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.

    • ikiru@lemmy.ml
      2·
      1 year ago

      I’m not trying to convince you to come to Florida. Just saying it’s not as bad for most as it may sound.

      But everywhere is different and Florida is a unique place and it’s worth visiting if you get the chance. I’ve been throughout Florida and it’s beautiful. And I’ve very extensively travelled internationally so please don’t assume it’s a sheltered perspective from someone who never left the US.