Rockabilly and political correctness cannot coexist

For some of us, rockabilly is more than simply music. It's the heartbeat of our existences. It recalls memories, offers exultation in the moment, and promises future delights.

It is a proud lifestyle that cares not for status quo sensibilities. In fact, it gets a kick out of upsetting straitjacketing mores. 

It originated as a rebel music. And it should never be made tame.

The statement recently issued by Viva Las Vegas founder Tom Ingram and five other rockabilly event organizers is troubling.

We understand that the Confederate Flag has, for many years, been adopted by some as a signal of the rockabilly and roots music we all love, it began.

However, we also recognize that this same flag can cause offence, as it is also used by race hate groups and is on the FBI's hate symbols list. 

(Who compiled such a list? By what standards do they determine 'hatefulness?' And why should the rest of us heed their cautions and adjust our attitudes, accordingly?)

In view of this, we feel everyone will agree that there is no need for it to be displayed at our rockin' festivals and weekenders, which bring people together from all around the world, to celebrate our shared passion for music and lifestyle.

Therefore, we ask you that at the following events, you do not display the Confederate flag or any other flags/symbols that people may understandably find offensive.

Thank you for your understanding.

Signed:
Tom Ingram (VLV)
Jerry Chatterbox (Rockabilly Rave)
Guille and Vivi (Rockabilly Race)
Robin and Collette (Rhythm Riot) plus
Atomic Vintage Festival (UK)
Mark McDonagh (Viva East)

Some festival bands and attendees sport Confederate Flag symbols on their clothes, instruments, and, perhaps, backdrops. So it is nonsensical to claim that "everyone" would agree with the clampdown edict. That obviously is not the case.

And consider the ominous line about eschewing "any other flags/symbols that people may understandably find offensive." 

National stories in the last year or so told of efforts to ban the U.S. flag from universities. Will the Stars and Stripes one day be draped over the PC chopping block? And might festival organizers heft the dooming axe?

Anti-individual expression rules like this respect interests of hypothetical listeners over those of actual speakers.

"Heckler's veto" refers to when an anticipated listener's dislike of a potential message is allowed to prevent its being uttered. There is a simple solution that can satisfy both speaker and listener. 

If someone doesn't agree with a message, they need not listen. They are free to walk away, turn the channel, or not buy the record. But they do not have the right to define the world in which we all live, to decide what others may say, or listen to.

If you don't care for a statement, don't make it. But don't try to exercise editorial discretion over your neighbor.

Probably at least one reason Viva Las Vegas etc are today stifling speech is legitimate fear that sponsors would be besieged by online petition protests. Companies could, as a result, pull their sponsorship of events. 

And that trepidation is certainly understandable. No one would be well served, were these festivals ceased. They are privately owned, and organizers are well within their rights to set whatever standards they please, for such reasons as they choose. 

But make no mistake: Organizers are granting the upper hand to trembly advertisers and finger-wagging moralists whose philosophical antecedents tried to shut down rockabilly back in the Sun Era.

And that ain't nothin' but wrong.