The Boss Takes a Stand on North Carolina Anti-Gay Measure.
The Boss Takes a Stand on North Carolina Anti-Gay Measure
Published 2016, ramaporecord.org, a student-produced class site of Communication Arts of Ramapo College. Update: Governor McCory lost his re-election to Roy Cooper in 2017.
By EMMA THOR
New Jersey Native rocker Bruce Springsteen cancelled his concert in North Carolina April 10 because of anti-gay law.
North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory passed a law called HB2 (House Bill 2) March 23 which states that transgender people are to use public restrooms and showers corresponding to the gender on their birth certificate.
Springsteen stated on his website: “Some things are more important than a rock show, and this fight against prejudice and bigotry which is happening as I write this is one of them," said Springsteen. According to The Associated Press, Republicans say “allowing anyone to use any public bathroom locker shower based on the person's sexual preference would create an opportunity for sexual predators of any sexual orientation to abuse the policy to facilitate their predation.”
E Street guitarist Steven Van Zandt echoed Bruce’s message: "The bill is vile and evil discrimination and it was a tough decision to cancel the show,"said Zandt. “You have to hurt them economically to have them do the right thing morally unfortunately.’’
Bruce fans also applaud him for standing up for his beliefs. “I believe it's phenomenal that people like Bruce Springsteen stand up for their moral principles,” said Danielle Patton, who is a business major. “Human rights are important and actors, singers are influential to their fans when they stand up for their fans’ identities.”
“Although it stinks that it has to come to canceling concerts to get messages like this across, I think it is a good thing on his part to stand up for his rights,” said Angela Poraco, senior social science major.
Fans like Tara Ward believe that big artists can make a broader statement on issues. “I think artists have their right to do what they believe is right, even if it involves politics,” said Ward 20, junior biology major. “Artists such as Bruce are people and if they believe that they can do something about an issue our society is facing, I don’t see why they cannot take appropriate action or voice their opinions.”
“The whole time during concerts artists are voicing their views and opinions in their songs so for him to address something that is important to him shouldn’t be so shocking,” added Ward.
Maggie Klein, a junior marketing major, agreed that music and politics can mix. “I believe it's okay to bring politics into concerts or for celebrities to use their position of fame/power to further their political and social agendas to an extent,"said Klein. “I believe Springsteen’s means of protest were valid and appropriate and his statements have been professional,” said Klein .
According to CNN, 57 percent oppose any law that requires transgender people to use facilities corresponding with their sex at birth. Springsteen isn’t the only one that cancelled events in North Carolina. Actor comedian Tracy Morgan and singers Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas , Ringo Starr, NCAA men's basketball team all cancelled events because of this law. Cyndi Lauper made her concert a rally against the law.
Some of the local businesses were counting on the tourism for these concerts. With these cancellations business is down in North Carolina. According to the Charlotte Observer researchers estimate $40 million and 1,250 jobs lost because of this law and another $20 million and 550 more jobs are at risk.
Ramapo Pride President Jamie Prizer, senior majoring in social work, said, "A lot of people disagree with having the law.
"It's a good thing artists stand up to these issues because their fans will be informed about politics," said Prizer. "As Ramapo Pride president our club advocated for gender inclusive rooms for freshmen. It was a first time that freshman could decide this," said Prizer.
Ramapo College has gender neutral housing for upperclassmen dorms in The Village , CPA ( College Park Apartments) , Overlook and Laurel.
Ramapo College has gender neutral bathrooms in the E-wing and G-wing. "Before I came to Ramapo to there were talks about having gender inclusive bathrooms but it didn't happen until last year," said Prizer.
Governor McCory is up for reelection he is hoping to win but with this law in place who knows if he is going to win the reelection.
