Staff Reports
A towering 12-foot statue of an unnamed Black woman in Times Square has ignited fiery debates about race, representation, and taxpayer-funded art. The bronze figure — depicted in casual clothes with a defiant stance — celebrates “everyday Black women,” but critics blast it as a hollow diversity stunt that insults real American heroes.
Fox News host Jesse Watters led the charge, demanding: “Who is this woman? What did she do to deserve this?” His answer cut deep: “Nothing. It’s just another DEI statue.” The sculpture’s anonymous subject fuels claims that woke activists prioritize skin color over merit, eroding traditional values of achievement.
British artist Thomas J. Price sparked outrage by admitting the statue intentionally avoids honoring specific historical figures. Instead, he claims it challenges “European beauty standards” by depicting a plus-size Black woman. But many Black New Yorkers slammed the artwork as crude stereotyping — one calling it “angry pajama lady” mocking their community.
Online forums exploded with frustration. “This isn’t empowerment — it’s leftist garbage to shame white people,” read one viral comment. Even some Black viewers rejected the statue: “We come in all shapes. This British artist doesn’t understand us AT ALL.” The backlash shows DEI initiatives often divide the very communities they claim to uplift.
Taxpayers recoiled at reports the installation cost millions through arts grants. “Why waste money on divisive statues when crime’s destroying our city?” asked a construction worker visiting Times Square. With families struggling under inflation, critics argue this “vanity project” proves elites care more about virtue signaling than real people.
The sculpture’s scheduled removal on June 17 can’t come soon enough for many. But the damage is done — trust in public art erodes when political agendas replace shared American values. Temporary installations like this leave permanent resentment in their wake.
This controversy exposes the toxic result of prioritizing identity politics over unity. Instead of statues that pit groups against each other, we need art celebrating what makes America exceptional: freedom, hard work, and the belief that anyone can rise through merit.
Real patriots want monuments to heroes who earned honor — not random figures selected because of race. Let’s rebuild a culture where greatness is achieved, not handed out through government-approved checkboxes. Our public spaces should inspire pride, not division.
