The absolute worst human statue in the history of Rome

As my eyes scan the Piazza Navona, they happen upon something they simply cannot look away from. Sticking out like a sore thumb in front of the beautiful and timeless Fontana del Moro is a tall moving statue, sunlight reflecting off of its silver robe in an offensive manner, making me feel quite grateful to be wearing sunglasses. As a breeze blows in the direction of the impostor, the wind presses against him and reveals that he seems to be standing on a box to create the illusion of height. The sharp corners of the box peek through his impossibly shiny costume and ruin the appearance of the ¨statue.¨ Every few seconds he lifts his gleaming right arm and gives three sharp mechanical waves to someone across the piazza, beckoning them to come take a photo with him. When someone gets close enough he offers his hand and sometimes gets lucky enough to rope the unsuspecting lady or gent into taking a photo with him. These people are often the touristy ones; accessorized with a sun hat, bulky camera and sometimes even a fanny pack. A woman about half the size of the statue pauses awkwardly while her husband snaps a photo. Tsk tsk, oh to be a naive traveler! Apparently this couple has not experienced Italy enough to know that this particular street performer is not exactly photo-worthy. The statue man, shining brighter than the tin can he has placed out in front of him, gets bored of one side of the piazza and twists his torso around to look for more victims. While his back is to me, his left hand gives a twitch while his right hand absentmindedly moves up and down his tummy. Is he not aware that I can still see him? This guy is insulting the Fontana del Moro by standing in front of it. Maybe instead of aggressively waving to passers by he should focus his gaze straight ahead to the fantastic Bernini fountain in the center of the piazza and take a few lessons in stillness from the figures carved in its magnificent stone. I’d bet a whole tin can full of euros that people would be much more drawn to him if he would only stay still!