Giant Cross Is Gang Symbol

Researching online for other views about the giant cross at VCC Clark Sky Train, I found out that it is copied from a gang symbol that guys in the neighbourhood used to write on walls and get tattooed on their arms back before tattoos were chic. You can read the article at this site, written by someone who approves of it - but also, read the comments below it:

http://www.citycaucus.com/2010/01/east-van-no-rules

Apparently there was an article about the plan for this cross last November in the Vancouver Sun.

I looked up the guy who designed it, Ken Lum - here he is on Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Lum

He has tons of honors and has done tons of public art projects previously, but some of his other projects have also been "controversial."

The Wikipedia article says he was born in 1956 and grew up in Strathcona, and that "his art is conceptually oriented, and generally concerned with issues of identity."

Perhaps he has put this gang symbol up in East Van as a way of claiming it for the gang-bangers (probably some other term was used back then) of his generation. I wonder if he was a member, or a wanna-be. At the time this mark was invented, it must have been intended to create a sense of belonging for some and strike fear into those who didn't belong. It's still doing it.

I don't like it. But if it could scare off the yuppies...

The Crucifixion of East Van

If you would like to complain about the giant cross now dominating the VCC-Clark Skytrain station, I think this could be a good place to do it. http://tripplanning.translink.ca/hiwire?.a=cCustomerComplaint

Here's what I posted.

Incident: Please quickly remove the giant cross with "East Van" written on the back that has suddenly appeared towering over the VCC-Clark Skytrain station. I gather that this is intended to be a work of public art, however, to me it is distressing and offensive. Having spoken to other residents of this neighbourhood, I believe this to be a general sentiment. There was no consultation to my knowledge, and if there had been, the opinion would surely have been against it. We are a highly multicultural neighbourhood, and this monstrous secular installation of a symbol sacred to one religion is insulting to non-Christians and Christians alike. I think we would be happier with some nice flowers on this spot, but if we have to have art, please give us the giant raindrop that was removed from another stop at the behest of TV crews. Unlike the Cross, rain is a universal symbol for Vancouverites.

-FW

Petition for Off-Leash Area in Guelph Park

Message received:
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> Hi,
>
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> http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/offleash/
>
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> ------------------------------