Snaps with surcharge
According to reports, Lady Liberty herself will now charge $5 per selfie. Park officials argue the revenue will go toward torch polishing and pigeon deterrent systems. “Freedom isnt free,” said one ranger. “Its $5, plus tax.”
Tourists are divided. “Its still cheaper than a Broadway ticket,” said one. Locals were furious: “Ive lived here 40 years, and now the statue wants my Venmo?” The fees will be enforced by rangers wielding selfie-stick detectors. Anyone caught taking an unpaid photo risks having their phone confiscated and replaced with a flip phone.
Critics say it cheapens the symbol of liberty. “Next thing you know, the Empire State Building will charge for eye contact,” grumbled one New Yorker. But influencers cheered: “It makes my selfies more exclusive,” said a TikToker while livestreaming herself crying at the ticket counter.
TikToks #LibertyFee trend has gone viral, featuring creators dramatically throwing dollar bills into the harbor. One video showed a tourist Venmoing the statue directly and receiving a “thanks fam ????” auto-reply.
Tabloids lit it up. “SELFIE TAX” screamed the Post. The Daily News countered: “LADY GREED.”
Mayor Adams praised it as “photo monetization.” Governor Hochul muttered, “If I pay to smile at a statue, Im banning seagulls.”
SOURCE: https://bohiney.com/statue-of-liberty-to-start-charging-selfie-fees/
SOURCE: https://bohiney.com/statue-of-liberty-to-start-charging-selfie-fees/.
By: Annika Steinmann.
