In war, there are casualties. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “war on woke” is no exception, writes Dean Obeidallah, as groups cancel gatherings in the state.

Governor DeSantis’s policies targeting the LGBTQ community, restricting academic freedom, and banning diversity programs have negatively impacted Florida’s economy. Several organizations have canceled conventions and events in Orlando due to concerns over DeSantis’s “anti-woke” agenda, resulting in an estimated $20 million loss in revenue for the state. Despite this, DeSantis’s spokesperson dismissed the economic impact as a “media-driven stunt.” However, boycotts in the past have caused enough economic pain to lead to policy changes, so organizations avoiding Florida are doing the right thing by not spending money there while these policies remain in place.

  • Auzy@beehaw.org
    1·
    1 year ago

    As an Aussie, I’d never go there…I don’t want to get shot and then someone claim they were standing their ground or whatever. As I have no problem with foreigners, lgbt people and I hate guns, why would I go?

    As far as we know, it feels like I’d be stepping into kkk/nazi territory. I can go Europe instead where people are super chill

    • OceanSoap@lemmy.ml
      0·
      1 year ago

      Uh, yeah, none of that is going to happen to you. Go where you want, but comparing FL to Nazi territory is so ridiculous.

      • Auzy@beehaw.org
        1·
        1 year ago

        Your governer (combined with Trump) is already following many of the tactics the Nazi’s used (banning books, using dangerous language like “woke”, etc)… This time though, its not against the Jews, it’s against Trans people. Our government warns against it: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/united-states-america and I literally watched on Sky news, as Trump was setting things up for violence (it was SO obvious to anyone)

        And a lot of this nonsense is spilling over to Australia.

        I have no interest in going somewhere like that… I can go elsewhere in the US, or Europe. I’ve got a trans friend and plenty of gay friends (but I’m totally straight myself). Desantis isn’t getting a dollar from me.

        What benefits does Florida have over other places? Why would I visit? I can go elsewhere without the bigotry, people carrying guns everywhere, etc.

        It’s true not everyone in Florida is racist, but, there are nicer places to go