28.6.17

#RubberDuckieTO creates flap


A giant rubber duckie is creating controversy in Toronto on the eve of Canada's 150th anniversary party.

As much as I love rubber duckies, it is shocking to think that politicians think this is something we, the people, would want to see on the country's national day.

What does a rubber ducky have to do with Canadian history?

According to a press release, the 6-storey rubber duck is the world's largest.

It will be in the H2O park on the Toronto waterfront over the weekend. The rubber duckie will star at the Redpath Waterfront Festival funded by the federal, provincial and city governments.

The Ontario government is contributing $121,000 toward the festival, according to the CBC, Canada's national broadcaster.

Background research shows that the first rubber duckies were made as chew toys at the end of the 19th century. It wasn't until the 1940s that manufacturers transformed them into the familiar floating bath toy, according to the Toy Hall of Fame.

Many people think the 150th anniversary of confederation is nothing to celebrate, least of all with a giant rubber duckie.

The poster featuring a representation of the rubber duckie (and U.S. spelling of "honor") shown in the photo above is one of many plastered along Bloor Street.

One friend said we should greet the rubber duckie with a giant hat pin, but I've heard nothing specific about protests:

It turns out the rubber duckie isn't even the "real thing!