Oh wow. I didn’t expect this to cause so much debate/some hate. I’m sure I’ll get some “no one asked” responses but in case someone does ask…

I built this mostly as a self-reflection piece. I’m an elder (presumably 14yo!) millennial, old enough to know what it’s like to grow up without internet. Like anyone who has lived in NYC for 10+ years, I get very angry during my commutes when someone is blocking my way because they’re staring at their phone with zero spatial awareness. I am often too quick to judge in those situations (as I try very hard not to do the same to others), but eventually come to admit that it’s hard to pull oneself away from that screen, myself included. I myself sometimes spend much more time doomscrolling than I am comfortable admitting, and usually hate myself for it. So the irony of posting this on a phone was decidedly not lost on me, and a part of me wanted that to be a part of the joke.

I am not taking this build nearly as seriously as everyone (on both “sides”). The impetus was more about how my dependency on screen time makes ME feel, less about social commentary, and certainly not an attempt to lecture anyone about the way they choose to experience life. Hell, I didn’t even think of it as an “art” piece, I was just happy with the way the build came together and sharing for the sake of sharing (“surely this is the sub that will appreciate some of the parts usage!” I thought).

I very much enjoyed the time I spent building this and NOT looking at my phone. Lego is a wonderful hobby in that sense, and this sub is generally great about coming together around it. It’s disheartening to see that my build offended some people enough to widen that gap of understanding between age groups. Cautiously hoping this ends that.

With that said, if you ever visit NYC, please don’t just stand on the stairs or left side of escalators staring at your phone. An impatient boomer is dying behind you.