Watch CBS News

Vandals Trim Canadian Bush Into Phallic Symbol Aimed At Detroit

With glowing hearts we see thee rise; The true north, strong and free; From far and wide, O Canada ...

By Christy Strawser, digital director

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) This probably wasn't what the writer of the Canadian national anthem had in mind with those lyrics, but oddly enough it seems to fit.

Some mischievous person in Canada recently trimmed an innocent park bush on the other side of the Detroit River into a giant phallic symbol. From a certain angle, it appears to be aimed at the previously untouched Renaissance Center, home of General Motors, and long a symbol of the city's attempts at rebirth.

What is that bush doing to the iconic image of Detroit? You be the judge.

CBC News in Windsor uncovered the scamps' vandalism and brought it to the attention of Cathy Masterson, manager of the city's cultural affairs. She was reportedly dismayed.

"Unfortunately, it appears that someone chose to come and vandalize some of the shrubs and turn them into new shapes," she told CBC. "This would definitely have fallen outside of our mandate. It's always surprising when something that unusual happens."

So, how did the mild-mannered Canadians react? They politely re-trimmed the bush back into a non-offensive shape and went about their business.

But Detroit may not let it go so easily.

"Stand by for a strong response from The Fist," one man said on Facebook, referencing the famous Joe Louis fist cast in bronze.

Jefferson Ave. in Detroit
(credit: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images) FILE
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.