Houston's Most Honest Bridge: A Tale of Transmutable Messages
Ah, Houston. The city of bayous, gargantuan egos, and a bridge that can't seem to make up its mind. You might be wondering, what bridge am I talking about? Why, the iconic (and sometimes infamous) "Be Someone" bridge, of course! This graffiti-covered railroad bridge in the Heights neighborhood has become a cultural touchstone, as famous for its artistic expression as it is for its, shall we say, changeable personality.
Be Someone: The OG Message (Well, Kinda)
Let's be honest, the "Be Someone" message is about as Houstonian as sweet tea on a scorching summer day. It's aspirational, a little bit braggadocious, and undeniably catchy. But here's the thing: "Be Someone" wasn't always the star of the show. The origins of the bridge's artistic endeavors are shrouded in mystery, like a perfectly-seasoned bowl of Texas chili – full of flavor, but with a recipe passed down through generations.
From Public Service Announcements to Political Statements: The Bridge Gets Vocal
The "Be Someone" bridge is more than just a pretty face (well, bridge). It's a canvas for social commentary! We've seen messages like "Wash Ur Hands" (a timely reminder during, you know, a global pandemic), and "George Floyd", a powerful tribute to a man whose name echoed around the world. The bridge even donned the ever-so-subtle "#SaveOurChildren" for a while, though that one might have gotten a little lost in translation.
Vote or Die: The Bridge Gets Blunt (and Maybe a Touch Dramatic)
Then came 2020. Emotions were high, stakes were higher, and the "Be Someone" bridge decided to throw political correctness out the window. Bam! "Vote or Die" became the new message, a bold statement that left drivers pondering their civic duty (or mortality, depending on their interpretation).
So, What Does the Bridge Say Now?
Ah, that's the beauty of the "Be Someone" bridge, my friend. It's a living, breathing organism, or at least a concrete and steel one that gets a makeover every now and then. As of today, May 6th, 2024, your guess is as good as mine. But hey, that's part of the charm!
So next time you're cruising down I-45 and catch a glimpse of the bridge, take a moment to appreciate its ever-evolving message. It might inspire you, challenge you, or just make you chuckle. That's the Houston way, after all.
