richard_carden: @safcfans course i'm watchin it, was either pub or with shaun so indoors cheap drink front row happy days cheaper than pub lol
about 4 hours ago
sewinhappyplace: Now in my shop... Boxy / Pocket or Purse Tissue Holder Cozy Case / Happy Days link
about 7 hours ago
bella_720: @Fonzie_Gomez hey fonzie u forget me or remeber me?(: lol I haven't been able to tweet as much bcuz of school but glad to c ur on(:
about 13 hours ago
Liy939: @Fonzie_Gomez Hey fonzie! =] One question,when will you start following people or your fans? =]
about 14 hours ago
AndrewMcTernan: Enjoying a glass or three of bubbles in the Myer marquee @ States Day, happy days.
about 23 hours ago
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"Happy Days" depicted an innocent, small-town Milwaukee. |
 | By Molly Snyder Edler   OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer E-mail author | Author bio More articles by Molly Snyder Edler |
| Published Dec. 2, 2007 at 5:25 a.m. |
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Earlier this week, local gallery owner Mike Brenner said he would close his gallery and move out of Milwaukee if the bronze statue of TV icon Fonzie is erected in Downtown Milwaukee. Milwaukee Art Museum director David Gordon also chimed in with opposition to the project. OnMilwaukee.com's Jeff Sherman wrote a blog about Brenner's statement, which inspired a swarm of talkbackers to give their thoughts on the statue and more.
Like it or hate it, "Happy Days" will always be associated with Milwaukee, because the popular show, which ran from 1974-'84, took place here. Brew City travelers know that people outside of Milwaukee still mentally connect the city to "Happy Days" (or "Laverne & Shirley," depending on the country) as well as beer, Harley Davidson and / or, sadly, Jeff Dahmer.
But is "Happy Days" a positive aspect of Milwaukee's history and helpful to our current image, or does it simply reinforce inaccuracies and stereotypes? Sound off, Milwaukee!
"Happy Days" is great for Milwaukee's image. "Happy Days" keeps the hard-working, family-oriented, close-knit community aspects of Milwaukee alive. There's a lot of negative press about Milwaukee's crime and violence, and thank goodness some people still liken this city with that classic show to balance out negative perceptions. "Happy Days" was an extremely popular program and fun, too, so it's an honor to have Milwaukee associated with such great success.
"Happy Days" is dragging us down. I'm sick of old Milwaukee stereotypes, perpetuated by shows like "Happy Days." The show's characters are naïve, creating the myth that Milwaukeeans are polite small-towners with a interest in nothing more than beer, sausage and bowling. We need to improve Milwaukee's image, and "Happy Days" unfortunately keeps us stuck in an old, outdated groove.
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11 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review. |
Recent Talkbacks ...
Posted by mitchgat on Dec. 3, 2007 at 5:02 p.m. (report)
Can someone answer one question for me: is this a publicly funded project OR is the money for the statue being raised privately?
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Posted by iowajudy on Dec. 3, 2007 at 4:53 p.m. (report)
Mike Brenner,Hotcakes Gallery owner and the guy who said he'd close shop if the Bronzie comes to town, served on the Milwaukee Arts Board, but left after a year, claiming the Board "rubber stamped" proposals. Did they rubber-stamp this one?
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Posted by Paralegalit on Dec. 3, 2007 at 1:14 p.m. (report)
Some very interesting comments here! I see Chavo414's point of view and Lawgirls points. Is Happy Days good or bad for Milwaukee's image? Both. The positives are what Lawgirl said, Milwaukee is one of the friendlier places in this country and is a better representation of that than Clevland or Pittsburg or Baltimore or any other place. However, if we want to finally get out of the 50's we need a different image. Most of what made the life of the 50's just that are now gone. Big manufacturing will barely survive in this country, and unless this city makes some huge concessions to lure the few that will survive to make Milwaukee thier home, then it is time to move on. Time to partner with UWM, Marquette, MATC and MSOE to make the valley Silicon Valley North!! Another note about Happy Days - It doesn't represent our large minority population very well now does it? As far as the statue goes, sure put it up! It is a part of our history. But don't you dare put it anywhere near the Calatrava. Put it in front of the Milwaukee Public Museum where it belongs!
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Posted by Chavo414 on Dec. 3, 2007 at 11:46 a.m. (report)
Early 20s point of view. This city is too stuck into the old fashion way of living. Milwaukee Represent Wisconsin, COMMON PEOPLE!!. I think Madison even does better when it comes to comparing Cities that are moving towards a Modern way of living. NO offens but when I think of Happy Days, I think of old fashion folks. If thats the crowd its going to attrack well I dont think these folks are gonna be spending Money or Looking for Rooms at the Pfister. Forget about eating at our nice local Restaurants. It'll be Mcdonald during their entire stay. Save a nickel or dime during their stay. Then wonder why our LOCAL employers are always cutting back on our WORK PAY. Milwaukee needs a REVENUE and something to bring Business into town! If Its gotta be something and bronz. Lets focus on HARLEY (at least they are international and have a BIG REVENUE of Following customers) more profit, more money, more jobs. HAPPY DAYS has a very poor economy way of look at. It might mean family values and nice neighborhood, but what are we looking for? I thought the statue was a business and $ point of view? NOT a family and nice neighborhood view. I am not about this kind of view. DONT LIKE HARLEYS but I support them more for the revenue they will bring to our city.
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Posted by mitchgat on Dec. 3, 2007 at 8:38 a.m. (report)
Hey Lawgirl, THANK YOU for your comments. Great post!
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Show me the other 6 Talkbacks
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