15 April 2023

Seriously, Rocky Horror?

It appears that Florida's ban on drag shows could ban The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

So, not only has DeSnatis f%$#ed with the Mouse, (Disney) he is now preparing to f%$ with the legions of Rocky Horror fans out there.

This will not end well for him:

The state of Florida has introduced a bill aimed at prohibiting anyone under the age of 18 from attending drag performances. As reported by the New Republic, lawmakers in the state confirmed that the restrictions would make it illegal for high school students to attend live performances of popular musicals like The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Hair.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show, according to the proposed Florida legislation, classifies as an “adult live performance.” The umbrella term used in the bill applies to “any show, exhibition or other presentation in front of a live audience,” that “depicts or simulates nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or specific sexual activities,” including “lewd conduct, or the lewd exposure of prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts.”

………

Any official who approves a permit for a performance that violates the statute could be charged with a misdemeanor. Establishments that violate the law could also be charged with a misdemeanor, incur hefty fines, and have licenses suspended or revoked.

………

Florida routinely makes headlines for its politically divisive decisions. Its increased efforts at censorship spark mixed reactions. Many rolled their eyes at the state’s efforts to censor images of the statue of David, the masterpiece sculpture by Renaissance artist Michelangelo.

………

Disney, which has a large presence in Florida thanks to Disney World, has publicly raised its voice against the state’s government. Disney CEO Bob Iger went as far as to call Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, “anti-business and anti-Florida.”

………

Critics have pointed out that the state seems more concerned with protecting kids from The Rocky Horror Picture Show than from school shootings. During a deeply troubling time for the United States, Florida has continued to loosen its restrictions on guns. For critics of the Florida legislature, the priorities of the state come off as tone-deaf.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show began as a small stage production in London. After it was adapted into a film, it slowly grew into a cult sensation. Midnight screenings of the movie accompanied by a live fan performance have been a tradition for decades.

There are a lot of parents who will want to share the movie with their children and grandchildren.

This is a large demographic to piss off.

On the bright side, anthropogenic climate change promises to wipe Florida from the map in the next few decades.

2 comments :

Quasit said...

Speaking of sharing Rocky Horror with my children, did you know that the new order of leaders at Arisia instituted an 18+ age requirement to see Rocky Horror at the con? My son was actually turned away because he was 17 at the time. He was really disappointed.

And of course not too long after we were both banned and effectively kicked out of the con. In fact, every single friend I have who previously attended the con or was on staff did NOT attend this year. It's a very pure and "diverse" event now. Rather like a funhouse mirror inversion of DeSantis' Florida, come to think of it!

A lot of my friends are wishing that someone would take a page from you and the other founders of Arisia and start up a con where people can feel welcomed and have fun again.

Matthew Saroff said...

What the f%$#ing f%$#? You got banned? For what?

Also, Rocky Horror is R-Rated, why the f%$# are they banning 17 year olds from Rockey Horror.

BTW, I'm not sure what I did, but I did something seriously wrong when I founded Arisia. Not the founding itself, (except for me, Arisia is bad for me personally, it's an addiction that I had to abandon) but clearly the origins of its current culture start with me, and I f%$#ed it up some how.

Post a Comment