A Post-Zimmerman Florida Boycott: Considering the Consequences

After the public outrage caused George Zimmerman's "not guilty" verdict in the murder of Trayvon Martin, Stevie Wonder declared that he would boycott performing any concert in Florida until the state changes their "Stand Your Ground" law. The list had expanded and spread through out the internet to include many other performers, such as Madonna, Kanye West, Jay Z, Rihanna, and Justin Timberlake.

However, sources are now stating that the list that is circulating the internet is NOT confirmed to be accurate.   Other than gospel artists Mary Mary, no artists on this list are confirmed to be joining Stevie Wonder and boycotting Florida at this time.

There are a few reasons, however, that artists may want to think twice before they decide to jump on board with the Florida boycott.

1.) 23 other states have "Stand Your Ground" laws, or laws that are similar. If celebrities want to boycott every state that has a law similar to the Florida law in question, almost half of the country would be included in the boycott.

2.) Artists who already have shows scheduled in Florida would have to breach their contracts in order to boycott Florida. With performances already scheduled, tickets sold, and many other arrangements already made, these artists would have to breach numerous contracts to get out of their scheduled shows. Not only would the artists lose money by breaching, they could be seen as unable to uphold their end of a deal, thus, their professional reputations in the industry may be damaged.

3.) Florida is one of the U.S.'s most populated states. Artists would essentially be alienating and discriminating against an section of their fan base based on their residency. The argument can be made that residents should simply "move" if they do not agree with their state's law. For many at the poverty level, however, moving out of state and away from one's family and support system is not an easy feat.

3.) Boycotting Florida, in essence, makes residents guilty by association. Coincidentally, this is the exact same thing George Zimmerman is said to have done to Trayvon Martin. Numerous other boycotts have been encouraged- such as a boycott of Disneyworld, the citrus industry, or other Florida businesses. To boycott these industries would cause a huge loss in revenue, and could even lead to lay-offs for middle-class and lower-class workers. Not everyone in Florida supports the verdict in the Zimmerman case. To boycott the entire state would guilt every voter (included those who did NOT vote in support of "Stand Your Ground") as way to encourage them "vote out" the law.
However, many lower income workers who would suffer from such a boycott have a difficult time voting due to a lack of government identification, transportation, or the inability to wait in long lines due to health or employment reasons.  Should an entire state be punished when not everyone has easy access to voting, or the ability to voice their opinion on a change of state law?

If these artists want to truly make a difference and call for a change in state law, VOTING ACCESS truly needs to be addressed.

Overall, a Florida boycott would likely do more harm than good. There are 23 other states with similar laws that are not being addressed. Contracts would be breached, revenue would be lost by both the artist and the state's economy, a fan base would be alienated, and many people who have had no voice in the Zimmerman trial or the state law in question, would be guilty by association. A call to action is indeed needed in the wake of recent events- however, a boycott may not be the best way to achieve real change.