I love the herd mentality. Fads come and go from saddle shoes, poodle skirts, silly putty, hula hoops, etc. We all fall for it then a decades or so later look back and laugh.
One of the latest is for two lovers to put a lock on a bridge and throw away the key to show the permanence of their love (there are no statistics of how many have stayed together).
We first saw it first in Amsterdam.
We thought it was cute. However, cute got out of control in Paris, the city of lovers.
'In a plea to Valentine Visitors to Paris this year Lisa Taylor Huff for the No Love Locks campaign told
French News Online: “We need you! Let’s send a message to visitors to
this city that hanging a lock on its historic monuments and in the
public spaces of Paris is vandalism damaging to the capital and hurtful
to the people of France —culturally, economically and emotionally. We
call on tourists to act responsibly, to show their respect and empathy
for Parisians and to refrain from destroying the beauty and heritage of
this city. Paris is a romantic destination with so much to offer lovers,
we hope visitors will move beyond destructive padlocks that say nothing
about love.” She added: “Our message is ‘Give Paris Love (Not Locks)’ a
campaign embracing social media with the hashtag #NoLoveLocksDay”.'
'The campaigners says the negative effects of approximately 1 million
heavy, rusting, locks on the bridges and monuments of Paris are not only
seen physically, in the collapsing and boarded-up panels of the
worst-impacted bridges, but are also felt psychologically by Parisians
who see their beautiful city centre deteriorating. Paris City Hall has
already declared an end to “love locks” with the installation of
experimental glass “lock-proof” panels on the Pont des Arts and Pont de l’Archevêché,
and has been actively encouraging visitors to take advantage of the
many other romantic things to do in Paris, the City of Love.'
So on Valentine's Day stick to flowers, chocolate, champagne. Better yet make every day Valentine's Day by being loving and considerate.
Monday, February 09, 2015
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