Mexico Erects Statue To Swine Flu Victim, Tops List Of Most Uncomfortable Latino Statues Ever

A Mexican sculptor is in the process of completing a statue honoring 5-year-old Edgar Hernandez, a boy thought to be the first person inflicted with swine flu during this year's headline-grabbing outbreak. The statue will stand in a park in La Gloria, Mexico - a place many claim to be the flu's epicenter.  Little Edgar was treated with antibiotics and fully recovered, a fact that Veracruz officials wager will be a sign of hope for others who habitually fornicate with pigs and then do not wash their hands. So far, about 90 people worldwide have died due to swine flu, many of whom had underlying health issues. Mexican officials say their quick actions helped stop the spread of the disease and limit casualties. Many Mexicans, however, feel their government did not do enough to warn, educate and protect at the beginning of the outbreak, and so, for them, the statue runs the risk of acting as a permanent ode to government hypocrisy and ineptitude. Which is awkward, to say the least, and demonstrates why one must take care before erecting anything, particularly statues. To further prove our point, here is a list of some other statues that probably weren't the best ideas:

• Selena

  The Selena statue in Corpus Christi, Texas is a popular roadside stop for many, but we wonder how many visitors to the site stop to think about how the figure - with her raised leg, skin-tight leather outfit and casual but expectant lean - is reminiscent of another sort of roadside attraction. Either saving from or adding to Selena's misery is the fact that the statue looks nothing like the pretty Tejana. We guess that it is, at least, preferable to the statue's original concept: "Selena and Yolanda dancing by the Sea with some Tiny Kittens."  

• José Martí

 Central Park is home to a statue of José Martí, writer and symbol for Cuba's struggle towards independence from Spain. The monument depicts Martí on horseback, seemingly having some trouble keeping his balance. Given that Martí died in battle while riding on horseback, we can't help but feel he could have been commemorated during a more dignified and comfortable point in his life than the moment before he plummeted off a horse. Of course, we'll leave him a white rose in any case.  

• Statue of Ricky Martin in the Style of David

 This doesn't exist (yet), but wouldn't it be awkward? And wonderful?

Mexican Town To Erect Statue To Swine Flu Victim [NY Daily News]