Kitsch is defined as “art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way.”

How would you characterize the photo to the left? It pretty much describes how I felt seeing these “displays” everywhere on this part of the beach and in the water. I felt no appreciation “in an ironic or knowing way,” just alienation and sadness.

I took these photos during summer trip to Phu Quoc, which I wrote about in a previous post. entitled Tourism in Vietnam: A Tale of Two Tastes? My initial reaction was WTF?

Vietnam is a country endowed with so much natural beauty but that’s often not enough for those authorities who grant permission for these monstrosities masquerading as art to be constructed. As I wrote in the other post, my guess is that domestic and foreign tourists have a very different perspective. This is based on anecdotal evidence not a scientific survey.

I just want to look at the sea not the eyesores blocking my view. It’s not fun or uplifting; it’s just plain depressing. I want to destroy all of them with my magic wand and restore the natural beauty of the scenery. I’m reminded of the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Below is bonus photo of flying elephants in the sea. 😡 Use your imagination.

Shalom (שלום), MAA