The Goddamn Bears Are Off the Streets

You cannot imagine my delight to read that the noxious Spirit Bear collective passed off as public art is being brought inside. Yes, it has come time for them to be auctioned off to philanthropists whose hearts are better than their eyesight. No word on the ofificial site how much money they made at the Gala Auction event Tuesday night, but judging from sister and past events (the Orcas made $400,000) it was expected to be significant. And I am happy. I'm happy for the kids who will get the money and programs they need, but I am also just really, really happy that I don't have to look at them anymore.

I've probably said enough, but I just don't understand why there is a need to put such eyesores out in the street. Sure, the tourists seem to love them, but isn't there a happy medium that's a little less embarrassing? On that note, I should say that I find it really interesting that these bears are meant to foster community feeling and welcoming, but they are positioned in such a way that normally indicates hostility in bears - raised to a standing position with a meaty (in this case fiberglass) paw out ready to swipe.

But that's someone else's concern now. Someone who now has to lug a huge, ugly bear home.

Image is Whimsical Ocean Bear courtesy of the charity.