Looking at the statue the artist conceived, it is less about the figure being "strong" or "sympathetic" but rather that he looks like a dictator. I believe an African American artist should have been chosen to create the monument anyway, but the artist has not captured empathy, warmth or strength. He has created an uninspiring, lacking in vision, personification that doesn't capture MLK in any way.

Sent by Roberta Meek | 4:27 PM ET | 05-12-2008

I have to agree with the commission but for slightly different reasons. The body language of MLK with his arms crossed could be subject to various negative interpretations. Is he angry? Is he in a defensive position? Is he hiding something? Is he cold? I would like to see a more thoughful, introspective pose for MLK.

Sent by Bill M | 9:34 AM ET | 05-13-2008

There is nothing about the statue that is inspiring. Having his arms crossed is a closed gesture in terms of body language.
Its a shame that one of our American heroes had a sculpture "outsourced" to China...You get what you pay for.

Sent by Glenn | 11:06 AM ET | 05-13-2008

To me he looks pensive. Almost like someone looking back at his legacy and questioning the path that his people are taking.

Sent by James McKissic | 3:13 PM ET | 05-13-2008

Sound like buyer's remorse on the part of the commission as well there should be. This is not a very good likeness of MLK and at least for me, ilicits no emotional connection with the piece.

Sent by Miss T | 7:07 PM ET | 05-13-2008

The Asian artist made M.L. King, Jr. look like a Socialist dictator. The pose does not inspire, but sets up an authoritarian gesture, like a high school principal overseeing a noisy lunch crowd.

Where the artist depicts strength, it is accomplished with an understanding of authoritarianism not spiritualism or compassion. He needs to take another look at the sculptures of Michelangelo emerging from stone at the Louvre.

Sent by Arturo Alonzo Sandoval | 9:53 PM ET | 05-13-2008

How can the statue look more "sympathetic" when MLK's life's work was his anger against the injustice of his nation's government at the time. Though he followed Gandhi's principles of non-violence, let's face it, MLK wasn't Gandhi in demeanor.

We just observed 40 years after his death and some critics views were MLK was being "santa-clausified" since he was more than just the "I have a dream" speech. So I find it ironic that the commission is doing the exact thing the critics bemoaned.

Again, to all the art experts: How should the statue be erected? Is it with MLK preaching on the pulpit not to back down against inequality? Or matching for the Montgomery Boycott? I could go on but none of the images would still draw a "sympathetic" figure. Besides, all art is subjective.

Sent by Moji | 10:58 PM ET | 05-13-2008

Interesting that a few of the preceding posting make reference to MLK appearing like a "socialist" and/or "dictator". From what reference point are these comments being made by these individuals given that they seem to be existing quite well under an unspoken fascist-like police state if all within the northern portion of the americas.

I as a child of the 1960s think it a good rendition of MLK looking over the mountain top and seeing nothing but the valley of the shadow of miasma that is the sad state of the nation's lack racial healing that was a small part of his life's work. To me, it is saying shame on you [plural] and I died for this state of affairs. It would make John Brown proud though I think.

I think it time we have had enough of the MLK martyr-messiah, accomodationist cult and start depicting him as the angry at the foot dragging Martin that he was when he was assassinated.

Besides, did not Martin stated when a man stands up erect, no other man can ride your back no longer. Yeah, he did and so..VIOLA!!! Martin standing erect for no man to ride his back!

Good job! Anything less than this view would be yet another emasculation of the African man.

Sent by K MJUMBE | 2:16 AM ET | 05-14-2008

I read through the comments and was glad to see the discomfort people felt with this depiction. I don't recognize MLK at all either for physical features or the energy of the man. He should appear with open body language and a demeanor that gives viewers a sense of greatness. His gift to all people was his ability to move us in the spiritual sense AND move us to action. The MLK spirit is about moving out of our fears to take right action---each and every one of us.

Sent by Aisha Gabriel | 3:31 PM ET | 05-14-2008

I love it! Don't change a thing. It reminds me of a one the best photos every taken of Dr. King. It's a black and white image with his arm folded across his chest. A powerful photo it is. A powerful statute this will be.

Sent by AJ | 6:10 PM ET | 05-14-2008

I wish I had not heard that the piece was done by a lead Chinese sculptor because now I'm biased. He looks like Mao Tse Tung. FURTHERMORE, why are we giving everything to China? Chinese policies are against human rights and having MLK carved by someone in that nation (whether or not he agrees with the nation) is a mockery of what King stood for.

Sent by cecelia may | 11:04 PM ET | 05-14-2008

MLK was asian?????

Sent by mary ellen pleasant | 7:31 PM ET | 05-21-2008

The artist rendered his work from a picture of Dr. King in that pose!

Dr. King fought for people of ALL races and so limiting the artist to only blacks may not reflect his vision.

Sent by sam zilberg | 10:02 AM ET | 06-20-2008