparently!
https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are
Apparently (and sadly) many accomplished intelligent women who have every reason to feel confident don't - men (too much evidence for this today... eh hem) don't need a reason to feel confident. Genetics apparently!
7
"men (too much evidence for this today... eh hem) don't need a reason to feel confident. Genetics apparently!"
Not genetics. Social conditioning.
Not genetics. Social conditioning.
4
This reminds me of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. When the Vietam Memorial Wall was first proposed, it was very controversial; many veterans and Congressmen viewed it as a "wall of shame." Congress forced a compromise, and a conventional statue and a flag were added to design for the Memorial. Maya Lin, the architect who designed the wall, strenuously objected, saying that it was 'drawing mustaches' on her work. Ultimately, the statue was built, and the consensus was that the statue, The Three Servicemen, added to the tension created by the wall, rather than detracting from it.
13
I would prefer she move to the White House itself, as a symbol of the first female American President. When, of course, we Americans finally have the good sense to bring the female gender into the Oval Office. Somehow I don't see a world dominated by women leaders as leading us all into wars of aggression, like Vietnam, or Iraq, or Korea, or Iran...
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
15
Uh, and actual girl standing in front of an actual bull, now that's feminism.
7
My daughter did when she was three. The bull just looked at her and didn't know what to do!
2
An actual bull is an animal and has done nothing to make it symbolic of anything. That's not what a little girl needs to confront.
1
So, who asked Di Modica for the bull? You're telling me he plunked this thing down over there in the middle of the night? Nobody asked for it? He gets to put something there and State Street Global Advisors doesn't?
I never liked the bull. I'm finding out now that it's supposed to deliver a message of "love" but I never felt any. Go stand next to a real bull and you'll understand why. If there's no fence between you and it, you will want to run. Please don't.
If Di Modica doesn't like the girl, why doesn't he just take his bull home? I will not be sorry to see it gone.
I never liked the bull. I'm finding out now that it's supposed to deliver a message of "love" but I never felt any. Go stand next to a real bull and you'll understand why. If there's no fence between you and it, you will want to run. Please don't.
If Di Modica doesn't like the girl, why doesn't he just take his bull home? I will not be sorry to see it gone.
29
Fearless Girl should stay where she is. Wall street has long been famous for
discriminating and demeaning it's female employees. They need to reflect on
their misogny facing up to her. And, considering what we've just gone through
politically -the "nasty woman" shouts at Secretary Clinton, the lies and horrors
thrown at that woman which was clearly misogynistic, please.... for women the
world over, leave that fearless one where she is as a tribute to female strength
and courage.
discriminating and demeaning it's female employees. They need to reflect on
their misogny facing up to her. And, considering what we've just gone through
politically -the "nasty woman" shouts at Secretary Clinton, the lies and horrors
thrown at that woman which was clearly misogynistic, please.... for women the
world over, leave that fearless one where she is as a tribute to female strength
and courage.
23
Wall Street needs a momma grizzly. Equal rights for all animal spirits!
7
How about a stint in front of the NRA Headquarters?
4
You never know what the public will like, for instance in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, there is a bronze statue of a little boy peeing into a small fountain. Even though it is tucked away in a relatively difficult place, tourists line up, single file to view it. Wow, so much for the public state of mind. One day in the not to distant future, the little girl bronze is going to disappear. It is inevitable.
Why, oh why, does anyone anywhere find boys peeing anywhere amusing? It is not. It is crude and tasteless. At least Fearless Girl is standing up for something, not polluting something.
2
Do Modica should Howard Roark it. Take his bull and melt it down and sell it for scrap.
7
"Little girls should be seen but not heard." And if Mr. Di Modica had his way, "Fearless Girl" would be seen....far, far away from the trampling "Charging Bull." Stand your ground, "Fearless Girl." Confronting a charging bull with your arms defiantly akimbo is your choice and prerogative. You are legally entitled to stand wherever you want in a pubic forum. You go girl! Stand your ground and fight your corner!
13
We need to make more Fearless Girls, to scatter all around the United States of Rich Old White Men. At least one for every statehouse.
9
without the bull, fearless girl...ain't.
Gail,
To working folks-those who live paycheck to paycheck-The Bull/Wall Street stand for a very connected and protected gambling syndicate.
What the Fearless Girl stand for?
To working folks-those who live paycheck to paycheck-The Bull/Wall Street stand for a very connected and protected gambling syndicate.
What the Fearless Girl stand for?
5
The rest of us.
5
Time for FG to move on. The bull is a great creation, and is neither evil nor an enemy, and her placement turns him into one. Keystone Pipeline, across from the White House--both would be genuinely meaningful placements.
1
Put her in front of the Lincoln Memorial facing out towards the Mall.
Put one of those giant inflatable rats in front of the White House.
Put one of those giant inflatable rats in front of the White House.
7
I vote to put her right in front of Trump Tower!
5
Right on!
And considering that 10 women lose their lives every week to "I.V.P. - Intimate Partner Violence" according to another opinion piece, an editorial, in the NYT this morning titled "The One Sided Gun War of the Sexes" maybe she could take a turn standing outside the NRA offices in beautiful Fairfax, Virginia , hands on hips, chin high, saying "You should teach your sons that their guns should not be used to kill their wives and lovers, the mother of their children - that women are not prey."
27
Guess the NY financial cult doesn't like to have a girl gore their ox. I believe the bull has its head down, ready to have the sword placed in like the matador would. Not matter, they are both squatters. She can come live in my back yard. The bull, well we know what he is full of. Drop him in Jamie Dimon or Lloyd Blankfeins back yard.
8
I like the idea, but I think this statue represents condescension towards women: 'little girl'? Pony tail? Skirt? Women who want to gain space and respect in male dominated anything, are often called girls to disempower them.
Can we put a full grown lady in pants here? Let's say she's wrangling the bull.
Can we put a full grown lady in pants here? Let's say she's wrangling the bull.
5
Not the same effect. A little girl will grow and, one hopes, one day turn into a woman of power. That's my interpretation of this art-combo. Think Arya.
2
Hear, Hear!
How sad a comment. We don't need a replica man. We have an outraged unspoiled little girl full of spunk. I love it.
4
The entire discussion surrounding this girl and this bull - while not always artful, is certainly art. Including the fact that the bull artist cannot see that.
The bull wins by brute force, but misses a monumental opportunity. Plays in nicely.
The bull wins by brute force, but misses a monumental opportunity. Plays in nicely.
5
Since we need laughter bigly, Let's resurrect Donald Trump's nude emperor statue and put it in the mix. Will Donald fulfill the bull's dreams? Will Fearless girl persist and resist?
These are interesting times we live in. Only time will tell.
These are interesting times we live in. Only time will tell.
6
Donald's nude emperor? Did he posed for it? It wouldn't surprise me.
2
Why not place "Fearless Girl" in elementary schools all over the country as a reminder at the earliest age of "girl power" when young minds are the most impressionable? One look at that expression and stance and you know she has no intention of growing up to be kept "barefoot and pregnant " by the GOP!
5
The Bull made a statement about Wall Street, the Girl is a witty statement about the statement made by the Bull about Wall Street. I don't really see why the first is any more artistically legitimate than the second. It's removing the Girl, not leaving her there, that actually supports the view that public monuments remain static and unchanging.
3
That sculpture of the "Fearless Girl" was commissioned by a Wall Street corporation to suit their needs. People who are celebrating it as a symbol of feminism, or anything, are being duped by marketing just as much as by any Hallmark commercial.
1
State Street is indeed trying to burnish its feminist credentials without doing the real work. So what? We the public are smart enough to look at their woeful executive and board gender imbalances and simultaneously love this little girl as a symbol of standing up against greed and sexism. I don't see State Street when I look at her, I see my nieces.
5
Why not donate it to Hillary Clinton, who can place it in her front yard or to the Suffragette Museum to place outside their front door.
3
Arturo is going sue? On what grounds? None!
What a silly thing to say. I hope the Fearless Girl stands her ground forever more.
What a silly thing to say. I hope the Fearless Girl stands her ground forever more.
8
Keep the figures right where they are. The reasoning is multi-layered, and obvious, including the check on unfetteted capitalism symbolism. After all, we are now "led" by a delusional billionaire demogogue whose status was built on old money, the backs of the working class, and systemic lying/cheating.
So our Italian-American artiste threatens to sue, because "his" space (a space he took, rather than asked for) is being invaded. Hmmm. Interesting form of American inclusion. Yep, if for no other reason, leave them right where they are.
So our Italian-American artiste threatens to sue, because "his" space (a space he took, rather than asked for) is being invaded. Hmmm. Interesting form of American inclusion. Yep, if for no other reason, leave them right where they are.
16
Maybe in front of the office of the CEO of United Air Lines..........
1
I like her just the way she is, where she is. The artist got it right the first time, so let's not mess with success. Start with Wall St., and then let's work our way down the unfettered money trail to DC where the real damage gets done daily.
4
Keep her right where she is. Move the bull.
7
There's gotta be an app for that.
1
Poor Di Modica, undone by a little girl.
23
Come on people, chant with me. "Testosterone has failed its tests- estrogen rules the best. UestA, UestA, UestA!"
Time for an Icelandic feminist intervention- a feminist revolution in the U.S.A. Fill the Corporate boards and our Congress with equal female representation and maybe they can once again clean up a mess men have made.
Time for an Icelandic feminist intervention- a feminist revolution in the U.S.A. Fill the Corporate boards and our Congress with equal female representation and maybe they can once again clean up a mess men have made.
8
The Botero 'Adam' in the Time-Warner building also has some very specific hand-polishing.
Even before reaching the end of the article, this was my thought exactly:
"Personally, I vote for Lafayette Park, across from the White House. Can you imagine her standing there, facing down Donald Trump every day?"
********
Just imagine that! All those kids whose health care, food stamps, WIC, school concerns, need for pure water and clean air standing there staring at a man who "loves babies" as long as he doesn't have to actually "love" them in reality.
"Personally, I vote for Lafayette Park, across from the White House. Can you imagine her standing there, facing down Donald Trump every day?"
********
Just imagine that! All those kids whose health care, food stamps, WIC, school concerns, need for pure water and clean air standing there staring at a man who "loves babies" as long as he doesn't have to actually "love" them in reality.
3
I say follow the original intent of Arturo DiModica and put "Fearless Girl" where his statue first stood. Bolt her to the ground in the middle of Wall Street, right in front of the NY Stock exchange. That way she can face down the real bull.
5
They say history isn't made by well-behaved women.
That goes double for well-behaved little girls. Three cheers for one who takes no bull! (And, Signore Di Modica, you got lucky with all this, so don't look a gift bull in the mouth.)
That goes double for well-behaved little girls. Three cheers for one who takes no bull! (And, Signore Di Modica, you got lucky with all this, so don't look a gift bull in the mouth.)
5
For a city that has for decades been a haven for artists of all types, NYC has become a place where your art is nothing more then a tourist attraction, easily compromised for corporate interests. I hope Pepsi can finally get a holographic Pepsi imposed with the Mona Lisa. What's that intriguing smile about? Well she's just excited for that Pepsi. Art is garbage in NYC now, anyone with any message, don't think up your own idea, just go co-opt someone else's hard work.
1
Defiant "Fearless Girl" should be brought right into the White House, Gail, and deposited in the Oval Office where she can courageously face down our impetuous, clueless Commander as he sits at his desk in reckless musings beside his beloved portrait of Old Hickory. At this scary point, anything is worth a shot at some presidential behavior modification!
4
Next stop for 'Fearless Girl' should be facing down Trump Tower, or the White House, or maybe stalk trump wherever he goes...
Until he resigns or takes up residence in the Graybar Hotel.
Until he resigns or takes up residence in the Graybar Hotel.
1
Amazing, David Underwood got 13 Readers Picks while admitting that he ='s spouting off on a topic about which he knows nothing.
"I did not know the history . . . "
Personally, I prefer to get my information from informed sources.
"I did not know the history . . . "
Personally, I prefer to get my information from informed sources.
2
she persisted ...
3
Just to be clear, Richard Luettgen is the legislator I find most interesting.
"Fearless girl" should stand alone. Context matters, and she needs no help.
1
Not my state, but I'd plant her in front of the FOX news offices.
3
Fearless Girl made the statue of the bull relevant to a new generation in a different perspective. The issue that drove the raging bull statue don't apply anymore. But we can relate to the young girl standing up for herself with an expression that says "I'm not going to take the status quo anymore."
In this time of inequality and wage stagnation we need positive symbols to remind us to fight on. Hopefully the city keeps it where it is until gender inequality is a non issue.
In this time of inequality and wage stagnation we need positive symbols to remind us to fight on. Hopefully the city keeps it where it is until gender inequality is a non issue.
201
I personally like "Fearless Girl" facing off "Charging Bull" right where they are. But she'd also be very appropriate in front of the State Capitol Building in Montgomery, Alabama...
4
Yes, Fearless Girl could stare down Trump from Lafayette Park but she'd see a lot more of him if she stood across the street from the tanning salon in Mar-A-Lago!
3
Have Fearless Girl strap on a Kevlar vest and come to Chicago. We can use the help.
1
The sculptor of the bull left him on the street in the middle of the night. Why would he have the right to sue anyone?
5
Move the bull if he doesn't want to share. 30 years of free exhibition space is more than enough for DiModica.
7
I think she should stay where she is. To me, she represents the rest of us confronting the thugs, criminals and morons currently running the country, as represented by the careening, brutish bull.
7
Sorry Mr. Di Modica feels emasculated. Perhaps now he'll get a glimpse as to how the rest of us feel in the face of Wall Street imperialism.
As for the bull itself, isn't art supposed to speak for itself? Why is Mr Di Modica imposing his interpretation of what the bull means on the rest of us? I have news for him: the Bull (and the Fearless Girl) are what we think it means, not what he is trying to impose on us.
As for the bull itself, isn't art supposed to speak for itself? Why is Mr Di Modica imposing his interpretation of what the bull means on the rest of us? I have news for him: the Bull (and the Fearless Girl) are what we think it means, not what he is trying to impose on us.
10
Fearless Girl is most needed exactly where she is... confronting that ridiculous symbol of Wall Street arrogance and unbridled greed. The girl greatly improves upon and contemporizes Di Monica's piece. And the bull, for the foreseeable future, completes the sculpture of the girl. They are perfect together. While Trump is the symptom (and it is tempting to place her in front of Trump Tower)...Wall Street is the cause. The meaning of the girl has evolved beyond gender equality in corporate space to stand for the "power of one" in resisting unchecked power and nascent fascism.
7
I think Fearless Girl is adorable, but I wouldn't want to see that 4 feet statue in front of Donald Trump. No. I'd much rather prefer a 6 feet 8 inches statue of immovable grit and sense of destiny face off with Trump.
Director Comey, this is the time and place to leave your mark on history. A nation waits for you to take the Russia collusion saga to its logical conclusion.
I feel for the artist responsible for The Raging Bull. But, not all symbols of the past age well. There are millions in the South that still feel sentimentally towards their ancestors who fought on the wrong side of truth, honor, and decency during the Civil War. What are they honoring, now?
The Charging Bull is not the Confederate Flag. Not even close. But, what does it say for us as a nation, in terms of our values, that they be linked to rampant unbridled capitalism? Of wealth for its own sake?
The Fearless Girl should have been at the site much earlier - during 2008, as a symbol of how the nation feels towards the so-called masters of the universe - who create little value other than benefiting personally through opacity and complexity.
It's telling that all that's required to emasculate a rampaging bull is a 4 foot girl standing in its path. First the bull - then the banks that are too big to fail or manage...
Director Comey, this is the time and place to leave your mark on history. A nation waits for you to take the Russia collusion saga to its logical conclusion.
I feel for the artist responsible for The Raging Bull. But, not all symbols of the past age well. There are millions in the South that still feel sentimentally towards their ancestors who fought on the wrong side of truth, honor, and decency during the Civil War. What are they honoring, now?
The Charging Bull is not the Confederate Flag. Not even close. But, what does it say for us as a nation, in terms of our values, that they be linked to rampant unbridled capitalism? Of wealth for its own sake?
The Fearless Girl should have been at the site much earlier - during 2008, as a symbol of how the nation feels towards the so-called masters of the universe - who create little value other than benefiting personally through opacity and complexity.
It's telling that all that's required to emasculate a rampaging bull is a 4 foot girl standing in its path. First the bull - then the banks that are too big to fail or manage...
6
Gail:
Perfect!
Perfect!
1
Fearless girl stands up to bull
Hands on hips, she calls a lull.
So the bull must pause
Can’t vent his rage,
Her steady stare,
Becomes his cage.
Hands on hips, she calls a lull.
So the bull must pause
Can’t vent his rage,
Her steady stare,
Becomes his cage.
5
I am no fan of poetry, but nicely done.
1
I don't agree. Fearless Girl is just perfect where she is and she can certainly represent more than just the desire for gender equality on Wall Street - she can also represent, as De Blasio said, the need for the entire world to stand up against the bull of "unfettered capitalism." Unfettered capitalism is destroying the world. It is an approach to economics that gives no weight to the needs of society. Left to its own devices, it is incredibly destructive, as world economic crises have demonstrated time and time again since the end of the Cold War. Fearless Girl is perfect where she is - a reminder of the excesses of greed and the sociopathic tendencies that drive Wall Street. The juxtaposition between a fearless child, representing all of the "little people" of the world, standing up to a monstrous, raging beast, representing the predators of Wall Street, is absolutely perfect. Remove her from her present spot and the meaning will be lost. She will be diminished; it is precisely being small before the power of a monster that gives her power, that makes her an inspiration. Leave Fearless Girl where she is. That is where she is needed. Maybe when Wall Street is tamed, we can talk again. But with Trump and the Republicans doing all they can to release the predators of high finance once again, Fearless Girl is exactly the reminder we need now of the necessity to resist the powerful.
9
Unfettered capitalism is destroying our democracy and taking over. The Koch Brothers and Citizens United supported by the GOP which is bought and paid for by unfettered capitalism.
Need I say more?
Need I say more?
4
Di Modica has threatened to turn his bull around. I don't think "Fearless Girl" smirking at "Running Bull" would make him any happier.
4
Fearless Girl doesn't need to have only one meaning. If she were a real human being and walked in my door, I'd the thrilled.
3
As long as the girl's outside, no problem. She can stay, but Janet Yellen, who's inside, has to go.
1
Our fearless girl Hillary lost out to a lot of bull from Donald Trump. Let fearless girl stay facing the bull. She is a metaphor for ever so many things right now, such as steadfast resistance against an unqualified President and a Party with no conscience nor moral compass. We need her, because there is a lot of bull out there, and someone needs to stand steadfastly against it, head unbowed. I wish the real fearless girl were our President right now.
27
Gail if you think FG should face down Donald Trump, (as I do), she needs to be relocated to a certain for-profit high end resort in Palm Beach. Perhaps on the first tee?
I do wish it was a (adult) woman. The woman in my life is fearless. And she is no child
2
Earlier after receiving a Spring Greeting with the sentence 'in Exciting Times', I thought if the male population of the world were corralled, life might be merrier and more enjoyable.
Ms. Collins hopefully will forgive me if I meander past my bedtime and take a moment to pull out of the memory bank two nine-year old girls, sitting with their parent in Barcelona, she is smiling with a tease in her eye and the more fearless one asks what is she eating. Try it if you like, replies her generous mother, and afflicted with the gluttony-syndrome, I find it rather bland. It was a delicacy of bull testicles favored at the time by mothers to make their infant boys into Macho Men.
Years later, I am on a visit to Paris and my mother is going on to her husband about how her daughter, yours here, is a Socialist. 'Bull', I reply which raises a furor enough to set Mr. Di Modica's hair on fire and Wall Street to collapse.
Rising stock prices are good, especially if you are in the gambling market and have nothing to fear, but wide-spread tourism helps our Country too and the latter enjoys visiting nearly all venues on offer, regardless of 'stroking'.
Now. I have never been to a Bullfight. but my mother once had her beautiful lace blouse splattered with the ear of a bull by an admiring matador. Mr. Di Modica is now recognized for his charging creation. One year, or one might as well be hung for a sheep than a lamb.
Ms. Collins hopefully will forgive me if I meander past my bedtime and take a moment to pull out of the memory bank two nine-year old girls, sitting with their parent in Barcelona, she is smiling with a tease in her eye and the more fearless one asks what is she eating. Try it if you like, replies her generous mother, and afflicted with the gluttony-syndrome, I find it rather bland. It was a delicacy of bull testicles favored at the time by mothers to make their infant boys into Macho Men.
Years later, I am on a visit to Paris and my mother is going on to her husband about how her daughter, yours here, is a Socialist. 'Bull', I reply which raises a furor enough to set Mr. Di Modica's hair on fire and Wall Street to collapse.
Rising stock prices are good, especially if you are in the gambling market and have nothing to fear, but wide-spread tourism helps our Country too and the latter enjoys visiting nearly all venues on offer, regardless of 'stroking'.
Now. I have never been to a Bullfight. but my mother once had her beautiful lace blouse splattered with the ear of a bull by an admiring matador. Mr. Di Modica is now recognized for his charging creation. One year, or one might as well be hung for a sheep than a lamb.
Why should she move? Let the bull move. He's been there long enough.
3
Let's remove the bull, it has been there too long anyway.
Put her up on Olympus Mons on Mars, waiting for all the other girls to join her.
1
If FG is legitimate art (it is of course) it will hold up on its own. The bull sculptor is totally correct. You can't glom someone else's vision onto an existing work. You might as well spray a graffito on the side of the bull. Let FG stand somewhere else
4
What else is there to say but "YOU GO, GIRL!" -- and that's no bull.
1
She seems to capture the spirit of bold, clear-eyed journalism, so maybe The Times can find a place for her, or the Newseum. Fearless First Amendment Girl, speaking truth to power.
The guy whose bull is the statue version of graffiti is mad because another statue is in his space? Right. (But don't get me started on why a prepubescent girl's image is used to signify gender diversity. How about a grown woman?)
People who are intimidated or who feel uneasy when their self-imposed, self-touted authority is challenged and who simply don't like change happening around them are the ones calling for its removal. Americans should resist such an opposition to ensure that the statue prevails.
2
She's obviously Caucasian, and I believe this idyllic notion of a young girl once again transfers an all too familiar, limited viewpoint that is pervasive throughout our culture: white girls are the right girls. How many girls are clobbered over the head, daily, with the sense they don't belong because they don't look anything like perfectly wonderful white girls?
2
White, skinny girls with petit noses and straight hair. It would have been more meaningful if the artist didn't perpetuate the stereotype.
1
Lafayette Park sounds like a great suggestion. By now our defiant little girl knows what bull looks like.
Just don't try to transport her to her new job site on United Airlines. You know how poorly those guys take to defiance.
Just don't try to transport her to her new job site on United Airlines. You know how poorly those guys take to defiance.
4
Fearless girl needs to get an MBA and join the Stock Exchange. Many fearless girls, in fact. Then, instead of posing, arms akimbo, in front of the bull, women can control him. And then they can keep the market honest, hold corporations responsible, and protect our pensions.
Posing is all very well and good, but an education and putting it to a purpose are better.
Posing is all very well and good, but an education and putting it to a purpose are better.
149
An MBA? So yesterday. Think, EE (electrical engineering) or CE (chemical engineering) or any of the other sweat-producing paths if you want a valuable ticket at cap and gown time.
1
Unfettered capitalism has its drawbacks. What better symbol than a young angry female to put overflowing male testosterone in its place.
2
The first step is determination.
1
The ultimate "Short"! When she leaves, the "Bulls" will reach peak exuberance, by way of collective reasoning, that's the time to sell. The market will crash.
But, another little girl named, Yellen is in reality, the heart of the Bull! The "Big Kahunas" on Wall Street and in the financial media stand around like statues, praying to their vials of anti-depressants, pleading that she won't raise rates.
Others dream of her being removed to Greenspan park or getting the "Big'Bernanke" for deceiving the public about inflation.
Perhaps, our next president, Elizabeth Warren will straighten things out.
But, another little girl named, Yellen is in reality, the heart of the Bull! The "Big Kahunas" on Wall Street and in the financial media stand around like statues, praying to their vials of anti-depressants, pleading that she won't raise rates.
Others dream of her being removed to Greenspan park or getting the "Big'Bernanke" for deceiving the public about inflation.
Perhaps, our next president, Elizabeth Warren will straighten things out.
4
Dear Gail Collins, why didn't you mention the name of the marvelous sculptor of "Fearless Girl" - Kristen Visbal of Lewes, Delaware? Surely Ms. Visbal deserves kudos and laurels for her invincible, determined-looking, hands on hips, four feet tall little fearless girl facing the great big bull on Evacuation Day Plaza, honoring George Washington's march into Manhattan when the Revolutionary War ended in 1783. This young fearless girl is a heroine of our time. That great big bull - sculpted by irate Arturo Di Modica - is no more than a menace in a china shop or the Oval Office.
9
let her stay where she is - in the midst of the whitest of white male's dominance.
and let her inspire, encourage, and dare.
Di Modica? let him sue, and loose bigly.
and let her inspire, encourage, and dare.
Di Modica? let him sue, and loose bigly.
10
In the great French movie Amelie a grieving father can think only of his garden, giving up on the rest of the world because the one he loves has died and he feels guilty about surviving her and does penance by living a monastic lifestyle. The ever ingenious Amelie steals her father's garden gnome and send's it around the world with her stewardess friend and the father get's these mysterious postcards from all over the world with his garden gnome in the front of all the great tourist sites of the world. He starts out curious but then realizes that his wife would want him to live a more purposeful life than his garden gnome and so he starts out on an adventure all his own. I think your idea of relocating this unique artwork to places where she can confront those that would oppose women's rights would be a perfect alternative to a permanent position on Wall Street. May I suggest she set up shop across from the Republican controlled House of Representatives. And while we're at it, see if you can move Lady Liberty across the street from the White House.
2
Why move the girl? The bull has been there long enough. Move the bull.
364
Yes, Lafayette Park after her current stint. Of all places, we need her there! But, may I suggest an army of fearless girls placed in every location where women need to make headway because they are undervalued or underrepresented. Sadly, one can only imagine the fear and discomfort the "fearless girl" would or could inspire. We've come a long way, Baby, and have a long way to go.
3
Yes, across from the White House to show resistance and to remind the occupier his presence is temporary it is not his White House but belongs to the nation. She can also watch the visitors because the public will no longer be provided that information by the occupying force.
2
All art is a discussion. A continuing dialogue. She should remain where she is. It is important.
6
If Mr. Arturo Di Modica decides that suing anyone about the placement of any art around his own then his art should be removed and offered back to him at his own cost for shipping. He should then be presented with a bill of charges for the space his large work occupied for the time it occupied that space. As an artist, once the art leaves my property I no longer have any control over it. That is the way life works for an artist. That and I sick and tired of men thinking their 'rights' supplant the rights of women. They are the same rights and everyone should have the same exact rights. It is common sense.
If they are going to remove The Brave Girl then I like your suggestion that they plant her Lafayette Park facing the White House. Children are the future of the USA and the people who make the laws which affect children negatively and positively need to realize that what is done to children now will impact those same law makers in just a few years from now.
If they are going to remove The Brave Girl then I like your suggestion that they plant her Lafayette Park facing the White House. Children are the future of the USA and the people who make the laws which affect children negatively and positively need to realize that what is done to children now will impact those same law makers in just a few years from now.
6
Let's increase the publicity: let's name a lot of girl's sports teams "Fearless Girls." Let's have marching bands named "Fearless girls".
Let's send pictures of these two sculptures facing each other to every junior high school in the U.S.
Let's make "Fearless Girl" an icon of femaleness for all our young women.
Let's send pictures of these two sculptures facing each other to every junior high school in the U.S.
Let's make "Fearless Girl" an icon of femaleness for all our young women.
1
Thanks for making me smile into my morning coffe Gail. One thing you can say for 'Fearless Girl' is: she persisted.
6
When does art become sacred by itself that it has a right to stand alone? And if so, how much personal space does deserve?
Does Gandhi's statue, walking in the opposite direction demean Washington riding on a horse in Union Square?
You might say the 2 are unrelated, but I would beg to differ.
Does Gandhi's statue, walking in the opposite direction demean Washington riding on a horse in Union Square?
You might say the 2 are unrelated, but I would beg to differ.
5
It's so beautiful and sad: a girl defiant, courageous, quixotic and doomed.
11
If either work had significant artistic merit I'd form an opinion.
7
Thank you, Gail. I love the idea of Fearless Girl going all over the country. We all need her courage these days!
6
I'm sure many are grateful for State Street Global's efforts to, nobly, point up the desperate need we have for gender parity on corporate boards and leadership in general. The creative team decided to depict a little girl, however, to symbolize hope for the f-u-t-u-r-e, and the artist, Kristen Visbal, said that "great pains were taken to ensure a work that was strong but not belligerent or confrontational." Lord knows we can't handle the feminine version of confrontational. The 2016 election reminded us that a strong, smart, successful, fully grown woman remains too scary for, well, not the majority since Hillary won by 3 million, but for some.
The statue was modeled on a 7 year old girl. Given that the average age of a corporate board member is 63, the future we're hoping for is still over 50 years off. I guess that's safe enough.
The statue was modeled on a 7 year old girl. Given that the average age of a corporate board member is 63, the future we're hoping for is still over 50 years off. I guess that's safe enough.
44
While I appreciate what others see in this statue, the circumstances around it are too gross for me...will the plaque advertising State Street's SHE index fund travel alongside it? Maybe it can travel to State Street's offices in Boston to remind everyone of the irony of a not-particularly-diverse company commissioning a statue to scold other companies.
8
Gail, whoever made the decision to place the statue of the "Fearless Girl" in front of a fully equipped bull, obviously possesses a warped, truly twisted mentality. Do Trump advisors Stephen Miller, Steve Bannon, or Press Secretary Sean Spicer, exercise any influence over State Street Global advisors?
1
License her reproduction for installation anyplace she is needed...which is most places in the USA; perhaps the world.
Eye on the ball.
1
If Fearless Girl does not stand her ground where she is, doesn't that suggest that she is not as fearless as implied? Many of see a Chinese dissident confronting a tank when we look at this sculpture. Would that mean anything if the protester were standing down a milk toast like Mitch McConell?
Do the artist a favor, put the Bull back where he originally put it, in some kind of protected space - like a big pedestal, if that place was in the middle of the street.
Invite him to design a partner piece for fearless girl that also "fits", the way a charging bull emphasizes her fearless ness.
Raise donations to pay him.
Invite him to design a partner piece for fearless girl that also "fits", the way a charging bull emphasizes her fearless ness.
Raise donations to pay him.
1
Who is the amazing artist that created Fearless Girl, and who is she not receiving any recognition for this beautiful statue?
13
Di Modica complains that Kristen Visbal's bronze statue is changing his message. Well, no, though the fearless girl may be challenging it. Such is the way of the world. We have a right to our messages, our voices, but we have no control over how they are received or answered.
I did find it interesting that I find his name all over the place as the creator of the bull, but I had to do a little googling to find out who sculpted the girl. Sigh. That is still the way of the world, too. But I assume that Visbal was paid for her work? I like it when artists get paid. And then look at what happens: Whatever State Street Global Advisors intended, whatever Visbal intended, they don't have control over the message either, and that is just as it should be.
I did find it interesting that I find his name all over the place as the creator of the bull, but I had to do a little googling to find out who sculpted the girl. Sigh. That is still the way of the world, too. But I assume that Visbal was paid for her work? I like it when artists get paid. And then look at what happens: Whatever State Street Global Advisors intended, whatever Visbal intended, they don't have control over the message either, and that is just as it should be.
54
Both statues should be placed in the same juxtaposition, facing off, across from the NY Stock Exchange, as a call to the people to stand up to the force that is destroying our country and the world. Her courage and determination are inspiring.
She could be the mascot for pro-life groups representing a child who was given a chance at life. Since President Trump has recently signed a bill to defund Planned Parenthood this would be very appropriate. Maybe she could be placed in front of the Planned Parenthood facility on Bleeker Street in Manhattan for all to see the importance of life. This would be very appropriate.
1
Lafayette Park! Absolutely!
I like the Bull and to me it just represents a bullish share market (stock exchanges are a fact of life and it is up to regulators to reign in their excesses). I am also a feminist who lives on a very low income now in another capitalist country, Australia. Yeah, Wall Street excesses are bad, but a life governed by greed is not what most of us would choose anyway. Disparities in wealth & income occur in capitalist and communist societies. It is one of the chief complaints in China now. Anyway, you don't need scads of money to live well. So let the Bull stay IMHO. As to Fearless Girl, I am uneasy with her present placement and trying to understand why. I love her calm, intelligent face though. Nevertheless, the juxtaposition with the Bull is very thought-provoking and has breathed new life into El Toro. And little girls are linking arms with her? That is great, too. So we all have another 12 months to ponder it. Well done NYC art!
Got to ask: what if it had been a fearless boy?
Should the gender of a brave child be important?
Would mothers be celebrating their sons beside him?
Would he have been kept on display?
Should the gender of a brave child be important?
Would mothers be celebrating their sons beside him?
Would he have been kept on display?
6
We may have too many monuments (Jeanne d'Arc, really?), but, as a former engineering student, I must protest your objection to Alexander Lyman Holley. I think he brought the Bessemer process for making steel to this country; it cut the price of steel by seventy-five percent and made modern bridges and skyscrapers feasible. And he doesn't even have a real statue, merely a bust in Washington Square.
2
Who knew?
2
So, Mr. Di Modica says he'll sue. For what?!
Hooray for 'Fearless Girl'...this is why we need her.
Hooray for 'Fearless Girl'...this is why we need her.
32
When I see “Fearless Girl” standing in front of the iconic “Charging Bull,” I am reminded of that lone Chinese man standing in front of a Chinese tank rolling down Tiananmen Square in June 1989. That was awesome.
But I think having “Fearless Girl” rotate around the country staring down other masculine figures is a wonderful idea. And, Ms. Collins’ suggestion to put her in “Lafayette Park, across from the White House” is an apt place to start. There is a macho man inside the Oval Office who needs more fearless females standing up to him than just his daughter, Ivanka.
But I think having “Fearless Girl” rotate around the country staring down other masculine figures is a wonderful idea. And, Ms. Collins’ suggestion to put her in “Lafayette Park, across from the White House” is an apt place to start. There is a macho man inside the Oval Office who needs more fearless females standing up to him than just his daughter, Ivanka.
20
Fearless Girl as traveling gnome rebooted.
Wonderfull. The obvious solution is make a few copies of FG and move them
around the country installed where she is most needed. What a great public statement that has emerged outside normal bureaucratic controls.
around the country installed where she is most needed. What a great public statement that has emerged outside normal bureaucratic controls.
10
Actually we can have dozens of Fearless Girls across the country. The foundry that cast Fearless Girl has a mold of the statue, and they could cast many more copies from that mold, if someone came up with the money.
3
"Personally, I vote for Lafayette Park, across from the White House. Can you imagine her standing there, facing down Donald Trump every day?"
She'd have better luck facing him in Mar-a-Lago than at Lafayette Park.
She'd have better luck facing him in Mar-a-Lago than at Lafayette Park.
24
The "fearless girl" (FG) should be taken on a nation-wide road show, and placed in a conspicuous place, where the FG would clearly confront institutional misogyny.
The FG could start across the street from St. Patricks Cathedral; then across the street from the headquarters of the Southern Baptists; then to some orthodox Jewish location; Mormon; Muslim; Hindu: ad infinitum.
The FG might conclude, and rest for awhile, across the street from the organization most opposed to Planned Parenthood.
Such a road trip, would be an interesting epic, indeed.
The FG could start across the street from St. Patricks Cathedral; then across the street from the headquarters of the Southern Baptists; then to some orthodox Jewish location; Mormon; Muslim; Hindu: ad infinitum.
The FG might conclude, and rest for awhile, across the street from the organization most opposed to Planned Parenthood.
Such a road trip, would be an interesting epic, indeed.
9
"Maria was constantly in trouble with the authorities for infractions.... with her and Jan's tavern business....finally banished from New Amsterdam in Dec, 1664"
Not the first lady to cause a stir near that park. Maria du Trieux, my ancestor married Jan Peek (Peekskill) and operated a tavern nearby what is today Wall Street. And those violations were for keeping the tavern open on Sundays and serving the Native Americans. Have to make a buck somehow! Maria's name is mentioned numerous times in court proceedings. She particularly liked suing men for not meeting their contract obligations.
Those enterprising ladies have been around for quite some time. Oh, the family after being banished moved to Schenectady, the frontier at the time.
Not the first lady to cause a stir near that park. Maria du Trieux, my ancestor married Jan Peek (Peekskill) and operated a tavern nearby what is today Wall Street. And those violations were for keeping the tavern open on Sundays and serving the Native Americans. Have to make a buck somehow! Maria's name is mentioned numerous times in court proceedings. She particularly liked suing men for not meeting their contract obligations.
Those enterprising ladies have been around for quite some time. Oh, the family after being banished moved to Schenectady, the frontier at the time.
7
I vote for Lafayette Park.
1
Where to send "fearless girl" next? The Capitol building, to confront Congress. Republican legislators talk tough about taking on ISIS, North Korea, Russia and more, but are terrified by a defiant female.
7
"How many of you out there can think of something in your state that deserves to be set back in its tracks by an extremely determined-looking young lady?"
All too often, our Texas state legislature.
All too often, our Texas state legislature.
8
“Fearless Girl”--a self-indulgent fantasy to share on Facebook, but not much more, which is why she should remain right where she is, and, of course, because cute is always a crowd-pleaser, and a great photo op--tourism matters, too.
3
As is to be expected of such a subconscious-stirring figure, 'Fearless Girl' is being fitted out by the Zeitgeist with lifelike attributes.
For instance, it's being said that in the darkest hour before dawn, if you approach her very closely with great reverence, you will see her blink.
But not because of that brazen bull, who has only a hollow space where his brains should be. No, Fearless is giving her eyes an instant of rest, so they'll not flutter for a moment during the long day.
For her detractors are awaiting proof that she has lost her nerve and flinched, in a sordid attempt to convince us (the people) that she has lost the street cred she needs to maintain her station against the monster symbolic of Wall Street.
It hardly needs saying that Fearless (brave girl!) will never be guilty of such dereliction of duty.
Two, three, MANY Fearless Girls!
For instance, it's being said that in the darkest hour before dawn, if you approach her very closely with great reverence, you will see her blink.
But not because of that brazen bull, who has only a hollow space where his brains should be. No, Fearless is giving her eyes an instant of rest, so they'll not flutter for a moment during the long day.
For her detractors are awaiting proof that she has lost her nerve and flinched, in a sordid attempt to convince us (the people) that she has lost the street cred she needs to maintain her station against the monster symbolic of Wall Street.
It hardly needs saying that Fearless (brave girl!) will never be guilty of such dereliction of duty.
Two, three, MANY Fearless Girls!
7
I live in Alabama. I would love to see Fearless Girl stand where Judge Roy Moore wanted to put the Ten Commandments.
13
I hope "Fearless Girl" maintains her opposition to all the Bull of Wall Street.
From the late 1970s onward, deregulation of the financial sector resulted in the elimination of New Deal restrictions on Wall Street risk-taking.
A partial recap of results:
1982 - defaults on developing nations' debt;
1987 - U.S. stock market crash;
1989-1990 - the savings and loan and junk bond debacles;
1994 - Mexico's debt crisis;
1997 - financial crises in Asia;
1998 - the Russian default and the implosion of Long-Term Capital Management;
2000 - the beginning of the high-technology collapse;
2008 - the housing bubble bursts, ushering in the Great Recession.
With Speaker Ryan pushing for more deregulation and with the signing hand of President Trump at the ready, we clearly need "Fearless Girl" to stand her ground. We mere mortals already have been buried in enough of that Masters of the Universe bull-doo-doo.
From the late 1970s onward, deregulation of the financial sector resulted in the elimination of New Deal restrictions on Wall Street risk-taking.
A partial recap of results:
1982 - defaults on developing nations' debt;
1987 - U.S. stock market crash;
1989-1990 - the savings and loan and junk bond debacles;
1994 - Mexico's debt crisis;
1997 - financial crises in Asia;
1998 - the Russian default and the implosion of Long-Term Capital Management;
2000 - the beginning of the high-technology collapse;
2008 - the housing bubble bursts, ushering in the Great Recession.
With Speaker Ryan pushing for more deregulation and with the signing hand of President Trump at the ready, we clearly need "Fearless Girl" to stand her ground. We mere mortals already have been buried in enough of that Masters of the Universe bull-doo-doo.
11
Fearless Girl should stay, although the issue is that her presence has altered the emotional message of the bull. The message is read as a confrontation against misogyny and unfettered capitalism because it corresponds to reality. How about placing FG behind RB? Would that be read differently, as in, wonen should be in power?
1
Please mention the name of the artist who created Fearless Girl.
3
If I were to now place a tiny bronze Abrams tank a few feet in front of, and facing "Fearless Corporate Gimmick" and turn her from feminist mascot to a rampaging Godzilla-like menace, that would also be OK, right? Because, nobody has a copyright on intent, as I now understand it. And the tank would also get to stay for all eternity, because removing it would be an insult to our armed forces.
I like the idea of putting this "Fearless Girl" across from the White House. Hopefully, Donald would she her every time he leaves.
I'd like to think she'd be yelling, "You aren't going to intimidate me you old fool."
I'd like to think she'd be yelling, "You aren't going to intimidate me you old fool."
2
Some say another woman, a Mrs. Murray, saved Washington's army by inviting the British army's commander, general Howe, to stop by for dinner at her farmhouse as the Americans escaped northward.
6
Can you imagine if FEARLESS girl had been RIDING girl?
If they had placed her BESIDE the bull, urging him onward?
THAT would have been iconic. THAT would have been inspiring for girls and for boys. That would have sent a powerful message.
Instead, we get feminisn, unmasked, in its true stupidity and warped sensibility. Don't look at what feminism says it is; look at what feminism IS. It is arrogance, self-centeredness, and all about me, me, me, me me.
If they had placed her BESIDE the bull, urging him onward?
THAT would have been iconic. THAT would have been inspiring for girls and for boys. That would have sent a powerful message.
Instead, we get feminisn, unmasked, in its true stupidity and warped sensibility. Don't look at what feminism says it is; look at what feminism IS. It is arrogance, self-centeredness, and all about me, me, me, me me.
2
Riding or urging on angry patriarchy and capitalism (the bull) is the opposite of feminism. Feminism is about shared power, collaboration, the sanctity of human life above all. Not sure where you get the idea it's about me, me, me.
5
No, that is HUMANITY and COMPASSION not feminism.
Once again, feminist selfishness and arrogance shines.
Feminism speaks clearly on what it is.
Once again, feminist selfishness and arrogance shines.
Feminism speaks clearly on what it is.
If an ardent feminist wonders where the "empower women movement" went, she may look no further than this silly distraction that commands the sort of interest the feminist coven can only conjure in their dreams. How difficult it must be to muster the troops when they are in thrall to a pile of metal evincing petulance, a refusal to eat the broccoli and appears to be a moment away from a temper tantrum. Hmm. Perhaps the artist is actually onto something.
3
This statue of a little girl standing defiantly with her hands on her hips means nothing. Look how many women ended up voting for daddy for President. Can't just talk the talk.
6
Each statue is excellent. But it's the tension, and distance between them that makes this artistic confrontation so meaningful. If one is removed the force field
will collapse. Keep the sparks flying and the alternating current on. Girl stand your ground.
will collapse. Keep the sparks flying and the alternating current on. Girl stand your ground.
8
Good for you, Gail! Ricardo is absolutely right, that the girl—wonderful as she is—imposes a whole different interpretation on his work of art, without his permission or even consultation. As a temporary phenomenon, meaningful at the moment it was done, fine. But to permanently conform his work to someone else's message is unfair, presumptuous, and arguably morally inappropriate, to art and even public art which is intrinsically open and vulnerable to public interference. So you're right—her message is broader, deeper, and much more widely applicable; and the idea of having her move around the country with that message is brilliant. We need her in many more places than just Wall Street.
82
He is free to move his bull. He does not own the public streets. We do.
6
Yes, of course it changes the interpretation of the bull. That's part of the magic of art--its context, its environment.
If the sculptor is uncomfortable with the mutability of interpretation, he shouldn't have picked art as a profession.
If the sculptor is uncomfortable with the mutability of interpretation, he shouldn't have picked art as a profession.
2
"Fearless girl" is a bit of a Rorschach test, in that the recipient of her posture is left to your own conclusions. But whether you envision her standing up to sexism, or greed, or a fearsome creature, or what have you, it's most important that she is standing up for herself.
Young girls everywhere will have lifetimes with no end of forces doubting, diminishing and hindering them. The obstacles don't disappear with age. To succeed, females everywhere need the self-confidence and defiance "Fearless girl" embodies.
Never get intimidated, sister.
Young girls everywhere will have lifetimes with no end of forces doubting, diminishing and hindering them. The obstacles don't disappear with age. To succeed, females everywhere need the self-confidence and defiance "Fearless girl" embodies.
Never get intimidated, sister.
357
I think based on some of the comments people are misunderstanding why DiModica is upset about the Fearless Girl statue. He could very well be in favor equal pay appreciate the fight for equality between genders.
However, the bull alone means something different entirely than it does with the Fearless Girl statue. Alone it could be interpreted as strength, determination, and the power and willingness to fight back. Taken in wall street terms it is fighting back against bear markets and bringing things back up to full strength regardless of whatever financial crisis or problem occurs. It's a piece of art that ignores the social problems of the world.
With the girl, suddenly his sculpture goes from being a representation of human willpower and determination into a representation of those slimy, sexist, evil wall street guys. The Fearless Girl statue is in a way stealing from his work and twisting it into something else. If you can't sympathize with the idea of someone's work being turned into something else you can at least acknowledge that without the bull and its representations the Fearless Girl would just be another statue looking more triumphant than defiant.
However, the bull alone means something different entirely than it does with the Fearless Girl statue. Alone it could be interpreted as strength, determination, and the power and willingness to fight back. Taken in wall street terms it is fighting back against bear markets and bringing things back up to full strength regardless of whatever financial crisis or problem occurs. It's a piece of art that ignores the social problems of the world.
With the girl, suddenly his sculpture goes from being a representation of human willpower and determination into a representation of those slimy, sexist, evil wall street guys. The Fearless Girl statue is in a way stealing from his work and twisting it into something else. If you can't sympathize with the idea of someone's work being turned into something else you can at least acknowledge that without the bull and its representations the Fearless Girl would just be another statue looking more triumphant than defiant.
13
Brilliant!
1
Sorry. No. The statue sends the wrong message. It is a representation of an entitled, rich and attractive, white girl with an oddly mature face. The group that it represents does not need any more support. Better a statue that represents a more marginalized group, working in a profession, what does some good for others, not aspiring to become a part of the oligarchy already in place, whatever its gender composition, that knows only how to exploit and accumulate wealth for itself.
49
Not sure if you are serious. It doesn't look like she has on Hermes shoes and a couture dress. The hair definitely isn't Vidal Sasson. Me thinks you are over thinking this.
14
She needs to be matched with a fearless boy, and a fearless boy and girl of color in every place where young teens and teens congregate now. It's not on Wall
Street, but on every school entrance throughout the city/ and county. And she needs to GROW UP. SHE'S no Alice in Wonderland. She a Lioness, if the sculptures want to play with animal represetatations.
Street, but on every school entrance throughout the city/ and county. And she needs to GROW UP. SHE'S no Alice in Wonderland. She a Lioness, if the sculptures want to play with animal represetatations.
1
I thought I read that one of the models was Hispanic. She is no Barbie.
3
Leave her where she is. The juxtaposition of the two statues is what makes Fearless Girl such a powerful symbol. Other cities can make their own art that fits their own contexts. As for Di Modica, he abandoned the bull on public property. Why should he get a say in where it's placed or in what is placed next to it? And didn't anyone ever tell him that the artist can't define what their art will mean to other people?
490
As a retired attorney, albeit one unfamiliar with New York law, my impression is that Mr. Di Modica has forfeited any and all rights to 'Charging Bull' under the common law rule involving adverse possession.
After abandoning the poor creature on city property more than ten years ago,
it most likely now belongs to the City.
He should be denied standing to even file a lawsuit.
Next case.
After abandoning the poor creature on city property more than ten years ago,
it most likely now belongs to the City.
He should be denied standing to even file a lawsuit.
Next case.
15
Di Modica's idea that he gets to instruct people on what his sculpture really means is so wrong it's kind of mind boggling. If he wanted a peaceful, non-threatening bull he could have made a model of Ferdinand with a mouth full of flowers. (Remember Ferdinand?) I guess there would have been copyright issues. Or, I can imagine a proud bull calmly surveying his harem. But Di Modica's is definitely in a dangerous, threatening state. Except he wants to tell us that that isn't what he meant at all. He's being ridiculous.
2
The steps of the US Capital seems like the perfect place, if she has to go. But I kind of like her where she is.
4
Moving the “Fearless Girl” statue makes sense, since it presently looks like she is opposing a bull market, which usually is not good.
If a statuary reminder to investors of the dangers of irrational exuberance is needed, replacing her with a large, scary bear might work.
The “Fearless Girl” should be displayed somewhere more appropriate. Gail Collins suggests Lafayette Park across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, and that is excellent, as long as the statue is there only for the rest of the Trump presidency.
The little girl could be placed across Fifth Avenue from Trump Tower, but it might look like she was defending the stores of Abercrombie & Fitch and Prada from our president because of his demolishing the landmark Bonwit Teller building or for not carrying Ivanka’s creations.
If a statuary reminder to investors of the dangers of irrational exuberance is needed, replacing her with a large, scary bear might work.
The “Fearless Girl” should be displayed somewhere more appropriate. Gail Collins suggests Lafayette Park across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, and that is excellent, as long as the statue is there only for the rest of the Trump presidency.
The little girl could be placed across Fifth Avenue from Trump Tower, but it might look like she was defending the stores of Abercrombie & Fitch and Prada from our president because of his demolishing the landmark Bonwit Teller building or for not carrying Ivanka’s creations.
57
Interesting, SDW, that your suggestions all assume that the Fearless Girl has to have a protagonist in order to have meaning. This is one of the problems women have always faced, and defined the "war of the sexes" which gave rise to feminism that exists to this day. There is another side to her strength. Yes, she is facing down the bull and showing no fear. But she is also the representation of hope, ideals and strength that is internalized and tells us all - both male and female - that we need to hold on to our moral strength and strive to achieve the impossible.
4
They're both good sculptures, each done with a keen feeling for force and movement. And, regardless of what the artist (or anyone else) has said the bull is supposed to mean -- when you put your art out there, you cede control of interpretation -- to me, it's simple. To me, that bull just says "Wall Street."
203
And the girl in the bull's path deepens and challenges that interpretation. The girl asks, "Where are you going and why?"
What's wrong with that?
What's wrong with that?
2
And one tour guide said that the rubbing of the bull's "private parts" is to enhance one's chances on Wall Street
Fearless Girl needs to be placed somewhere in the halls of Congress, where officials who are trying to take rights from women and food from children can see her every day.
723
Exactly like the albatross in the poem, she should be hung around Trump's neck. High tech lynching? Justice more like.
1
And then send her to the North Carolina Legislature for a while.
5
@TTabby: Given the track record of too many of our political 'stalwarts', I fear there would be more ogling and salacious thoughts by the Congressmen; expecting reflection and resolve to change for the better is a "statue to far" for many of these incompetents.
Amazing how each statue makes its own statement. But put them near each other and in just the right position and a whole new meaning emerges
6
I know this wasn't the intention, but all I can think of when I look at "Fearless Girl" is an untended child who is about to get stomped into paste.
Yes, please, put her somewhere else.
Yes, please, put her somewhere else.
5
That was my first reaction. I love her determined posture but if she were standing in front of a real bull she'd be "Fearless Greasy Spot" in a couple of seconds. Find a place for her, but co-opting another artists' work crosses the line for me.
2
Not so fast. There's a reason that it's Fearless Girl and not Fearless Woman. The former is cute. The latter is threatening.
369
If we teach our girls to be fearless, they will grow up to be fearless. There is no reason for any woman to fear anything. She just needs to recognize this.
3
Socially Conscious Women - The Mothers of Life and Democracy - who carry fetuses in their bodies for nine horrendous months then push them through their bodies - do not threaten. They ACT.
The Silent Majority has roared, SHE is furious and SHE is acting. SHE will change the face of America and the World in the next twenty years regardless of how hard the "establishment" tries to prevent it.
Attempts to silence and control women will not stand in America. Not now. Not ever again.
The Silent Majority has roared, SHE is furious and SHE is acting. SHE will change the face of America and the World in the next twenty years regardless of how hard the "establishment" tries to prevent it.
Attempts to silence and control women will not stand in America. Not now. Not ever again.
2
So let me get that straight Fearless Girl nothing to worry over. But a Fearless woman now that's something to be afraid of. Please explain I am a Fearless woman and no one should be afraid of me I don't hit people I don't hurt people I don't drink or do drugs. So tell me what have I done as a Fearless woman that makes me someone to be afraid of. Is it I have no fear of MEN that I don't let men tell me what to do. Or how to vote or how to run my life, your fear of woman, is showing me the fact that you find girls harmless and women as not makes me question you. And whether or not we should be afraid of a person who has such prejudices against a grown woman. Maybe you should talk more to strong woman and Fearless woman we are all around and really nice people we just aren't afraid of men anymore we have been hurt for so long and so much that you can't hurt us anymore. I will gladly educate you on strong and proud woman without scaring you and without being mean and scary. So grow up and stop demeaning grown women.
2
I agree. Fearless Girl clutters the Bull on that small plot of land. It's one too many. Last in first out.
Besides, the Bull is in the right place: Wall Street.
Besides, the Bull is in the right place: Wall Street.
36
Last in, first out.
Yes I agree. Wall Street is full of Bull.
3
The bull's right place is not in Wall Street, but a slaughter house.
1
Gail, strangely I can't tell whether you're serious or not!
I don't see why "Fearless Girl" should be removed. If she has to be, then so should the bull. Why should there be a double standard here? Di Modica didn't get permission, he's had 28 years of phenomenal publicity and exposure. Now he wants to deny another artist the same.
"Fearless Girl" does need to stay, if only because now she represents, and would be a reminder of, the double standard. Sculpt a male animal that to all intents and purposes represents the wealthy and you can have the limelight for 28 years and counting.
Sculpt a figure of an audacious young girl standing proud who represents women's fight against male dominance and it's a different story.
I don't see why "Fearless Girl" should be removed. If she has to be, then so should the bull. Why should there be a double standard here? Di Modica didn't get permission, he's had 28 years of phenomenal publicity and exposure. Now he wants to deny another artist the same.
"Fearless Girl" does need to stay, if only because now she represents, and would be a reminder of, the double standard. Sculpt a male animal that to all intents and purposes represents the wealthy and you can have the limelight for 28 years and counting.
Sculpt a figure of an audacious young girl standing proud who represents women's fight against male dominance and it's a different story.
832
Totally agree! Di Modica, we've had enough of your bull and what it implies to
women. Perhaps it should be moved to the front of the headquarters of Fox News.
women. Perhaps it should be moved to the front of the headquarters of Fox News.
7
One real question is whether Gail means primarily that the Fearless Girl should be removed - or whether her plan is about traveling replicas. Di Modica doesn't take his bull from place to place, he sells copies. (Or tries to.) A replica of the Girl in front of the White House would mean a lot if the original was still on Wall Street. Having Girls appear here and there, more or less permanently according to the situation, would be kind of neat. At this point, removing the Girl in the face of a threatened law suit would be problematic.
3
No. The presence of 'Fearless Girl' in front of and in opposition to the bull changes the essence, meaning and the intent of the artist in 'Charging Bull'. 'Charging Bull' was meant to signify the resilience and strength of the American financial system after the 1985 crash (not, as some have suggested, "represent the wealthy", or corrupt investment bankers and hedge fund managers), and has done that for 30 years (with permission). The presence of the young girl turns the bull into a symbol of opposition and oppression. They are two artistic visions that cannot coexist without one being changed. And I also wonder how many visitors think it's a single installation.
Neither sculpture was created with the other in mind. Their current positioning, with the girl and bull directly facing each other, changes the essence of each piece. Because she is standing so serenely in front of the Raging Bull, given the current arrangement, Fearless Girl should actually be called something like Crazy Girl.
64
Across the street from the Museum of New York, there is an entry to Central Park, a garden where one can stroll alone, or with a companion at leisure. There stands a young girl with an expression of hope and endurance, 'Fearless' is her name, and she is dedicated to the Women of New York who made history and the City resilient and extraordinary.
3
A typical male response to an assertive woman.
12
Art is not usually intended to be interpreted literally.
3
She needs to stay put standing up to the hedge fund managers and other Wall Street cadres of men who make millions and serve no useful earthly purpose and actually hurt our economy.
She resists and persists despite those who would have her "sit down and shut up". Women have done that forever.
She resists and persists despite those who would have her "sit down and shut up". Women have done that forever.
638
In her current placement, Fearless Girl is not standing up to hedge fund managers but aspiring to lead a hedge fund. It was a hedge fund that put her there. She's not protesting against Wall Street, she wants to join the party on Wall Street. Wake up.
1
Bravo!
Young Woman — arise for all to see!
Do you know yet what you may be?
Gone the strictures that encompassed thee —
Grasp, now, your opportunity.
Man’s bleak legacy envelops We,
In war, ill deed and enmity.
All Hell will come before change in He —
Egotistical vanity!
...
Clint Wright
Young Woman — arise for all to see!
Do you know yet what you may be?
Gone the strictures that encompassed thee —
Grasp, now, your opportunity.
Man’s bleak legacy envelops We,
In war, ill deed and enmity.
All Hell will come before change in He —
Egotistical vanity!
...
Clint Wright
3
'Charging Bull' does not represent "hedge fund managers" or males who "serve no useful earthly purpose". When he cast and installed the bronze, his vision and intent was for it to signify the resilience and strength of the American financial system following the 1986 crash.
"Fearless Girl" is a lovely piece and carries its own important message about corporate and societal mysogyny, but the two visions cannot exist together with one being changed. Mr. Di Modica is correct in his position.
"Fearless Girl" is a lovely piece and carries its own important message about corporate and societal mysogyny, but the two visions cannot exist together with one being changed. Mr. Di Modica is correct in his position.
Moving "Fearless Girl" to Lafayette Park is a great idea. En route she could make a stop outside 47th and Sixth Ave., the headquarters of Fox News.
31
I’d be willing to bet serious money that those men in the background stroking the bull’s “private parts” are Wall Street traders.
I heard de Blasio’s comment about the girl as symbol of resistance to “unfettered capitalism”. The man is such a tool, but he’s certainly the most entertaining 6’5” white guy I know, even by reputation.
More than for any reason, we need the “fearless girl” on permanent display against the charging bull to provide a physical example to our very young that while might usually wins in a fundamentally unfair world, there are several ways to measure “might” – and all of us can aspire to them.
When I first saw the “fearless girl”, I couldn’t help but smile – so she has salubrious effects even on some of our young at heart who can’t precisely claim being young in rings beneath the bark. It would be a big mistake to remove her, even after a year. Tell Di Modica that he needs to embrace HIS second childhood, and that he also needs to work to adjust the size of his bull’s “private parts” to be even more impressive.
I heard de Blasio’s comment about the girl as symbol of resistance to “unfettered capitalism”. The man is such a tool, but he’s certainly the most entertaining 6’5” white guy I know, even by reputation.
More than for any reason, we need the “fearless girl” on permanent display against the charging bull to provide a physical example to our very young that while might usually wins in a fundamentally unfair world, there are several ways to measure “might” – and all of us can aspire to them.
When I first saw the “fearless girl”, I couldn’t help but smile – so she has salubrious effects even on some of our young at heart who can’t precisely claim being young in rings beneath the bark. It would be a big mistake to remove her, even after a year. Tell Di Modica that he needs to embrace HIS second childhood, and that he also needs to work to adjust the size of his bull’s “private parts” to be even more impressive.
60
Bravo, Richard! So nice to be able to agree with one of your always well-written comments. What do you suppose Mr. Trump makes of "Fearless Girl?"
5
You heard that, did you?
Wow, you must be a Kardashian source extraordinaire!
I heard that you're into fluffies and squirrels.
Humm.
Wow, you must be a Kardashian source extraordinaire!
I heard that you're into fluffies and squirrels.
Humm.
1
Does the bull have small paws?
5
Gee Gail, no bull?
I did not know the history of the bull, simply thought it represented the up market, more positive than the bear. So we have a small girl facing down the big bad Wall Street, juggernaut. I do not hold the animosity toward the Street that the majority of today's Americans do, it has treated me well.
Of course it was not the market, but some of its practitioner's. Just like in any endeavor, there are charlatans who find a way to undermine the purpose of an enterprise. These cons attract the gullible and easily swayed by promises of easy riches. Then those same people turn around and complain they were swindled despite warnings and history. The great Depression was brought about by the brokers who were kiting their shares among themselves, then let the suckers buy in at the jacked up prices, with 90% margin.
Pretty much like the GOP today.
So I guess the girl is telling those fraudsters she will not be taken in by them. And yes, she needs to be facing Trump, every time he has the indecency to appear in public.
What a great expression, the artist did a a really fine job, she represents all of us, who are the undivided, She and we will prevail..
I did not know the history of the bull, simply thought it represented the up market, more positive than the bear. So we have a small girl facing down the big bad Wall Street, juggernaut. I do not hold the animosity toward the Street that the majority of today's Americans do, it has treated me well.
Of course it was not the market, but some of its practitioner's. Just like in any endeavor, there are charlatans who find a way to undermine the purpose of an enterprise. These cons attract the gullible and easily swayed by promises of easy riches. Then those same people turn around and complain they were swindled despite warnings and history. The great Depression was brought about by the brokers who were kiting their shares among themselves, then let the suckers buy in at the jacked up prices, with 90% margin.
Pretty much like the GOP today.
So I guess the girl is telling those fraudsters she will not be taken in by them. And yes, she needs to be facing Trump, every time he has the indecency to appear in public.
What a great expression, the artist did a a really fine job, she represents all of us, who are the undivided, She and we will prevail..
179
Google is a great place to start.
If you don't know and all.
If you don't know and all.
Poor Arturo Di Modica --- the Italian-American artist has had a 28-year uninterrupted, unregulated bull run with his Charging Bull sculpture which he installed without permission in 1989.
He's had free, state-sponsored publicity in one of the world's greatest open air museums and now he's crying like a schoolgirl because someone else (sculptor Kristen Visbalis) is getting the same chance he did --- life is so unfair, Arturo !
Arturo once explained that his bull symbolized “freedom, world peace, strength, power and love” - but Arturo's sculpture has evolved into a sociopathic symbol of parasitic, blood-sucking capitalism that drops “the dung of the devil” all over society.
Before, during and after you deposited your bull, Arturo, America turned into a giant right-wing trickle-down turd bowl run by right-wing bull-turd artists pretending that corporations are people and people are turds.
You could have sculpted a dove, or the yin-yang harmony symbol, or an image of the common man working with dignity for a living, but you chose to impress Wall St. with a tribute to professional skimmers, front-runners, leeches and Grand Old Parasites who surf other people's money for a living and drive economies over periodic cliffs of unfettered greed.
Someone had to stand up and say no to the insanity and inanity of male-dominated Wall St. rapaciousness symbolized by that wretched bull.
It's time for the men to sit down and shut up for once in their greedy little lives.
You go, girl !
He's had free, state-sponsored publicity in one of the world's greatest open air museums and now he's crying like a schoolgirl because someone else (sculptor Kristen Visbalis) is getting the same chance he did --- life is so unfair, Arturo !
Arturo once explained that his bull symbolized “freedom, world peace, strength, power and love” - but Arturo's sculpture has evolved into a sociopathic symbol of parasitic, blood-sucking capitalism that drops “the dung of the devil” all over society.
Before, during and after you deposited your bull, Arturo, America turned into a giant right-wing trickle-down turd bowl run by right-wing bull-turd artists pretending that corporations are people and people are turds.
You could have sculpted a dove, or the yin-yang harmony symbol, or an image of the common man working with dignity for a living, but you chose to impress Wall St. with a tribute to professional skimmers, front-runners, leeches and Grand Old Parasites who surf other people's money for a living and drive economies over periodic cliffs of unfettered greed.
Someone had to stand up and say no to the insanity and inanity of male-dominated Wall St. rapaciousness symbolized by that wretched bull.
It's time for the men to sit down and shut up for once in their greedy little lives.
You go, girl !
1049
The "dung of the devil" indeed.
Pope Francis' condemnation of the idolatry of money and the exclusion of the poor in his exhortation on the joy of the Gospel should go on a bronze plaque aimed at Wall Street.
Pope Francis' condemnation of the idolatry of money and the exclusion of the poor in his exhortation on the joy of the Gospel should go on a bronze plaque aimed at Wall Street.
6
Too bad you had to use the stereotype of "crying like a schoolgirl" while praising Fearless Girl.
5
If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then so is true that hatred is in the heart of the detractor.
Bravo, Mao Zedong, Marx or Lenin would be so honored for you to be their speech writer....
Bravo, Mao Zedong, Marx or Lenin would be so honored for you to be their speech writer....
1
Before I reached the final paragraph I was already thinking along the lines of how you ended this column, Gail.
Oh there are plenty of places where "fearless girl" should be placed. For starters outside Mitch McConnell's office. Then she could go over to Mike Pence's office, maybe with a "Fund Planned Parenthood" placard hanging from her defiant neck.
She could then travel to Jeff Sessions office--just to remind him women exist –and from there on to spend at least a week staring at Betsy DeVos, just daring her to give her a voucher and send on her way. In fact "fearless girl" could probably easily spend the next 10 years traveling from office to office populated with Republicans.
Oh my Lord I can't believe I wrote that! Because if "Fearless Girl" truly is fearless, we aren't going to have to endure majority Republicans for 10 more years.
I'd like to believe, after barely 95 days of Donald Trump, that "Fearless Girl" has probably inspired many a budding fearless candidate just itching to throw her hat in the ring.
Oh there are plenty of places where "fearless girl" should be placed. For starters outside Mitch McConnell's office. Then she could go over to Mike Pence's office, maybe with a "Fund Planned Parenthood" placard hanging from her defiant neck.
She could then travel to Jeff Sessions office--just to remind him women exist –and from there on to spend at least a week staring at Betsy DeVos, just daring her to give her a voucher and send on her way. In fact "fearless girl" could probably easily spend the next 10 years traveling from office to office populated with Republicans.
Oh my Lord I can't believe I wrote that! Because if "Fearless Girl" truly is fearless, we aren't going to have to endure majority Republicans for 10 more years.
I'd like to believe, after barely 95 days of Donald Trump, that "Fearless Girl" has probably inspired many a budding fearless candidate just itching to throw her hat in the ring.
459
In ten years, many of our fearless girls will be voting. That's what terrifies the GOP.
543
That would be a big problem for Pence, since he has trouble being alone with females without his wife's presence.
59
BRAVA! Christine McM!! My thoughts EXACTLY!!!! And I fear 10 years of republicans more than any terrorist attack!!
31
I love her just the way she is. And where she is.
346
There is something lovely about the juxtaposition of these two volunteer sculptures. If I were Arturo Di Modica, I would be delighted at the complementarity of the two vital representations. If he is not offended by tourists posing with his bull's testicles, he should be proud of the power and force his sculpture assumes in this relationship. Most of us have come to associate it with the stock market, and that market has been tarnished in time since he offered it by the looting behavior of the people who take advantage of the market's shortcomings, as they do of any vulnerable institution.
I saw it altered to laying down on the cover of Michael Lewis's Conde Nast article, but this shows it subjected to multiple indignities.
http://www.minyanville.com/mvpremium/10-weird-things-that-have/
Gail Collins, in her inimitable way, has changed the subject a bit, and out of respect for and interest in her point of view, I've given it more thought. But it seems to me if Mr. Di Modica is suddenly offended by the way his sculpture has become a symbol of the negative greed of Wall Street, it is not Kristen Visbal's creative work's fault, and his rage is diminishing.
Since he donated the sculpture and there's a history, it appears he deserves consideration in the light of his original intent and not the symbol the bull has become.
But he of all people should appreciate the power of symbols, since he made such an amazing one himself.
I saw it altered to laying down on the cover of Michael Lewis's Conde Nast article, but this shows it subjected to multiple indignities.
http://www.minyanville.com/mvpremium/10-weird-things-that-have/
Gail Collins, in her inimitable way, has changed the subject a bit, and out of respect for and interest in her point of view, I've given it more thought. But it seems to me if Mr. Di Modica is suddenly offended by the way his sculpture has become a symbol of the negative greed of Wall Street, it is not Kristen Visbal's creative work's fault, and his rage is diminishing.
Since he donated the sculpture and there's a history, it appears he deserves consideration in the light of his original intent and not the symbol the bull has become.
But he of all people should appreciate the power of symbols, since he made such an amazing one himself.
120
DiModica wants the little girl to shut up and go away. Which is why she's there in the first place. I hope the little girl doesn't have to submit herself to his bull.
654
Perfectly put.
3
I'd put her in front of Planned Parenthood to stare down Republicans who pledge to shut it down. Put her sister at the door to the Supreme Court, as a reminder that we're not going to set women's rights back just because Mitch McConnell scuttled the nomination process.
Or put her at the front door to Trump Tower, with a sign around her neck that says, "Grope THIS, dummy."
While we're at it, make a thousand of them, and arrange them around the White House, like a wall. And then send the bill to the president.
While we're at it, how about molding some brass bull cookies, and dropping them at the rear end of the iconic brass bull. It would symbolize what working stiffs got out of Wall Street after we bailed out the banksters who wrecked the economy.
Or put her at the front door to Trump Tower, with a sign around her neck that says, "Grope THIS, dummy."
While we're at it, make a thousand of them, and arrange them around the White House, like a wall. And then send the bill to the president.
While we're at it, how about molding some brass bull cookies, and dropping them at the rear end of the iconic brass bull. It would symbolize what working stiffs got out of Wall Street after we bailed out the banksters who wrecked the economy.
936
Hear, hear!
11
Gemli, sending the bill to President Trump would not work. He would just forward it to the President of Mexico to pay.
8
Thought you might like to know: A young woman artist I know actually did the "bull cookie" thing a number of years ago and documented it. Her sentiments were similar to yours.
4
Fearless Girl should stay where she is. The bull-headed sculptor doesn't own the land. Why should he get to say she shouldn't be there? The nerve of him to threaten a lawsuit...
She's been warned, she's been given an explanation, but nevertheless she should persist....
She's been warned, she's been given an explanation, but nevertheless she should persist....
791
Beyond the fact that it's not about who owns the land and never has been, I can't believe how easily you're all letting yourselves be conned.
The statue of the girl is an advertisement, for heaven's sake. It's a promotional stunt by the third largest investment bank in the world to flog one of their funds. It has no artistic integrity and it has no deeper meaning beyond what you impose on it.
You all decry Trump voters for how easily they were conned by his emotional message that obscured the facts of his incompetence and duplicities yet when the emotional message resonates with liberal sensibilities you're as easily conned as they were.
It's an ad for a hedge fund and you've been had. The more you support it the more you support the Wall Street con artists you hate.
The statue of the girl is an advertisement, for heaven's sake. It's a promotional stunt by the third largest investment bank in the world to flog one of their funds. It has no artistic integrity and it has no deeper meaning beyond what you impose on it.
You all decry Trump voters for how easily they were conned by his emotional message that obscured the facts of his incompetence and duplicities yet when the emotional message resonates with liberal sensibilities you're as easily conned as they were.
It's an ad for a hedge fund and you've been had. The more you support it the more you support the Wall Street con artists you hate.
11
I think W. Freen makes a valid point
3
Most of the great art of the Renaissance was commissioned by the one percenters trying to sell a vision of themselves as pious worthy people destined for heaven. Nobody bought it then and nobody is buying it now. That doesn't detract one but from the worth of the art.
6
Keep FG away from DT
No deferments for this young she,
Defiant and bold
No foul mouthed mean scold
With Putin no footsie played free.
No deferments for this young she,
Defiant and bold
No foul mouthed mean scold
With Putin no footsie played free.
137
Mr. Eisenberg,
It was once said of Ralph Waldo Emerson that as a poet, he was a very good essayist. Why don't you try the essay?
It was once said of Ralph Waldo Emerson that as a poet, he was a very good essayist. Why don't you try the essay?
7
The Bull is a perfect metaphor, for what unfettered capitalism can do to our country, and NOT in a good way. A bull in a china shop- on a national scale. He's had his turn, and we ALL remember how that worked out. Retire him to the stud farm.
276
No No not the stud farm. Not more baby bulls.
5
Fearless is the anti-Trump. And by God, do we need her, bigly.
613
The Vatican?
209
Mecca?
Or is your feminism only a "safe" feminism?
Or is your feminism only a "safe" feminism?
5