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'Quite simply, bizarre': $10M Martin Luther King Jr statue receives mixed reactions on social media

Designed by Hank Willis Thomas and MASS Design Group, the Martin Luther King Jr statue stands tall at the Freedom Plaza of the Boston Common

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: Ahead of Martin Luther King Jr Day, a 22-foot-tall monument honoring the civil rights icon was unveiled in Boston on January 13. Named 'The Embrace', the bronze statue represents the iconic hug between Dr Martin Luther King Jr and his wife Coretta Scott King after he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. 

Designed by Hank Willis Thomas and MASS Design Group, the sculpture, built at a cost of $10 million, has been installed in the Freedom Plaza of the Boston Common. Visitors to 'The Embrace' can also engage in a digital experience through a self-guided app, where they can learn more about the monument, Freedom Plaza, and the Kings' legacy, CBS News reported.

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While 'The Embrace' stands tall at the Boston Common - America's first public park - where Dr King's civil rights march from Roxbury concluded, the sculpture has left the internet divided. Several netizens feel that the statue does not do justice to the legacy of Dr King or represent the iconic moment when he won the Nobel Peace Prize.

"Here is the bronze sculpture called "The Embrace". She honors and represents Martin Luther King Jr and Coretta Scott King in Boston. You want my opinion?, The architects should be fired immediately for this horrific depiction of Doctor King," wrote one user, sharing the video of the statue's unveiling. "It's the embrace of Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King. It is, quite simply, bizarre," wrote another. A third user commented, "This is not good. It certainly is not millions of dollars good. It definitely does not inspire or evoke the memory of Martin Luther King or Mrs. king. It does not even evoke an embrace. It is poor and week from conception to execution. It’s garbage and a shame. MLK deserves more. (sic)"

Others, on the other hand, are happy at the honor bestowed upon the icon whose 1963 speech, 'I have a dream', continues to inspire millions towards protecting civil rights and liberties. "The new statue in Boston of Martin Luther King (The Embrace) is a fitting tribute to his legacy," wrote one user, while another commented, "Excited to see the new statue honoring Martin Luther King Jr & Coretta Scott King on Boston Common! The artist's ability to capture their embrace in such a powerful and unique way is truly impressive."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.