NASCAR: Indiana law fosters intolerance, exclusion
Source: Orlando Sentinel
Perhaps Indiana Gove. Mike Pence and state lawmakers should revisit the religious freedom legislation. Theyve officially lost NASCAR , a sport that, despite its growing diversity, still has a strong conservative base.
NASCAR is disappointed by the recent legislation passed in Indiana, said NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Brett Jewkes, in a statement released Tuesday.
We will not embrace nor participate in exclusion or intolerance. We are committed to diversity and inclusion within our sport and therefore will continue to welcome all competitors and fans at our events in the state of Indiana and anywhere else we race.
Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/george-diaz-en-fuego/os-nascar-indiana-law-20150331-post.html
Good news. There are fewer sports more dependent on corporate sponsorship than NASCAR. The heartening thing from this entire mess is how corporations are now willing to take a stand on the issue of gay rights and discrimination. This is truly a sea change in America.
TriplD
(176 posts)If they really didn't want to "participate in exclusion or intolerance" they wouldn't be subjecting their fans to it by hosting events in the state.
turbinetree
(24,720 posts)being what is called politically correct by conservatives and how they always attacked the progressive side for being what they called politically correct really doesn't mean much and trying to have it both ways, because of the simple fact of costs, doesn't wash.
Unless you do something, like lets say move the race to New Hampshire for that week, just so that the people and the business of that state of Indiana get the message---just my opinion, it boils down to greed and the association with the greed, you can talk the talk but can you do the walk.
The people of the state voted these people into office and they knew exactly what they were getting into because they wanted this or they would not have voted them in, because they voted in discrimination like right to work for less, and now this religious bigotry
groundloop
(11,523 posts)They actually have enough time to put their money where their mouth is - roughly 4 months. I'm sure they could line up another willing track in that time (but I'm not holding my breath).
LittleGirl
(8,291 posts)randome
(34,845 posts)Clearly the GOP does not understand how business works in this country.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Give yourself the same benefit of a doubt you'd give anyone else. It's only fair.[/center][/font][hr]
Liberalagogo
(1,770 posts)Unless you are willing to actually DO something, then your words are going to do much at all.
Corey_Baker08
(2,157 posts)I do want to say that regardless of their intentions I am proud of the more than 10 corporations that have declared their intentions to either leave the state or to withdrawal plans to locate to the state of Indiana!
I am equally surprised and applaud NASCAR for their statement condemning this discriminatory law because the Brickyard 400 which is one of NASCAR'S premier events draws millions of dollars on revenue for the state.
While I am not 100% convinced, I want to believe that there is an ongoing change in America and society that says we will no longer tolerate any form of discrimination against our gay brothers and sisters...
iandhr
(6,852 posts)The fan base of NASCAR are made of people more likely to support it.
bullsnarfle
(254 posts)and I certainly don't support it. I know a hell of a lot of fellow NASCAR fans that do not in any way support it, and do not deserve to be tarred with that brush.
As for some of the other posters saying, basically, that if NASCAR doesn't cancel the Brickyard immediately (even though it does not race until Jul 26) then NASCAR is just full of it? Hey, I don't hear any of you saying that if the Indianapolis Colts, or the Pacers don't cancel their games, then the Colts/Pacers are full of it. Why not?
(edited for clarity on who or what was being called "full of it"
dembotoz
(16,844 posts)it is nice to be shocked in a good way for once
SpankMe
(2,969 posts)The fact that the severely conservative NASCAR organization even addressed the issue at all - and that they're somewhat taking issue with the law and not agreeing with it - is a pretty big step forward for those people.
I'd cut them some slack and take what we can get. Remember - it's a Christian, conservative organization. We can't expect them to jump on the LGBT bandwagon whole-hog at this point in their history.
Backwoodsrider
(764 posts)I know its probably based a lot on greed but I am starting to see a separation within the GOP; the religious right and Big business. Those 2 used to gleefully hold hands, BFF. Well I guess not forever. Now that the GOP has both house and senate some in Big business are seeing just how wacko the GOP can be. And we on the left are realizing Big Business are made up of people just like us.
War Horse
(931 posts)but I'm seeing a potential 'brigde too far' moment here.
Dawson Leery
(19,348 posts)This is good news with certainty. I wonder if the country establishment would condemn such a laws? Unlikely.
Myrina
(12,296 posts)underpants
(182,904 posts)It's all about brand placement. NASCAR fans have over an 80% brand loyalty to their favorite driver.
TheCowsCameHome
(40,169 posts)blkmusclmachine
(16,149 posts)sdfernando
(4,941 posts)but i would hardly call driving a race are a "sport". But then again, I don't call golf a sport either. I classify them as "pastimes"
blkmusclmachine
(16,149 posts)dakdirty
(90 posts)Especially when given to those who have actually had to face discrimination, in the sense that it seems easy to say something is wrong without action to correct that wrong. In terms of real dollars, the statement could have massive implications. NASCAR had to lean towards the sponsor side on this one; none of them could take the hit to come out on the pro side on this issue. I also wonder how long before some christian ID or other white supremacy "church" decides to get in on all this pub.