Apparently, he has not been seen downtown, inching his way up Pacific Avenue at his normal tortoise pace, for several months. His disappearance prompted an article in the Santa Cruz Sentinel and an avalanche of online speculation.
Moreover, Santa Cruzans have begun to share their true feelings about Pink Umbrella Man. Sentiments are remarkably diverse.
Some think he is entertaining and harmless, while others perceive him to be creepy and threatening. Some say their children look forward to visiting downtown, getting an ice cream cone, and hunting for the slow moving clown. Others say they can't bring their kids near Pacific because they tremble at the thought of seeing the pink guy.
Some say he is a retired techie millionaire from San Jose, while others speculate he is a child molester. Some think he is an eyesore, while others believe he is a walking zen koan. A few residents think he is mocking the mentally ill, while others think he is mentally ill.
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Quite a few wish he would remain missing in action while others defend his right to occupy space in our unique downtown. His admirers say he is the very type of street performer for whom the popular slogan, Keep Santa Cruz Weird, was designed to support; while his detractors argue he is not an artist/performer, he is just weird!
I am amused by the preoccupation with Pink Umbrella Man. Whatever the real deal is, he has become a litmus test for our tolerance of difference in Santa Cruz. But in my estimation, he's a minor story.
Here is what my inquiring mind wants to know. Where are all the black men in Santa Cruz? Now that's the real missing in action story.
I am amused by the preoccupation with Pink Umbrella Man. Whatever the real deal is, he has become a litmus test for our tolerance of difference in Santa Cruz. But in my estimation, he's a minor story.
Here is what my inquiring mind wants to know. Where are all the black men in Santa Cruz? Now that's the real missing in action story.
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2 comments:
Before I comment on what I assume was the main theme of the blog (tolerance in Downtown Santa Cruz, or anywhere for that matter), I could not help but notice the last line of your blog Ya Ya. Could it be that YaYa is finally ready to seek out someone to keep her warm with winter edging ever closer with each passing day?
As for the "pink" person, I find it fascinating that one can conjure up such mystery - and even FEAR, just by wearing clothes that dont fit a strict gender stereotype.
I had not heard that people felt this individual was a potential child molester. Hmmm, seems to me far more pedophiles end up in professions that involve children, hoping for obscurity rather than the attention that the "pink" person receives.
I wonder if the fear most feel by this man is the fear of freedom. The fear to be whomever you chose, to act however you wish as long as you dont infringe on the rights of those around you. I have observed the "pink" person during my visits to downtown Santa Cruz, and I have never once observed him acting in a way that would harm a fly. Yes he walks slow, something most of us should try out. Yes he smiles at strangers but, isnt it sad we live in a society where smiling at people you dont know is freaky?
The only crime here is taking the small box we have built for men (and women as well) and saying, I refuse to adhere to these ridiculous rules. I will be who I want to be, I will force you to deal with this, and I will NOT be rude or unkind to anyone (even though one can only imagine the rude comments and facial expressions the "pink" person has endured).
Maybe he is exhausted of this experiment in human behavior, maybe he gave up. Maybe he got tired of pink and is now into brown leisure suits (now THAT is offensive).
Wouldnt it be cool to live in a society where someone like the "pink" person is admired for the utter courage it must take to be the opposite of what others have defined as who you should be.
Now that would be freedom. And we are far from that state of liberty.
Brad
Hello YaYa,
Interesting blog. I have no idea what happened to the "Pink Umbrella Man."
Being a resident of the eastcoast I unfortunately did not have the opportunity to witness this man who apparently loved the color pink.
I must admit reading about him peeked my curiosity. Could it be that he was just eccentric and dared to be bold? Refusing to remain in the "mainstream" of things.
People are fearful of the unknown and of things they do not comprehend. Hence, we still live in an age where there is no tolerance, compassion, or acceptance for people who are different than we are.
Sometimes people who are different are sent into our lives for a reason or to test us. Unfortunately, most of society fail this test miserably.
And just to let you know Santa Cruz is not the only place lacking Black men.
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