Today, I am thankful for those situations where an ugly duckling turns into a beautiful swan.
Recently, my youngest son came to me with an unusual, provocative request. He requested parental permission to paint the ceiling in his bedroom with black paint. My immediate response was terse and visceral with me vehemently denying the request. However, when he shared his rationale regarding why a darker ceiling would help him on multiple fronts, my wife and I acquiesced (eventually). Frankly, for all you contemplating a similar design motif, I should readily admit that a black ceiling is both bold and intriguing, though I would warn you it will darken the room to an appreciable extent. Fortunately, for my son, his room has three large windows and southern exposure, so everyone is now peachy-keen with the final decision.
On this day (May 6) in 1966, the Rolling Stones released a song, cowritten by Mick Jagger and Keith Jagger, entitled ‘Paint It Black.’ Though I realize my 15-year old son has probably never heard it (or would ever deign to listen to it), the melody exemplifies the power of being different and doing something bold, both of which might ordinarily go against the mainstream of society’s norms and mores.
I’m reminded of a bold, unusual decision that was made in Paris nearly 125 years ago. In preparation for the World’s Fair slated to begin in the spring of 1889 (on the 100thanniversary of Bastille Day), the organizers held an open competition for folks to design a captivating centerpiece for the exposition. More than 100 proposals were submitted by designers, architects, and artists. The selected option was a wrought-iron, lattice tower that would arch upwards nearly 1,000 feet into the sky from its 4-part base. Originally known as the ‘Iron Lady’, the design eventually was renamed after the designer, Gustave Eiffel. Its unorthodox design led many to cry foul, even inspiring some 300 members of the French intelligentsia to publish their overt outcry in an 1887 newspaper proclaiming their horror and distraught at the ‘monstrosity’ of the ‘gigantic, black smoke stack” that Eiffel had designed.
Nevertheless. the ugly ducking was not cast away. Instead, it was casted in iron as initially planned. As a compromise, a decision was made to keep it erect for twenty years to allow Eiffel the opportunity to recoup the monies he put into building it. When the World’s Fair finally opened on this exact day (May 6) in 1889, tens of thousands from across Europe and globe arrived in Paris to lay eyes on the massive structure. It was the belle at the ball, so to speak, and it has remained in the hearts of Parisians of world travelers ever since.
Even more so, let’s think about its utility. First, the tower has been the #1 attraction for the city, sparking millions to visit the ‘City of Lights’ – incidentally, the Eiffel Tower is also spectacularly lit up at night, a sight all should behold before they die. Second, the Tower is equipped with more than 100 antennas to support radio and television broadcasting throughout France and Southwestern Europe. In fact, in times of war, those antennas have not only allowed the French military to send wireless messages, they have been used to uncover secret plots against the country. If you don’t believe me, take time to read on the internet as to how the French discovered, arrested, and convicted the notorious spy, Mata Hari, in 1914. Finally, the Tower has even served as a billboard for advertising, as was the case for the Citreon Automobile Company for an eleven-year period during the ‘roaring 20s.’ Fortunately, its advertising role came to an end in 1936.
All this said, it’s fair to say that the ugly ‘black’ duckling has turned into a beautiful swan. Ironically, the Eiffel Tower was never really painted black, despite initial protestations. Over the years, it has sported many colors, including its original reddish-brown color and (what may come as a surprise to many) a bright yellow hue. Today, it is actually painted in 3 different shades of brown, each a bit lighter with increasing elevation.
The story of the Eiffel Tower reminds me to never prejudge. As Mick and Keith taught me well:
“Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts It's not easy facing up, when your whole world is black.”
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