I learnt about the tussle between the Charging Bull and the Fearless Girl last week. This is a clear case of ‘wounded ego’ in my mind. Let me break down the case for you.
Close to thirty years ago, an artist Arturo Di Modica sculpted Charging Bull and installed it on the Wall Street. Since then, the bull has been a symbol of strength, greed at the bourses and optimism at the market. Tourists from all over the world have loved it since then. I remember clicking a picture of VT at that spot for his interest in the stock markets. Then one day in 2017, another artist Kristen Visbal creates a bronze statue of a little girl, hand on hips looking straight at the charging bull. The Fearless Girl represents the future. It could mean many things including more women on the Wall Street and why not? It’s just a public art piece.
There have been many debates on whether the Fearless Girl should stay. You can read about all that here and here.
The point I am trying to make is not about the new statue infringing on copyright or distorting the idea of the bull. It is about that times change. Interpretation of art changes in thirty years. Charging Bull and Fearless Girl can co-exist and none should be taken down. Optimism of the markets and presence of women in corporate leadership can go together. If the bull basically means soaring markets, what is the need to associate it with masculinity? Or that the presence of the girl challenges this masculinity.
To every little girl who must have got a picture clicked there with the Fearless Girl, does it not mean confidence, strength, and ambition? I think thirty years is long enough a time to reign the street with one sentiment and now is the time to apply some balm on the wounded ego and accept the change. It’s time we do that.
I am participating in the A To Z Challenge for the third time this year and I am penning Stories from everyday life.
happiness and food 
Agree, I think Art shouldn’t be bothering anyone it only makes one think and challenge pre-existing ideas! Besides, it is a public place and everyone has right to express what they may …
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I agree! It’s time for the fearless girl to rise and stand her ground, unafraid. Enough with the shaming and blaming that that’s piled on women who are ambitious and powerful and ruthlessly determined. If we can accept all these qualities in men without batting an eyelash, why should women be called villains?
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100% with you! From Why to Why Not…IT does symbolize change, change in the outlook, attitude for both men and womenfolk! And isn’t it a worthy change???
Anagha From Team MocktailMommies
Collage Of Life
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I hope the fearless girl stays! The fact that art is bothering so many says a lot, doesn’t it!
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Wow Parul. This is a damn interesting post. I loved your thoughts on the Bull and the Girl co-exisitng and why or why not they should be there together. Awesome perspective you have presented about the need for a change in thought after three decades.
Wish upon the stars
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I don’t think they should make art so controversial. But to think that the ‘suits’ of Wall Street are feeling offended by a little girl statue… I don’t know what to say to say. I loved how strong and determined the statue looks. It exudes confidence and power. 😀
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I loved this image so much, you know.
It shows courage, strength and so much else.
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but how is it infringing .. each has a place I think .. and good job the fearless girl is there just in case the raging bull gets out of hand .. 🙂
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Here Here!! Well said.
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I absolutely love the fearless girl statue, and I am so glad it is there. I do not agree that it is infringing on the bull’s copyright because the bull can be “viewed” without the girl. They are not the same statue and can be separated both in mind and in action. I sincerely hope the girl stays. It definitely gives females a sense of empowerment and confidence. 🙂
With Love,
Mandy
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Confidence… that’s what I see, but is that because it’s on my A to Z blog today?!
Affirmations for a Good Life
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