"In what can only be described as a too-on-the-nose metaphor for the United States' weakening influence on the world, a video making the rounds on social media shows a giant replica of the Statue of Liberty toppling over in a Brazilian parking lot, backdropped by a McDonald's and other ephemera of urban decay. The clip shows the statue succumbing to strong winds in the city of Guaíba, which is located across the bay from the much larger port city of Porto Alegre in Southern Brazil."
"According to the Weather Channel, the statue became a landmark in the city in 2020, and belongs to a large department store chain called Havan. The chain is known for its stores that feature Neo-Greek architecture - along with giant replicas of the Statue of Liberty that adorn almost every single branch. Guaíba mayor Marcelo Maranata has since acknowledged the toppling, praising Havan staff and emergency teams for ensuring nobody was hurt, as Gulf News reports."
A 110-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty toppled in a Guaíba, Brazil parking lot during strong winds, falling near a McDonald's and other urban fixtures. Vehicles and a pedestrian narrowly avoided the falling statue. The replica served as a Havan department store landmark since 2020 and is part of the chain's Neo-Greek storefront designs that feature giant Lady Liberty replicas at many branches. Guaíba mayor Marcelo Maranata confirmed the toppling, praised staff and emergency teams for preventing injuries, and said investigations are underway as the franchise examines the cause of the structural failure. Social media users reacted with alarm and symbolic commentary.
Read at Futurism
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