Molly Malone statue Dublin, Ireland & Cristiano Ronaldo statue Funchal, Portugal


 The Molly Malone statue (shown above) was unveiled in 1988. Since being unveiled, the statue has faced much backlash. As you can see the statue's breast are discolored, due to the frequent groping by tourists. The idea that groping the statue's breast brings good luck was made up by tourists groups. Singer, song writer, and activist, Tilly Cripwell, led a campaign protesting the violation of the statue. Her argument stats that this "tradition" objectifies the historical significance of Molly Malone. Cripwell's efforts did cause change. In May of 2025 the Dublin City Council initiated a system to educate tourists and prevent them from touching the statue. The statue will also be repainted, and there is talk about rising the statue higher to prevent individuals from touching it. 
The Cristiano Ronaldo statue (shown above) was unveiled in 2014. While rise of media attention of the backlash from the Molly Malone statue, the Cristiano Ronaldo statue also started to surface on the internet. Again, from tourists groping the statue, Ronaldo's gentile area is faded. Although no efforts have been put in place to restore, or prevent this happening, it allows us to see that grouping of statues is common around the world.

When this surface on the media I thought it was very interesting that people would think that groping, a statue, is an okay action. It is also important to see that the sexualization of statues is not only happening to one sex. Why as a society and individuals do we think that this is okay? Why are these actions normalized? I also wondering if sexual assault cases are higher in these areas, because if young children are seeing people inapropriately touch a statue do they think that this action is okay? I know some people have said it is not a big deal because these are just statues, but it takes away the historical significance of the statues because of the visually seen objectifications. 

Comments

  1. Grace LawJanuary 29, 2026 at 6:06 AM

    I'm really glad to see someone touched on this as I personally had forgotten. I find it disturbing how people will not only sexualize others in real time, but they will also sexualize statues and memorabilia of that person.

    ReplyDelete
  2. KeVonna DixonJanuary 29, 2026 at 2:58 PM

    Hey Reese! This is amazing to point out and I am glad that you chose to depict both statues instead of just first one, I don't think that any of this is okay. It really shows how both statues are not only of real people but only as objectifications. I think down playing that this is just an act of avoiding the fact that sexually objectifying women and men are both disgusting.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

WELCOME!

Image
  This is the space for you to comment on your weekly readings, class discussions, and class topics. Feel free to post anything that pertains to our class. Post appropriate videos, pictures, or links to other sites and engage in conversations among each other. Blog as much and as often as you want--but at least once a week (by Sunday at midnight) and comment on at least two posts. Always remember to be respectful toward other's identities, ideas, and opinions. I look forward to hearing from you! Ina    
Read more

A Heated Rivalry or Wicked Misogyny?

Image
 As someone who may hold bias to the extent that I refuse to watch Heated Rivalry, I think it's important to state that I've seen a couple of episodes, and the show just isn't for me. I've also watched both the Wicked movies starring Cynthia Erivo and Arianna Grande. Now you are probably wondering what these two media films have in common. Well, nothing to be exact, and I think that's the preface we must state first.  This isn't about the series/movies, it's about the co-stars, but first, here's a little context you may need to understand where I am coming from. Arianna Grande plays in the musical adaptation of Wicked and Wicked for Good, directed by Jon M. Chu. She takes on the role of playing Galina (Galinda the Good), she is a very privileged and self-absorbed young woman who attends Shiz University and ends up facing an internal battle of being for the people or wanting her personal desire to keep her bond with Elphaba. Elphaba Thropp (The Wicked Wit...
Read more

Intro/Post-Grad Plans!

Image
Hi everyone, My name is Emily Webb, and I’m from Frederick, Maryland. I am a senior majoring in Digital Culture & Design with a double minor in Graphic Design and Social Media. I am currently finishing up my applications for Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs in Technology Education or Art Education. My goal is to become a secondary teacher for digital arts courses. I am excited about combining my love for digital media with teaching and helping students develop both creative and technical skills. Outside of school, I enjoy crafting with my Cricut. I love designing projects and bringing them to life by pressing my designs onto clothes and other items. Creating something tangible from a digital idea is really rewarding. I’m looking forward to connecting with all of you, sharing ideas, and learning from your experiences this semester!  If you’re a senior, what are your post-grad plans (I know, the dreaded question), and if you’re not, what are you hoping to do after gradua...
Read more