While I don’t share his views, I am a big fan of Kid Rock’s music and the work he has done.
Civil rights groups have spoken out against musician Kid Rock after it was announced that he would perform as the opening act for a new sports arena in his hometown Detroit. The performer has been blasted for his outspoken approach to social issues in the United States. I mean, there isn’t much less people can expect from Kid Rock. He has always been loud and clear about where he stands when it comes to America and his patriotism.
However, many people are triggered by his beliefs. In order to address this topic, I must start with highlighting the fact that Kid Rock has always been a huge supporter of the United States Armed Forces. While supporting the military doesn’t make a person exempt from wrongdoing, I don’t see anything offensive about Kid Rock or his politics. I speak for myself as a minority and veteran.
Let’s explore the monstrosity that is Kid Rock according to certain civil rights groups. He has expressed his disgust with Colin Kaepernick, but so have many Americans on both sides of the aisle. Kid Rock has toured around the globe in support of the military and given countless performances. It stands to reason that he would be highly offended by the actions taken by Colin Kaepernick. I have seen videos of Kid Rock performances where he denounces kneeling during the national anthem with a vibrant, “F**k Colin Kaepernick!” That is the nature of this particular performer.
I must start with highlighting the fact that Kid Rock has always been a huge supporter of the United States Armed Forces.
He’s also a Trump supporter who doesn’t take offense to the Confederate flag. Any one of these factors on its own has potential for citizens of the United States to be branded as racist, but together these present a trifecta that’ll get someone labeled a full-blown Klan member.
Kid Rock is a huge star in his own right, and it’s understandable that he would be invited by his hometown to participate in an event of this caliber. The big fuss over his political beliefs shouldn’t be a good enough reason to demand that he be canceled.
Those who spend money to see Kid Rock perform are people who typically don’t mind hearing what he thinks. While I don’t share his views, I am a big fan of Kid Rock’s music and the work he has done. Exercising his right to freedom of speech doesn’t bother me. Short of blatant racist remarks, I would be hard pressed to find something about Kid Rock that is offensive. These civil rights groups have blasted him for “cat-calling and dog-whistling” white supremacist groups and the alt-right.
These protests against an individual’s opinions and political views set a dangerous precedent in America. We cannot hold performers responsible for the hateful beliefs held by others. Protesting ideas, thought, and speech have become more important than reaching out to communities affected by poverty, injustice, and crime. It’s sad to see that, in the midst of natural disasters in the United States, groups are focused on one man’s opinion.
