Boycott of NC is counterproductive

By Theoden Janes

The Charlotte Observer

Let’s just say, for the sake of argument, that you really enjoy the stories I write. (I realize this might be a stretch, but bear with me.)

Now let’s say I oppose House Bill 2 and that I think North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory is being short-sighted.

So then, consider this: If I decided to stop writing stories for the Charlotte Observer to protest the controversial legislation, would it motivate you – assuming you agree with my politics in the first place – to make a sign and march on the state Capitol building in Raleigh? Or would it just make you disappointed, frustrated and angry?

I think the answer in almost every case will be B.

This was reinforced when I learned pop stars Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas were canceling their summer concerts in Charlotte and Raleigh to protest “North Carolina’s discriminatory HB2 law.” “We trust that you will stand united with us against this hateful law,” they said in a joint statement.

I’m not sure exactly what kind of reaction they were expecting.

But, as someone who was planning to be there, mine was not: Preach, Brother Nick and Sister Demi! It was more like: Thanks a lot, you two, for driving a stake through the heart of what probably would have been a fun and memorable daddy-daughter date night.

Don’t get me wrong. I do believe House Bill 2 is disturbingly problematic, and I do believe McCrory needs to fully own up to how disturbingly problematic it is. But I also believe performing artists are doing more harm than good by continuing to cancel shows in North Carolina.

I mean, just take a look at the immediate Twitter response to the Lovato-Jonas announcement from McCrory’s campaign: “(They’re) getting involved in things they clearly don’t know anything about” and “protesting political differences by denying their service, punishing their own fans & hardworking people of NC.”

Do these sound like people who are even the least bit open to considering a repeal of HB2?

And yet, despite the rhetoric and the name-calling, I agree with the notion that artists are punishing their own fans – and missing a real opportunity.

Do what Mumford & Sons did, which was to donate all profits from its April 14 show at Time Warner Cable Arena to LGBT-focused organizations that will include Time Out Youth and Equality NC. Or do what Duran Duran did April 16 at PNC Music Pavilion, which was to pass out Trans Lifeline buttons and sign a petition against HB2 onstage during the show.

Janes is a columnist for the Charlotte Observer. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.