Nicki Minaj's wax figure debuted at the Madam Tussaud's museum in Las Vegas on Aug. 4th and, since then, has sparked controversy. The website highlights the artistry, dedication, and time taken to recreate a figure that capture the likeness of Minaj, but ignored the bigger picture. Literally. The figure bearing a vague resemblance to the rapper is provocatively and suggestively depicted on all fours.
Despite having the “Anaconda” video serve as inspiration for the figure, the museum’s choice to capture Minaj in an overtly sexual and vulnerable fashion is disrespectful and a testament of what is wrong with how we choose to talk or portray fearless and empowered women. Even though Minaj is known for her eccentric style and provocation, these aren’t her sole accomplishments. She is a rapper, songwriter and businesswoman thriving in fields that are typically dominated by men. Minaj's figure is the only one posed like this, which begs the question: why would the museum chose to memorialize her like this, rather than standing up with a mic in her hand (like all her female counterparts)? Adding fuel to the fire, the museum has issued a blanket statement, but has failed to apologize for creating a sexual wax figure in the first place. 
The insult escalated when fans began displaying and cataloging their worst behavior around the life-sized model. Several pictures show fans groping the statue's breasts or buttocks, and then there is this:
Not only does this image make me recoil with both shock and disgust, but it worries me. Although this is an inanimate object, this man's behavior is appalling, primarily because it's an indication of the power relations between men and women. His actions confirm an archaic sexist belief that women are objects and can be treated such. Violence towards women is nothing new, but statistics show that women of color are more likely to experience sexual assault in their life. So to the man in the picture (all of those who don't think much of this), please keep in mind that you are in a PUBLIC setting flaunting your chauvinism -- there is enough of that in the world -- and, most importantly, THIS IS NOT HOW YOU TREAT A WOMEN...yes, I understand that it is a statue, but come on.
Luckily, the museum has decided to redesign the wax figure, but that does not make up for any of the events that occurred. I hope for a future where women no longer have to grip their keys as they walk home at night for fear of being attacked, where there's no pay gap, where we don't have to fear the police, where we aren't catcalled as we walk home, or to work and where we aren't valued for our physical attributes but rather for who we are as human beings.
