While takedowns of colonial statues continue in the States and abroad in response to global anti-racist protesting, the fanbase of Richmond, VA shock-rock band GWAR has launched a petition to erect a statue of late band member Oderus Urungus in the place of the city's Robert E. Lee statue.
Yesterday (June 9), former GWAR affiliate Slymenstra Hymen (a.k.a. Danielle Stampe) posted a doctored photo of Urungus atop the Lee platform. Then, earlier today, a GWAR "scumdog" used that photo to launch a Change.org petition in support of the proposed statue, calling for the takedown of Lee's commemorative monument in the name of anti-racism.
The petition reads:
Robert E. Lee is a failed war general that supported a racist cause. For too long, the city of Richmond has been displaying statues of him and other loser civil war veterans.
We the scumdogs of the universe call on the city of Richmond to erect a statue of great local leader Oderus Urungus in its place. While Oderus comes from the planet Scumdogia, he called Richmond his home, working with the local art community and employing local artists and ladies of the night.
At the time of reporting, the petition has reached over 3,500 signatures of the 5,000-signature goal. Earlier this week, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam ordered the removal of the Lee statue in response to country-wide protests. A judge later halted the order.
So far, there has been no word on whether or not the statue will be replaced, but should officials find it in their hearts to do so, at least the city's residents have made their voices heard.
Oderus Urungus — a.k.a. GWAR founding member Dave Brockie — passed away in his home back in 2014 from an apparent heroin overdose. The artist was born in Ottawa, but moved to Virginia at a young age.
Yesterday (June 9), former GWAR affiliate Slymenstra Hymen (a.k.a. Danielle Stampe) posted a doctored photo of Urungus atop the Lee platform. Then, earlier today, a GWAR "scumdog" used that photo to launch a Change.org petition in support of the proposed statue, calling for the takedown of Lee's commemorative monument in the name of anti-racism.
The petition reads:
Robert E. Lee is a failed war general that supported a racist cause. For too long, the city of Richmond has been displaying statues of him and other loser civil war veterans.
We the scumdogs of the universe call on the city of Richmond to erect a statue of great local leader Oderus Urungus in its place. While Oderus comes from the planet Scumdogia, he called Richmond his home, working with the local art community and employing local artists and ladies of the night.
At the time of reporting, the petition has reached over 3,500 signatures of the 5,000-signature goal. Earlier this week, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam ordered the removal of the Lee statue in response to country-wide protests. A judge later halted the order.
So far, there has been no word on whether or not the statue will be replaced, but should officials find it in their hearts to do so, at least the city's residents have made their voices heard.
Oderus Urungus — a.k.a. GWAR founding member Dave Brockie — passed away in his home back in 2014 from an apparent heroin overdose. The artist was born in Ottawa, but moved to Virginia at a young age.
