Bruce,
I love your music man. It is old-fashioned, but I like it.
My favourite song is actually not Born in the USA or the like, but Streets of Philadelphia.
Not only is it a nice tune, I really like the message too.
But you know, I don’t like how you play your politics.
Make no mistake, I don’t MIND your politics and I am sure we
can agree on a lot of things – and even in this case I may even agree with your
belief. So the point is not where you stand on the issue.
But I don’t like the
hypocritical way you play it.
So you cancel a concert and boycott a state that you
disagree with. I am sure you think that it is your way to express your support
for people who are getting the short straw. I am sure you see it as your right
to play in front of whoever and wherever.
But Bruce, can I ask you this:
Have you refunded all the money you made from selling songs
to the states that hold a different view to you?
Have you asked those citizens not to buy your records?
What about the countries like Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and
dozens of others like them who actually torture and kill gay people? Have you
ever played in those countries? Have you ever sold songs or earned royalties in those countries?
What did you do before the issue of marriage equality became a bandwagon?
Have you played in North Caroline previously? What happened to
that money?
It’s pretty easy to ‘show your support’ when you are in a
position of strength and financial independence. But it is also extremely
hypocritical. If you really support the cause, show it in a way that matters. I
am sure that many gay/transgender people will value your support without asking
the tough questions. But I reckon you are being a hypocrite. Show ‘em the
money, Bruce. Give back every cent that you made from a person or a place with
whom you disagreed fundamentally with.
Let’s see how that goes, and let’s talk
again.
And if you can’t do that or never thought of doing that,
then let me make another suggestion. Why you don’t just go out and say your
support the cause. Why don’t you write a song about it – like Streets of
Philadelphia? Why don’t you demonstrate that gay people are nothing to be
afraid of? Why don’t you employ transgender people in your business?
You see Bruce, by hating the haters, you are actually
endorsing meanness as a legitimate strategy for solving an argument and
persuading people. I am sure you see where this is going? If not, let me spell
it out: it is exactly the strategy followed by radical religionists – boycott
and bully until they bend to see it your way. That is no way to promote your
dogmas Bruce.
It may work, but it is not
right. Why don’t you re-think your stance because from where I am standing it
looks pretty self-righteous. I expect better.
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