In the latest twist in the saga of political correctness, Palm Springs has decided to downsize the prominence of its towering Marilyn Monroe statue. After facing a chorus of local critics and parents, the statue, which has stood tall for three years, is being ousted from its downtown throne. This 26-foot giant, immortalizing Monroe’s iconic moment from the 1955 film ‘The Seven Year Itch,’ is set to find a new, less controversial home.
The sculpture, named ‘Forever Marilyn’ by Seward Johnson, has been a magnet for visitors, strategically placed next to a bustling downtown park. But not everyone was pleased. Parents and activists decried the statue’s revealing pose, where Monroe’s dress flutters skyward to expose her undergarments. Critics have blasted it as a ‘sexist’ relic unfit for the eyes of children.
Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein announced, “The City Council is very pleased to have found a satisfactory solution to this issue, which has divided so many within our community.” While the statue’s new spot remains undisclosed, it’s clear its limelight days are over.
Since its 2014 debut, the statue has courted controversy. In fact, it was previously taken down due to a similar public outcry, only to make a grand comeback in 2021—to the dismay of many. Louis Grachos, the former executive director of Palm Springs Art Museum, was among those who voiced concern. He criticized the statue for the lewd display of Monroe’s derriere, calling it a blatant example of misogyny and a reduction of Monroe to a mere object.
Elizabeth Armstrong, another ex-museum director, was equally vocal, dubbing it ‘a monument to misogyny.’ She argued that it not only objectified Monroe but also perpetuated harmful attitudes towards women, promoting voyeurism.
Cue the protests: local activists rallying with signs, a Change.org petition, and impassioned cries for the statue’s relocation. Suggestions for its new home ranged from distant corners of the park to quirky spots like the roadside ‘concrete dinosaurs’ of Cabazon.
But not everyone wants to bid the statue adieu. Scott White, president, and CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs defended its role in the tourism industry. “It was immediately embraced by visitors,” he asserted, highlighting the statue’s success in drawing tourists and sparking interest. After all, P.S. Resorts, a tourism-promoting group, shelled out a cool $1 million for the statue in 2021.
The relocation of ‘Forever Marilyn’ underscores deeper debates on art, public spaces, and what qualifies as acceptable in today’s society. It’s a vivid example of the tug-of-war between cultural heritage and contemporary values. As Palm Springs moves the statue to a more subdued setting, one thing is certain: this debate is far from over.
