This week, Pearl Jam cancelled their concert in North Carolina over their anti-lgbt bathroom law as well as Boston. Pearl Jam made a hand written note calling the law "a despicable piece of legislation that encourages discrimination." The law requires transgender people to use the bathroom that matches their birth certificate gender. Tom Sholz, the band leader of Boston, said "Hopefully the sacrifices we are all making here will inspire people to do the right thing in the future. We look forward to the fay that the whole state government of North Carolina will come to it's senses and treat ALL individuals with equal freedom..." However; there are some bands that have decided to play in north carolina, artists like Cyndi Lauper and Mumford and Sons have said that they will play in North Carolina and all the proceeds from the concerts will go to LGBT groups and organizations in North Carolina. This is a really phenomenal way that artists and celebrities are using their fame to raise a awareness and stand behind an important cause. The equal treatment of LGBT community is one of the most pressing matters right now and it is amazing that people with such influence and power use their fame to spread love and understanding. Hopefully these actions send the message to North Carolina that their abuse of the LGBT community will not be tolerated by the American people.
It is great that people who have achieved fame are able to use it to better the world. If i were a famous performer, I would not have played in that state either. It really makes a statement when someone so admirable can take a stand on a controversial issue.
ReplyDeleteJasmine Rodriguez Period 4
I totally agree, by using their fame and power to convey a positive message many more people will be reached and their fame will only increase. Its a win-win situation.
ReplyDeleteI was never much of a fan of their music, but this makes me want to give them another try. Sucks that their fans don't get to see them, maybe the money from tickets that LGBT fans would have paid would go back to benefit them. Still cool how these artists are coming together for LGBT rights.
ReplyDelete-Jack Higgins period 6
Good for them, this was like the Beatles (or some british invasion bands) refusing to preform in front of segregated audiences in the US.
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