http://www.freep.com/article/2011020...yssey=nav|head
I just dont see it. What do you all think.
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http://www.freep.com/article/2011020...yssey=nav|head
I just dont see it. What do you all think.
It WAS a joke originally.
Over at Kickstarter, they have raised in excess of $13k in, what, 2 days? There's no question it's happening.
I think it's a good thing. Any additional negative portrayals of Detroit it inspires is likely to be negligible, IMO.
Meanwhile, it might inspire some articles about improvements since RoboCop was made, more substantive discussion about MCS, and the Corktown neighborhood it will be located in as well.
I am old so I think it is silly and to me a bit of an embarrassment, 5 years from now the movie will be a faded memory,but having said that put the rail in and keep saving Detroit history but then hey if it gives that group some civic pride go for it. It is nice to see people taking a stand for what they believe in right or wrong.
It was made in 1987 so it's already been around for over 20 years and has quite the cult following.Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard
There are statues of Paul Bunyan, Superman and a host of other movie 'heroes' so why not one of Officer Alex Murphy?
http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV...485_SY730_.jpg
I think it'd be a great draw for the curious movie-goer, especially with the film industry expanding in town. It could be just the quirky kind of thing the city needs.
Exactly,Quote:
Originally Posted by Meddle
I bet you the majority of people drive/walk by most statues and barely notice them. A Robo cop statue will be an attention grabber.
It's goofy, but a fun kind of goofy.
http://pictovista.blogspot.com/2009/...y-statues.html
Besides, it would be fun.Quote:
Originally Posted by Meddle
The individuals involved are entrenched in the positive aspects of revitalization
in Cork Town and Detroit in general. Anything positive coming from the region
of that neighborhood, and the MCS, and Roosevelt Park, has to be better than
that image being currently portrayed by Mr. Maroun, and his 'Slum Lord'
participation. That area, that former Train Station, that building, should be
confiscated by the City of Detroit.....and revitalized, by the people, if necessary.
I've gone on websites showing similar buildings in major cities having been
turned into 'Roman Ruins' type attractions. Redeveloped into public parks,
with integrated green spaces, walkways, uplighting onto the 'ruins', maybe even
an amphitheater, to try and preserve some of Detroit's glorious past, which has
everything to do with it's glorious future. Besides, it's one hell'eva beautiful
building. And what a perfect way to integrate downtown to Mexican/Southwest
side. Hey, I personally think M.Illitch and Co. should build their new Arena on
the site of the old Tiger Stadium!!!! Boy, wouldn't THAT bring back the area.
So, the RoboCop Statue? Hell yeah!!!! Why not??? What or who would it hurt?
I've heard some preliminary plans, and I think it could stir up some excitement.
Don't we NEED some positive excitement? All you older folk, if you can't DIG
the scene [[including our Mayor)....why not just step back, and enjoy the ride.
You know, there's a very cool park in Chicago, 'OZ PARK', some of you might want to check out. A local Metal Art Sculptor has created sculptures of the four
main characters from the movie 'The Wizard Of Oz' which adorn the four entrances to this, very nice, park. He creates these wonderful pieces from the
recycled junk of cars, mainly the bumpers. Can't we Detroiters come up with
similar scenarios, without fuddyduddy's there to hinder the art aspect of a
Detroit revitalization?
Remember the late nineties jingle on Detroit airwaves ???????,
"You Gotta Have Art"
Well....we ought'a have art.
SciFi Geeks do all sorts of weird things. This might even help bring something like ComicCon to town.
These guys should stick with going to Star Trek conventions. I bet thing same folks think dressing up like Darth Vader is a good way to get chicks!
Maybe so, but they spend money. Lots of it.
I'm not a 'Trekky' Detroitplanner.Quote:
Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner
Do you really make plans for Detroit, or is this just a 'cute' moniker?
I don't 'dress-up' Detroitplanner.
Do you dress like a citizen who's given up on new ideas?
Do you like to sit and post all day, bitching and complaining, yet unwilling
to open your mind, your imagination, to artistic ideas and ideals?
O.k., I'm finished with my sarcasm. My apologies for my curtness.
I just don't see the problem with a little show of affection, for 'Pop Art'.
That's what this is actually. It's not just people interested in Hero Action Movies.
It's mainly about, getting up and doing something positive, and fun, for
our City Of Detroit.
I really don't see any down angle on this subject.
You know, there is separate funding, aside from the operations funding,
especially appointed to the arts in this city, besides the monies pilfered recently
by, less than forthright, Gallery owners.
At some point in our city's history, individuals concerned with extracurricular
activities other than self-grandising, and thievery, acted upon their good conscious
and appointed power, and passed lines of decency in the city charter, setting
aside funds for the arts. These lines of decency, these funds of public monies,
were designed to allow the citizen's to breathe the airs of non-strategic politics.
To remove us from the every day complications of humanity, and to bask in
the world of imagination, and sometimes, fantasy. It's what keeps us sane, art,
music, laughter, frolic.
So, loosen up, I don't think this project is looking to break the bank, probably
not even dent it much, if at all. Let it play out a little. My opinion of course.
Why stop at Robocop? Why not get one of Larry Flynt and George W Bush as well? Why lets put up a statue of Madonna and maybe one of Ted Nugent. I bet we can put up a statue to the underwear bomber too.
The fact is that some ideas are just pointless. You will need city approval to get something like this on City Land. No one is going to give it to you.
I wouldn't worry too much. Wait until they have to get Mom to pull out her checkbook for their pledges.
Totally embarrassing. Maybe we should put up statues of Donald Duck, Yoda, the Terminator, and that aggravating comic relief dinosaur character from the sucky second set of Star Wars movies too. Or how about a sculpture of Clint Eatwood in that movie where he was fighting the brutal Asian gangs of Highland Park?
The mayor's office said that they would consider providing the space for it if the funds are raised.Quote:
Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner
I can see them now... we considered it, the answer is no. Here donate the money to a homeless shelter.Quote:
Originally Posted by iheartthed
From what I've read, after Bing declined the facetious offer, the current plan is that the robocop statue idea is being privately funded and erected on private property.Quote:
Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner
Ummm... perhaps there are better uses for our "silly money" here in the poorest major city in the country?
Forget having a statue of Robocop, Detroit needs the real thing. Take The Fist off of it's mount and use it to knock on the doors of crack houses, corrupt politicos, tax cheats.
Unless there's a second coming of Mother Teresa everyone spends money on frivolous things that could be put to better use.Quote:
Originally Posted by EastsideAl
Guess you haven't seen the movie, eh?Quote:
Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner
Murphy is the good guy. The superhero.
The only thing for the City not to like is that he actually wins out over corruption and greed.
It s a bit more complicated then raise some funds and build a statue,so he is standing there and needs a bath who then handles/pays that?
Little Mikey thinks it cool to climb up on his shoulder and have his picture taken and he falls off what happens next?
Once it is or if it is placed on city property it then becomes by the people for the people so it would take a majority to have it become a reality.
It is way more involved then to say hey heres $15 grand lets throw this statue up, it needs to be reviewed which costs time and money.It was the mayors duty to say no without looking at all of the angles ,that there shows that he is doing what he was put in place to do.
But if the majority steps up and says okay then the majority has spoken.
But all of this stuff of the older folk need to step aside and we want Detroit to be based on the 30 something generation ? Who do you think is funding all of this growth and rehabilitation ? So do not be so quick to push them into a corner.
Tough job appeasing the masses.
I believe I spoke to soon. Ive been thinking about it and the fact that it was a joke to begin with makes it a little easier to swallow. Maybe we need a statue that says we in Detroit can laugh at ourselves a little. Its not high art but it is a symbol. Detroit has always been a pretty hard edged city but with Hollywood giving us all that love as of late, RoboCop could be something of a gesture rep'ing our change..
Robocop statue for Detroit??? Only if Manhattan gets a Snake Plissken statue.
How about a statue of Ronald Reagan? He did win in 1980, we did have the Republican convention here that year,,,and it was the 100 year anniversery of his birth last week...
It is being put up on land owned by Imagination Station, the people behind this project. This image is on their Kickstarter site describing the project:Quote:
Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner
It is incredibly awesome.Quote:
"The Location: Detroit, silly!
Specifically, the Imagination Station is offering a piece of its property on Roosevelt Park facing Michigan Central Station as Robocop's new home. If this is were Robo goes, this is approximately what his view will be:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/...70ecb350f1.jpg
We say "if", because in our quest to choose the best location possible, if another even better location appears before installation, Robo might move. Rest assured that the absolute worst we can do is incredibly awesome.
I for one hope he's looking right at it, determined to "tear that schitt down" [[not necessarily in the literal sense). To my mind, this pro-actively provides food for thought for the reinterpretation of the disaster that is MCS. Describing MCS as emblematic of one or some of the thematic elements of RoboCop is probably just the low-hanging fruit.
MCS is a marvel. The image is out there, and will continue to define the story of Detroit. Any reference to it obviously pours salt in an already gaping wound. But since it's out there to begin with, let's inject some thoughtfulness into it as well.
The real story behind it has nothing to do with the locals whom its "exploitation" so offends. Other than that they have continued to let a local tycoon run wild as a slummy speculator, letting his assemblage of broken windows blight an already put-upon neighborhood and city. One day, he apparently hopes to tear it down and put in an off-ramp [[facepalm).
A prompt to tell that story is a constructive contribution.
What about a big porcelain water feature. The attaction would be the really neat funnel of water in the middle, just continuously circling into a drain forever and ever that people can make a wish, and throw their money into?
If I had any artistic talent whatsoever, I would favor all of you with an image of RoboCop knocking down MCS, using The Fist as a suspended wrecking ball.Quote:
Originally Posted by eno
Alas, it would come out having all the appeal of a multi-colored macaroni picture frame.
Quote:
just continuously circling into a drain forever and ever that people can make a wish, and throw their money into?
That's called City Hall.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Meddle
Riiiiiiight, right, right, right, right.
I thought I seen something like I described downtown already, but wasn't really sure.
Thanks!
Heres the prototype...http://i.treehugger.com/images/2007/10/24/toiletbig.jpgQuote:
Originally Posted by Magnatomicflux
Awwww.....all I get is a red X
I hate my work computer :[[
As long as that monkey Bonzo is part of the piece I'm down.Quote:
Originally Posted by ja!mz
A Robocop statue down the street from my house is so AWESOME!!!!!!! I hope they build the Ted Nugent statue across from Hard Rock in Campus Martius,LOL.
When I initially heard of this, I thought the idea was a little silly. If all of this is true, I find the idea to be awesome. Now, I hope they're able to get the necessary funds.
How "bout a huge Sta Puft Marshmellow man like from Ghostbusters? ......Oh man I hope they can get the funds!!!!
If it is made out of metal can we place bets on how long it will actually last? You can bet a scrapper is already looking at it as a payday.
I'm not saying the 'older folk' need to step aside, just to get rid of them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard
Besides, the poster DID start his statement with 'I'm Old'.
I'm saying, if it seems too frivolous because you don't appreciate it, BECAUSE
you're old, then why not sit this one out. Everybody doesn't have to participate
in everything, just because it's happening, or being discussed. That in itself
doesn't make it a bad idea, or discount every other thing that you are, or
are involved with.
Simply remove yourself from the conversation.
Besides, I myself am older, and I don't like being discounted either, so I know from whence I speak.
Ps.
The masses will eat everything in sight.
I LOVE statues....and as mentioned earlier, some can evoke amusement,
and fun [[Unlike a very large BLACK Fist!!!) [[that's some message, what does
that evoke.... fear, dominance, ugly?)
"But if the majority steps up and says okay then the majority has spoken."
So I guess only the ones that approve 100% are allowed to voice their opinion? interesting concept.
prophetic I say, prophetic. and divinely inspired.
this from One More Spoke blog in late January:
Anonymous said... "Dead or alive, you're coming with me."
-- Robo Cop
"Robocop not only dramatizes the dehumanization of untrammeled technological development, it resists the postmodern fatalism of someone like Baudrillard who concludes that the Subject has lost its battle with the Object and so should surrender and embrace "fatal strategies." While Robocop depicts a cyberblitzed, post-catastrophic, hyperreal, technified world, it also suggests that technology cannot achieve its goal of a perfectly enclosed, self-referential entombment, that simulation strategies do not necessarily succeed, and that the human subject is not so easily erased. Robocop's struggle to understand what has happened to him and who he is, his identification with his former human self irrevocably entrapped within a steel body, his rebellion against bureaucracy and his corporate creators, and the forging of his own will against a technological determination, constitute this film's undeniably utopian moments. Robocop dramatizes the resilience of a subject, albeit a cyborg, amidst the most incredibly reified and subjugating conditions, and allegorizes its attempts to find meaning and value within a corrupt and decadent postmodern world."
set in detroit, it sounds like a freakin' novel to me.
--LtD
January 31, 2011 10:47 PMso now you know why RoboCop must be immortalized in Roosevelt Park.
What's next? A chrome horse on the lawn behind the DIA?
Whats next? a huge fist downtown?
If they continue to raise money aggressively, an endowment towards maintenance and insurance costs could guarantee the statue would stand years to come. People will climb it, no doubt, and I'm sure there will be graffiti scrawled on it. Depending on the type of construction and materials they could avoid alot of the maintenance costs. Cast it in concrete, it'll last for decades or more, and graffiti resistant coatings I've seen specified in projects have worked quite well. City assumes liability, but as always it's not that burdening of a cost.Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard
Doesn't it bother anyone else that the movie was filmed in Dallas? Detroit, the name represented the archetype of crime ridden scum infested hell hole of a city........what better to represent that than Detroit?
The Craig Fahle show had a segment on this last week with the two guys trying to make this happen. One person called in with a very good observation.He remarked on how these guys were worthy of the P.T.Barnum award for shameless self promotion.
Why would anyone advocate for this when not only was it not filmed in Detroit but it[[movie) uses the "idea" of the worst city being called "Detroit" ?
I don't think the point of setting the movie in Detroit was to portray it as the worst city in the world. I think it was more a case of Detroit being a city noteworthy enough to be cast as "the big city". There have been plenty society gone to Hell movies set in other major American cities.Quote:
Originally Posted by citylover
Btw, I re-watched the original RoboCop yesterday and noticed that every single car used in the movie was made by either Ford or GM.
Quote:
Originally Posted by citylover
Bravo. Been my points since this hit the news...although I didn't bother to say them here. Wanted to see it played out first. My Facebook friends got the whole load, and it resonates precisely with your reactions, CL.
Cheers
a cyberblitzed, post-catastrophic, hyperreal, technified world, it also suggests that technology cannot achieve its goal of a perfectly enclosed, self-referential entombment, that simulation strategies do not necessarily succeed, and that the human subject is not so easily erased. Robocop's struggle to understand what has happened to him and who he is, his identification with his former human self irrevocably entrapped within a steel body, his rebellion against bureaucracy and his corporate creators, and the forging of his own will against a technological determination, constitute this film's undeniably utopian moments. Robocop dramatizes the resilience of a subject, albeit a cyborg, amidst the most incredibly reified and subjugating conditions, and allegorizes its attempts to find meaning and value within a corrupt and decadent postmodern world.
Sounds very much like the struggles and conflicts facing the City itself.
I have always loved that the police cruiser of the future was a 1986 [[a year behind the release of the movie?? lol) Ford Taurus!! "Paint it flat black....it'll look futurie!"Quote:
Originally Posted by iheartthed
Indeed. ahhh. . . . yes!Quote:
Originally Posted by Meddle
the search for "meaning and value in a decadent postmodern world" is what makes RoboCop an enduring epic poem hidden inside a cheezy B movie for those who can see it. I don't believe it is an accident that Robo statue may well be erected near/in imagination station. Imagination, in fact, may be one of the bridges to spiritual birth of an urban formulation that protects and serves all of us. Kinda like why Queen Lucy was the only one who saw Aslan at first in the Caspian saga -- because she believed -- had faith in the unseen. MCS does have true value as the backdrop for mourning our losses, expressing our fears, denying our shortcomings and finally, coming to acceptance of our collective failures. It's your choice to be reborn in spirit. Always is, every moment. :cool:
Frankly the idea might not seem so awkward had the movie been filmed in Detroit......although there is a precedent and that is the Mary Tyler Moore statue in Minneapolis. I believe much of the show was filmed in Calif.
However the archetype city being represented as Detroit bugs me.
OK, but this overlooks two things: 1, Robocop's only job is to shoot criminals on sight--that qualifies him as "a figure of rebellion against bureaucracy" I guess, but not the liberating one you want to make him out to be.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lt. Dan Bassett
2, the film is a satire of the Reagan era, which is why it's set in Detroit, since Detroit was [[and maybe is) synonymous with failure, disorder, crime, etc. This description makes Robocop sound more like the Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz or something. He is, let's remember, a killing machine and a symbol of the secret desire for fascism in America.
I think that if the Imagination Station people are serious about this it suggests that they are out-of-touch with that portion of the city that is not made up of ironic 22-year-olds. Maybe I'm underestimating people's senses of humor, but many of our fellow residents, particularly those who have been around a while, are understandably sensitive to portrayals, no matter how tongue-in-cheek, of Detroit as a violent wasteland. I love Robocop the movie, but it doesn't make sense to celebrate it as a city icon.
I'm surprised no one has posted this, which hits the nail on the head: http://supergaydetroit.blogspot.com/...-bad-idea.html
Weeeeeeell...technically his job was:Quote:
Originally Posted by Melocoton
1 - Serve the public trust
2 - Protect the innocent
3 - Uphold the law
Sounds like what a cop is supposed to be to me :rolleyes::)
. . . and for added value in the narrative, Robocop was crucified, died and rose again to reclaim his humanity -- a reach for his original Creator's plan. The best cops join to serve and help others -- love their city and its people.Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnatomicflux
Let's not overlook the Christ-figure aspect of the story.
This thread and the one over at supergay proves the value of the project. Think of all the conversations that can be initiated at the foot of Robocop's likeness. Every day is a choice. Whom have you exalted today?
Well, by that logic the Imagination Station should raise $50,000 to raise a giant middle finger in Roosevelt Park---it would also generate a lot of blog postings aboutQuote:
Originally Posted by Lt. Dan Bassett
why it's a bad idea. Matter of fact, maybe they might as well do that.
Perception is reality for each of us I suppose. Where I see healthy discourse about an idea, you apparently see only "postlings about why it's a bad idea." Consider this: While on the surface a RoboCop icon may look like a giant F.U. to you, there is embedded there much deeper symbolism and some difficult to accept truths about how we've chosen to live so far. Meddle [[posting above) wisely recognized that the quote about Murphy/RoboCop's struggle mirrors Detroit's [[Steve Best's philosophical view of the movie). History doesn't repeat itself, but often it does rhyme. So said Mark Twain. The Joe Louis "Fist" was widely discussed and was a locus of controversy for a substantial time. The Rivera mural inside the DIA was damn near painted over soon after its unveiling. Art elites may say how dare you compare "fine art" to inappropriate trash.Quote:
Originally Posted by Melocoton
The naked babe in front of the gas building on Jefferson called. She said to tell you to lighten up -- and it's OK to look at her tatas with proper intentions.
It's been a while since I've seen Robocop. All three movies are pretty good, I was hoping to see another one after the third one, but I guess three was a enough for the producer.
Putting a statue here in Detroit would probably bring more tourists. I'm pretty sure another movie could be made here in Detroit. After all, most of the scenes in the movie, weren't in Detroit. However, a Robocop statue should be built here.
Maybe the mayor didn't see any of the movies. I'm pretty sure that if someone gave him some copies of the movies, he'll change his mind and support the statue being built in Detroit. Despite the ruin porn around here, Robocop is a part of what defines Detroit.
As for the placement of the statue, I think it should be placed at Police Headquarters. It would be more.... appropriate. Not to say that placing it near MCS is a bad idea. I just think that placing it at the Police Headquarters would be a better one.
Yeah, I thought it would be better at 1300 with the first floor made into some sort of Police Museum and Memorial.
Imagine you were a tourist with a camera, you were walking downtown, and you came upon the RoboCop statue. What would you do? You would have some fun. Think of it as an adult playscape.
Playscapes are not designed to last forever, so it does not matter if in 20 years no one knows who Robocop was..
Do not think of it as a monument to anything. If you want a more typical monument type statue, then raise money for it.
I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer, I'm still all for it, but I wonder if they think they need to address the potential for someone to just drive by and make off with all that scrap-able metal.
Well, the DetNews has picked up the campaign........................
"Serve the public trust. Protect the innocent. Uphold the law."
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110215/...-and-donations
I think this is the best attitude to have. Why not have some fun with it for once? Heck, half the folks probably donating to this campaign probably have never had to sit [[or is that suffer) through the RoboCop movies.Quote:
Originally Posted by RickBeall
Rather than trying to look at it as a personal indictment on Detroit's failures- think of it as a low brow tribute to a cheesy movie supposedly set in our future.
One could've probably said the same about the Children's Museum's chrome bumper horse years ago and it's still standing. No Debbie Downer about it- some practical thought here I'd say.Quote:
Originally Posted by fryar
Pretty damn funny video on the proposal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgxx7Q-FuPM
If you are worried about the metal being stolen, then make it out of inexpensive metal, or wood or fiberglass.
I won't be using any of my money for it, but if people want to spend their own money on it, fine. They earned their money, let them do what they want. Part of me likes it because it's absurd, and I like absurd. The argument that there are better things to spend money on is irrelevant. It's not your money. Go spend your money on better things, then. People giving money for this were just going to spend it on something equally stupid.
Suffice to say, another Wings jersey will need to be sewn.
http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/813...0A760B0D811297
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bONOFUSHr7...ngs+jersey.jpg
I was against this project at first, because of the negative connotations it could put on the city. But the project and its origins are just so silly that people will be more inclined to laugh about it than make stereotypical Detroit jokes. I still think it's a waste of money and energy that could be used toward making a real difference in Detroit, but it's a free world
Doesn't bother me. Dallas is the crime ridden scum infested hell hole that the media portrays Detroit to be. So, they had to use Dallas to showcase that type of pictorial.Quote:
Originally Posted by citylover
Robocop sitting on the hood of an '86 Ford Taurus holding his head in one hand, helmet in the other.
I don't really get this argument. Can't I just be against stupidity in all its forms?Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnlodge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgxx7...layer_embedded
not sure if it has been posted yet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnlodge
Good point. I guess this means PBR sales on Michigan Avenue bars will be down this spring then.
Can we get a mock-up of a defeated face-palming Robocop this way? Or have him emulate Rodin's Thinker?!Quote:
Originally Posted by canuck
Either way, having him ponder the MCS debacle would be nice.
I tried this version out with the old taurus...
Holy fuck, goal reached!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...tue-of-robocop
Looks like Detroit will have a privately funded robocop statue in the near future.
I figured some company had to be pitching in.
They were at $23,000 yesterday.
OCP also known as Omni Consumer Products http://omniconsumerproductscorporation.com/Quote:
Originally Posted by rjk
[[no joke, they make products based upon phony movie products) kicked in a big pledge.
Omni Consumer Products Press Release
Quote:
10.11.07
Omni Consumer Products launches Brawndo: The Thirst Mutilator Energy Drink
I'm scared. I'm really, really scared.
Marketing geniuses Jerry Paffendorf and Pete Hottelet will have all the hot babes on their arms at the RoboCop dedication ceremony. Heck, I want them to sign my tits!Quote:
Originally Posted by Gannon
Very important that RoboCop be planted facing the Imagination Station so tourists can get a cool shot of him with MCS in the background. Icon in front of icon.:cool:
We do not need a monument to a poorly scripted 1980's Detroit-sploitation that wasn't even filmed in Detroit just because it would be ironic or some short sighted nonsense. That's like getting a Nike tattoo across your back so you can say "uh huh huh, yeah, i just did it" and then 5 years later you realize you're going to look like a ...moron for the rest of your life. Why don't they put this trailer-trash excuse of an idea for art out in Oakland county or north of 8 mile where a good majority of the supporters for this idea live. This is Detroit, where we at least try to pride ourselves in producing real, tangible culture. We aren't a cultural blender like new york that gentrifies and otherwise sucks the life out of everything worthwhile. We aren't Hollywood, where plastics reign and something like this would fly. Might as well suggest a mickey mouse statue.
Real, tangible Corktown Detroit culture can be observed by watching the fox that lives under the bridge over W. Lafayette at Rosa Parks suck the life outta the pheasants that hang in the field off Vermont Street. Otherwise, there ain't too much left to suck the life out of in that city quadrant. If RoboCop wants to protect and serve on 14th Street, I say let him!Quote:
Originally Posted by Traxus
Did you guys mention the Rocky statue in Philly yet?
http://www.visitphilly.com/museums-a...e-rocky-steps/
If Philadelphia can get its Rocky, I wont be happy until the wilds of Canada get their Bullwinkle...
I have been told Robo will face towards MCS as to be an intimidating enforcer to the improvement of the building.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lt. Dan Bassett
ehhh, the postcards for sale will look better with MCS as a backdrop. Although I do understand that pimpin' Imagination Station by having it behind him has a real, tangible culture-enhancing purpo$e.Quote:
Originally Posted by izzyindetroit
Every 30 January, on Robo birthday for the "Thug Shootout ceremony it would be better for the shooting lane to go out into Roosevelt Park. Maybe mounting Robo on a Lazy Susan so he can spin would be helpful. Also, this might discourage drivebys as shooting a guy in the back is unAmerican. ;P
Don'tcha just love our culture of death!
trigger happy, sorry.
One of the guys behind this project is Jerry Pfanandorf [[sp), the Brian trust responsible for that "inches" real estate scheme. That project where he sold sq inches of an empty lot and then issued make believe deeds.
Many folks may recall I took him to task for that hipster doofus stunt; however, I've come to change my opinion on this guy. He seems to have the ability to think of new and original ways to tap the zeitgeist around these parts, which is exactly what we need.
Is a robocop statue stupid? Yep. But if it brings a single sci-fi tourist geek to town, it will be a success. Moreover, with one of those nerd-cons coming to Cobo in September, I'll bet ya we will soon be hip deep Bobofet costumed idiots all spending their mom's money in our fair city.
Since all Green Is Good, I say "welcome" to our distopia on the strait.
I didn't like this at first blush but I have warmed a little toward it for its zaniness. Like it or not it shows a type of new thinking that could lead to economic impact. It is not destructive, except to my aesthetic sensibilities, and not paid for from the public tit.
It have no doubt that it would be a big attraction and stir a lot of controversy, as it has on this forum. That could all add up to money into the economy. Who knows, maybe Corktown would have to dig out those no-parking-during-event signs, like they had in the Tiger Stadium days for fans in search of free parking. It would certainly guarantee Detroit set work for the next Robocop remake that would arise from the attention.
It's the 'what does this say about Detroit' and 'would this reinforce a Devil's Night image problem' that seems to be a the heart of the debate.
That could go either way. It could present an uncomfortable irony, as Izzyindetroit observes, if placed before the greatly code-violated MCD leading to action. It could say Detroiters know how to laugh at themselves. But I can also hear snickers of 'how gauche' from the artzies, 'yep them's animals need a real Robocop' from the racists' and 'crime-ridden Detroit looks to Robocop for salvation' from the media.
Get ready to deal with it. The money is there. It's now a matter of where. It could be be built on private property provide it doesn't violate zoning or code. Maybe Mr. Moroun would be interested.
Sky news a line about Detroiters raising $50,000 to build a statue of one of it's favorite sons-Robocop.
Favorite sons?:D
Whats the point? Can't I give money to Greening of Detroit directly? Would it not be tax deducible that way?
Good point. Either way you're helping a good cause.
Ive read elsewhere and here a lot of complaints about the money that could have been better spent. Its too bad something like this couldn't have been done with matching funds that could have gone to a good cause, non profit, charity, whatever, maybe some ghetto glass for the NW Precinct. Surly the bigwigs who developed the RoboCop franchise and donated $20,000 could have just as easily donated $40,000.
Seems a lot of folks [[like me) had to let it settle on their palate for a minute before recognizing the humor in it all.
RC is here already.
My only issue is that it should not go in the CBD or Midtown. Why? Those are our fancy areas. That's where we can take people from out of town, like, say, Novi, to try to convince them that we don't all eat raccoons or go around raping people at bus stops all day long.
Kinky shit can fly in the rest of the city. Corktown is a funky, laid back kind of place where it would be fun. People would flock to it, grafitti would instantly appear on it, some asshole from Oakland County averaging a 2.5 GPA at CCS would probably throw a bucket of paint on it and call it art, and sports jerseys would be lovingly sewn for it.
Statues are weird. People don't pay attention to them. As great man he was, I've never seen anyone care much about poor Kosciusko, guarding the casino there. People would like a Robocop statue, if only because people are generally stupid.
BAHAHAHA! Whew! Way to tie it all together.Quote:
Originally Posted by DetroitPole
Django, did you apply for a grant awready? Seems like there are a few R2D2 genes in that fella!
I didnt make the R2, I just found that pic on FB. Two different friends had posted pics of it.
Thought it was hilarious.
Did you notice the little gun strapped to his leg?
I wanna see Axel Foley and a magnum pi statue also sporting the tigers cap w the porno stash. Any one else you can think of? Colman A Young giving the bird to the Burbs. How bout Axel Foley sticking a Banana in a camry tale pipe.
Robo is gone!!
:mad: