Glueman
A Glueman is a papier-mâché mannequin that bears the likeness of a specific individual. It is presented as a gift but is often used to alter the life of the recipient.
History
The earliest Gluemen were exchanged among American colonists along the Opocheeka River. These Gluemen were made of paper and flour paste and were used to ward off evil spirits. The tradition of making Gluemen spread to other parts of the world, including Europe and Asia.
Folklore
The recipient of the Glueman is supposed to apply the mannequin to their body, in order to take on the appearance of the person the Glueman is modeled after.
The Glueman is said to have magical powers, and can change the life of the person it is attached to. The change is usually for the worse, as the person takes on the negative characteristics of the person they are imitating. For example, if the Glueman is modeled after a criminal, the recipient may find themselves committing crimes.
Gluemen are often given as gifts to new mothers, as it is believed that they will protect the child from harm. It is also believed that if a Glueman is placed in a room, it will absorb all of the negativity in the room and make it disappear.
Political Use
Gluemen have been used as political tools to spread messages and to alter the lives of politicians and other public figures. In the United States, Gluemen have been used to campaign for office, to support or oppose a candidate, and to spread messages about controversial topics such as a honking ban.
In Popular Culture
Gluemen have also been used in a number of advertising campaigns. In one campaign, Gluemen were used to promote the release of the film The Purge. In another campaign, Gluemen were used to raise awareness about the dangers of texting and driving.
In Beetlejuice, a 1988 American comedy horror film directed by Tim Burton, a Glueman is used by the titular character to haunt and ultimately drive away the new owners of the home he once lived in.
Episode 12 of Skeleton Realm LIVE! shows Doug Bleichner gift a Glueman to his co-host Sam Wagstaff.[1]
Controversy
The Glueman is a controversial work of art, as it can be seen as a form of manipulation. Some people believe that the Glueman should only be given to people who are willing to accept the change that comes with it, while others believe that it is a dangerous weapon that should be banned.