Poster in Scotland Disputes Myth of SantaMay 27, 6:55 PM (ET)
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) - A month after it ignited controversy, a billboard that questions the existence of Santa Claus went on display on a street corner Friday.
Artist Darren Cullen found an alternative site for the 20-foot-by-10-foot work after Maiden Outdoor, which owns the billboard, refused to show it four weeks ago following media attention.
Critics say the piece - which carries the slogans "Stop Lying To Your Children About Santa Claus" and "Santa Gives More To Rich Kids Than Poor Kids" - is an attempt to ruin the magic of Christmas.
Cullen insists it is his way of highlighting the dangers of consumerism.
"Maiden seemed to think that it was a contentious issue that they couldn't be associated with in public," Cullen, 22, said Friday. "Their job is to promote consumerism and Santa's a hero of their industry, so I can see why."
Cullen said Santa Claus is a lie which teaches children that products will make them happy.
"If you try and tell kids the truth about how they're being manipulated, you're the bad guy crushing their dreams," he said.
Cullen's portfolio also includes a drawing of Santa saying "I killed Jesus."
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