...By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
California Statue Faces Backlash Over Its Phallic Appearance
The San Benito County Board of Supervisors in California has voted to create a committee to discuss the future of a statue outside an administrative building.
Some community members have voiced their concerns about the 30-year-old statue, which they believe resembles a phallic symbol.
The statue, created by artist Richard Deutsch, was inspired by the formations at Pinnacles National Park, located about 30 miles south of Hollister.
Public Outcry
Several residents, mostly women, have expressed discomfort and offense at the statue’s appearance, saying that it makes them feel uncomfortable walking into the building.
One resident stated that it is a “phallic symbol” and that “not every woman in this building apparently sees it that way, but there are some that feel offended.”
Another resident added that the board needs to be aware of public sentiment and that the sentiment has been there since the statue was erected.
Artist’s Response
Richard Deutsch explained to the board that the statue was meant to represent the landscape at Pinnacles National Park.
He chose some of the formations in the park as the center point for the project in front of the county building.
However, some community members were still not satisfied with the explanation and would not tolerate having the statue there any longer.
Committee Formation
After heated discussions, the board voted three to two in favor of forming a committee to decide what to do with the statue.
The three women on the board voted to replace the statue or put a plaque in front of it explaining what it represents, while the two men voted against it.
The estimated cost of removing the statue is between $20,000-$50,000, according to county officials.
