Sci Tech
Stevie Wonder Boycots Florida Following Zimmerman Verdict
stevie wonder Boycots florida following Zimmerman Verdict (photo courtesy Antonio Cruz/ABr
)
In the wake of a Florida jury finding George Zimmerman “not guilty” of murdering Trayvon Martin, race relations in the United States have fallen into a total and irrevocable discourse. Everyone, from ordinary citizens to athletes and celebrities have voiced their opinion on the verdict. Riots have broken out is several cities and violence has ensued in areas with large urban populations.
With all that is going on, in irrational response to the trial’s findings, music icon Stevie Wonder has chosen to take a more subtle approach in voicing his displeasure. It was announced, during a live performance in Quebec, that Stevie will no longer perform in Florida or any other location in which “stand your ground” laws are enacted, as a form of peaceful personal protest.
In a statement made during the concert, the 63-year-old singer said that until the stand-your-ground law is abolished in Florida, he will “never perform there again.”
He went on, extending the boycott to any state where the law exists.
“I will not perform in that state or in that part of the world,” Wonder said
In doing so, the multiple award-winner will, surely, dishearten a large quantity of his fans, as well as lose a massive sum of financial stability. However, Wonder feels his support for abolishing the self-defense laws is a far greater need than that of his personal career.
A unique take on the situation, Wonder’s pro-boycott stance is one that may find itself echoed by several other celebrities as the reality of the verdict sets in.
On The Web:
Stevie Wonder Boycotting Florida Following Zimmerman Verdict (Video)
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/stevie-wonder-boycotting-florida-zimmerman-585760
Stevie Wonder boycotts Florida in response to Zimmerman trial
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2013/07/16/stevie-wonder-boycotts-stand-ground-states.html
Stevie Wonder boycotts Florida
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-23346963