Venice: Selling-off a City Brand

Last week I have been in Venice again. Venice is drowning, not just in the sea, but sinking into tourists, going under in commercialism - and its own greed.

On our last day we saw this poster in the historical (and at the same time tourist) center of the city (photo by me):

Venice is killing its own brand, positioning, heritage by every new commercial venture - and designer brands is only the latest commercial idea.

The new Venice is a Disney Land where tourists and commercials took over culture and art. Mediocracy has taken over.

And they ridicule at the city's forefathers:

In its zenith the city of Venice has been portraied by many well known artists - and always as a young, strong and beautiful women:

Via wikipedia.

Today, as you can see in the first picture, Venice is portrayed as a young lady, too. Offering the last she has to offer: bargains, rebates, sales, to attract the masses.

No more power, courage, and self-confidence, she is sacrificing herself on the altar of mass tourism and its pitfalls. Neglecting any distinction, personality, and character. Falling prey to mere mammon - even accelerating the vicious circle of her own ruin.

Quite a sad story ...