OFFENSIVE OR THE BEST MEDICINE?
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 - FEATURES
[SEE. THINK. TALK.]
Northy and Southy: Get ‘em while they last!
We hate to admit it, but sometimes, the best way to deal with the gut-wrenching, sick-to-your-stomach tragedies of life is to laugh at them. But after you see Northy and Southy, the World Trade Center tower plush dolls, you’ll probably disagree. They may be made of felt, but they are certainly not heartfelt—in fact, I think they trivialize the tragedy. And I’m sure there are more than a few of you considering sending the creator anonymous hate mail.
Before you do, consider this: The artist, Johnny Ryan, may have turned the cute and happy craft of creating soft, plush dolls into a statement on a major disaster, but at least these plushies aren’t for sale. I would argue that commemorative 9/11 plates, coins, T-shirts, and scrunchies are more offensive. They’re cashing in on death and destruction under the veil of being a “tribute.” Sure, these dolls are offensive, but at least the artist isn’t lining his pockets.
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