Rectification of Names and Some Busty Nude Mannequins
If language be not in accordance with the truth of things, affairs cannot be carried on to success. When affairs cannot be carried on to success, proprieties and music do not flourish. When proprieties and music do not flourish, punishments will not be properly awarded. When punishments are not properly awarded, the people do not know how to move hand or foot. Therefore a superior man considers it necessary that the names he uses may be spoken appropriately, and also that what he speaks may be carried out appropriately. What the superior man requires is just that in his words there may be nothing incorrect.
— Confucius, Analects, Book XIII, Chapter 3, verses 4-7, translated by James Legge.
The above covers the basics on the rectification of names, a Confucian thought which argues social disorder comes from a failure to perceive and understand reality. Calling things by their right names is essential for, well, basically everything according to the Master. By erroneously calling a thing a name other than what it actually is, you prevent yourself perceiving it corrently, from understanding it. Until you use the right name for the thing, you don't and can't get it. Then society falls apart. See also: Nous.
So what's to be understood from a bunch of busty nude female mannequins in the window with marquee in front of them flashing the words PROPS, ACCESSORIES and ABRACADABRA?
If the names are correct, are women props and accessories and magic? I won't argue against the latter. But I wonder, if they are props, what's the performance, who are the actors, and where is the stage? If they're accessories, which outfit do they go with?
If the names are wrong, then what sort of social disorder is this instigating? Probably the continued objectification of women, same as ever.
I'd like to think I'm just seeing behind the scenes of a yet-unfinished window display at Abracadabra NYC. But most NYC retail stores cover up their windows while they work. And the website for this place currently has an animated banner with the text proclaming them to be "the only place that can Guarantee you a Sexy Thanksgiving" and a turkey with tanlines showing off its breasts.