Instagram/@heidimontag
The decision to put a makeover on a children’s park in Palisades, California, was, according to Montag, an unfortunate one. The fire truck theme is “traumatizing” and “tone deaf” for an area that has seen so many evacuations due to wildfires. The reality star-turned-activist thereby shared her fury in a video promoting the podcast, “The Fame Game”, which went viral as many shared her disdain against City officials for such decisions.
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“Very emotional video statement of Heidi Montag: ‘You just spent a million dollars to rebuild our children’s park with fire trucks and sirens that are so loud, so traumatizing.’ There was a painful irony to this where they had to put in a fire-themed playground in a place where children were actively evacuated from their schools in the midst of actual wildfires.” Montag continued, “It is so tone deaf, this whole thing, and they don’t even care about it. Where was the community voting in this design decision that was so insensitive?”
The audience was extremely prompt and supportive. “Very good point. Keep calling them out,” a screamer yelled at the defense of these points, while a second screamed, “WOAH THIS IS SO TRUE,” which perfectly sounded like an echo from many who had just heard about the theme for the park.
The disbelief came shattering down on the decisions. “Ridiculous. A fire truck park. Ridiculous.” One further reiterated the sprightly opinion that the fire truck theme was inappropriate. “They are laughing in y’all’s faces fr. Smh,” said another, insinuating this park design act was a purposeful insult to the community trauma.
The tide then turned political with many pointing fingers at California Governor Gavin Newsom. “That’s what happens when Gavin Newsome is in charge,” complained one, while another predicted, “Newsom will continue to destroy California. It’s despicable” Such a political commentary transforms the dominantly local issue onto a much more expansive domain, encompassing leadership and community representation.
There were some who went further in praising her. One: “Get into politics shorty, they won’t know what anthem them.” It was then suggested that Montag can proceed with her advocacy beyond this incident. The second commenter seemingly suspends all discussion on that note: “COMPLETE IMBISOLS💪🏽👏🏽👏🏽 YES 💯…. And can we also talk abt how good you look… reppin for all us hot moms all over!!”
One can clearly see how deeply the issue ignites controversies when it comes to community decisions for places meant for children, especially if those decisions seem dismissive of recent traumas. Taking a stand for the Palisades residents indicates that Montag has transformed from a reality star to a community advocate, using her celebrity presence to champion issues that directly impact families within her vicinity.
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Times remain uncertain as to whether local officials will respond to the criticism or the call to rethink this controversial theme as the discourse still continues on social media. She has ultimately done her community a favor in putting on the map a contentious subject that would have otherwise remained a local issue. The problem today clearly remains as a prominent reminder that community spaces should be reflective of the residents’ recent experiences rather than barging into amplifying the past.
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