The second part in my two part series on why the new seven wonders are not quite as wonderful as the old seven wonders looks at what the human race chose as the new seven wonders. The man behind the seven wonders is a Swiss businessman by the name of Bernard Weber. While Weber believes that the “people” and not the “government” should decide what the new world wonders are, I must say I have to agree and disagree with Bernard.

I have long held the belief that the common people do not have any taste (as a whole). Just look at the fact that Paris Hilton is popular, Taylor Hicks won American Idol, and Cameron Diaz is still making movies. I agree that the government has no right in deciding the new wonders of the world. I would think though that a combination of scientists, archaeologists, and world experts could have formed a committee to decide the wonders, without nepotism from the towns where these wonders reside.

To be a “new wonder” the structure had to exist prior to 2000. To me, that isn’t a wonder…it’s a fledgling architectural marvel. Further, at least one of the new wonders was built in the 20th century. The current method of building simply cannot compare to old methods. This is seen in the variance of “new world wonders”. While some of the older choices seem acceptable, I have to question why others are on the list.

The first new world wonder is the Great Wall of China. I must say that it does seem pretty amazing that a “stone fortification” can stretch for over 4,000 miles, but the wall, which was originally built in 5th century B.C., has some good sections and some bad sections. I also find it questionable that a “wall” would make it onto a list of wonders. I like to think of the Great Wall more as the “Great Path”, “Great Road” or perhaps even the “Great Fort” in some parts. In comparison to the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Wall just cannot hold a candle. Still, I’d rather have this older structure on a list then something built in the 20th century.

One of the new wonders I do not mind, because it seems to reflect the values of the old structures originally made a part of the Ancient wonders of the world list, is Petra in Jordan. The archeological site, which dates back over 2,000 years, was hidden from the public for many years. The ancient, stone based architecture is reminiscent of Ancient Greece and perhaps even Babylon. Built into the rugged cliffs, Petra in Jordan truly is a sight to see.

The other wonder I do not mind quite as much is the Colosseum in Rome. One of the greatest reminders of the powerful Roman Empire, what remains of the Colosseum (which has survived both stone thieves and Earthquakes) is reflective of the magnificent Roman architecture of the early first century A.D. The Colosseum was completed around 60 A.D. and was used for the popular Gladiator Games as well as other public events. Today, the Colosseum stands proudly, a symbol of the history of the Roman Empire and one of the top visited sites in Italy. To me, the Colosseum has that “Ancient” appeal only available in a true “world wonder”.

What can one say about Brazil’s statue of Christ the Redeemer? I wouldn’t call it a wonder. Sure, it’s a statue atop a hill, of Jesus Christ. I fail to see what is so magnificent about it, in terms of architectural value, but I have a feeling people voted by religion and not by the sheer awesomeness of the wonders when choosing this as a new wonder of the world. Built in 1931, Brazil’s statue of Christ the Redeemer is not even 100 years old! It’s hardly paid its dues and compared to other choices for world wonders, such as the Acropolis and the Pyramid of Giza, the statue has a “hip, new feel”.

In truth, Brazil’s statue of Christ the Redeemer reminds me of Buddy Christ, the smiling icon of Kevin Smith’s film Dogma, but that’s just my personal opinion. At 105 feet tall, the statue seems hardly impressive, but as Christ opens his arms in welcome near the port of Rio de Janeiro, people must surely feel welcome to the city, Catholic or otherwise. Still, this is no reason to make the statue a world wonder, and I am loudly protesting the public’s choice of this as one.

Mexico’s Chichen Itza pyramid is an impressive structure. However, how this pyramid could get chosen and not the larger Giza pyramid is baffling. Sure, Chichen Itza is considered the Mexican version of the Egyptian pyramids, but the purposes for both differed greatly and while Chichen Itza is impressive, I’m not sure how well the structure can compare to the wonders of the Ancient world such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, with its unique irrigation system, or the Temple of Artemis, considered the most beautiful building in the world!

The Taj Mahal has always been viewed as one of the best palaces ever built in the world. Does this make it a world wonder? Perhaps, but not compared to former wonders of the world and other possible world wonder selections. The Taj Mahal was finished in the mid-17th Century and there is no doubt it is a beautiful structure. While the Taj is an important part of world heritage and history, I do not feel the historical bond to the structure like some of the other sites I approve of as world wonders. One of the unique things about the Ancient world wonders is each structure told its own story…the Taj Mahal obviously has a history. It just seems to remain shrouded in mystery.

Finally, we have Peru’s Machu Picchu. What is left of the ruins at this hilltop retreat in the Andes is hard to compare. It its clear Machu Picchu had its heyday and that day is gone, yet the site was deemed historical and a wonder of the world merely based on location and historic value. I cannot see the appeal of Machu Picchu, but apparently Peru turned it up full force, to ensure it got listed as one of the seven wonders, while I am very much baffled, by the entire selection process to begin with. Perhaps the llamas that inhabit the land surrounding the city voted as well.

Ultimately, what this has all come down to is a popularity contest. Those who like the “wonder” the most won the most votes. Instead of basing a vote on popularity though, it should be decided upon by a committee…and if the old “wonders” can no longer live up to the new “wonders” I simply have to ask myself, what is going on in this world?

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