Marquel, TPVs NYTimes Crowd Control Section correspondent, was watching How to Steal a Million, when he read Museum Rules: Talk Softly, and Carry No Selfie Stick. New York Museums have decided to ban the”selfie stick.” Meanwhile, the Louvre says, vas-y, go right ahead.
Why the difference? Both sets of museums have comparable multi billion dollar holdings. Also why the rule? Both sets of museums have hordes of visitors who do the most bizarre things and there has yet to be an incident involving the art, the building or the visitors. The museums claim to be just being prudent but Marquel found this less than convincing.
Marquel spoke with Pierre Holzer, the Louvre‘s director.
“What are we to do, someone used one, then everyone’s using them, then I have the embarrassment of asking an art lover, ‘Madame, s’ils vous plaît, le “selfie stick” est defendu.’ I would just die.”
“So you’re saying it’s the words.” I suggested.
“Well yes. You see there is no French word for a selfie stick. It’s a failure of the Academie. Probably next year they’ll make one up but right now….” He said.
“Mais oui, le sac a dos.”
“La bouffe.”
“Oui, la mobile.”
“Indeed. Does it not embarrass you?” He asked. “Even in English it seems…awkward.” He said. “Imagine a Frenchman of some distinction uttering it.”
I thought of talking to someone at the Met or MoMA, but I was sure the rule had nothing to do with the word. “Oh it’s such a comfortable word, we thought we’d ban it’s use.” I imagined them telling me.
“So what are you going to do if the selfie sticks start sprouting up all around la Joconde, or the Winged Victory of Samothrace? You’ll have to do something.”
“Not at all. If you go to either of those two works at this moment you will see them surrounded by tourists every one of whom is holding a camera or smart phone trying to get just the right composition of EU tourists and ancient sculpture or painting.” He said.
“So, in a sense, case closed. Selfie sticks at the Louvre. Vive la France!” I cheered.
“Vive la France,” he said, pouring me a small flute of champagne.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“Not facing the art? All facing away? Jamais!” He exclaimed. Never.
He made a quick phone call, returned to our drinks and we both toasted the art. I bid him adieu and walked out, being sure to see Mona Lisa, and Samothrace before negotiating the glass pyramid exit, itself a work of art by I.M.Pei.
I noticed some workers gathered at the entrance. There was a new sign. “Tourner le dos à l’art interdit.” No turning your back on the art. So silly. So useless. So French.
I love it. Selfie on a stick
nice fluff
funny
all those tourists. i would ban them all if I could.
Yeah, nice visual. or a banana on a stick
I love the visual. hot dog on a stick