After the controversy surrounding the Dickie's and their rant, directed at a female crew member who was protesting their set at Warped Tour, there has been constant debate surrounding free speech and what it means to be punk rock. First of all, Kevin Lyman brought out Safer Spaces and The War on Women to work toward creating a space that was more inclusive for all but has done nothing to actually support their cause throughout this controversy. I understand that Kevin is a supporter of everyone having an equal voice and every opinion being represented, but there are some opinions that have no business being expressed at a music festival aimed towards young people, especially young females. Instead of doing anything to improve the Warped Tour Community it all seems like a cheap stunt to make people feel all warm and fuzzy about supporting and curating a "Safe Space." Many people are defending the actions of The Dickie's by claiming that what they are doing is just "Punk Rock" and thats just "Who they are", but does that actually make it okay? The fact that people are even attempting to justify the actions of this band and any other washed up rock band that pulls the same type of stunt is honestly so disgusting. Punk Rock was founded on the principals of inspiring social change and fighting the status quo, so why do people today think it is punk to be an asshole? Being cruel to audience members doesn't make you edgy and punk it honestly just makes you a dick. Free Speech is important but that should not be used as an excuse to be able to spew hate and negativity at people without consequences. It is time that people who have a platform and use it to cause a negative impact be held accountable for their actions.
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