So speaking of ATL (as mentioned in my last post oddly enough), Alternative Press is reporting that the finale of their current tour was greeted by a large group of protesters. On December 6th, the buses rolled in to Philadelphia to be met by hateful messages and offensive puns. Apparently the group, Westboro Baptist Church, was protesting the sexual ambiguity of the group. All Time Low, a band consisting of four guys in their early 20s, are often seen sporting v-neck t-shirts, tight jeans, and longer hair. The church group's website claims that they are a negative influence because they are "gender-confused, haphazard freakazoids". Signs were reported to hold messages like "All Time Perverts", "God Hates You", and "America Is Doomed".
This is perhaps one of the saddest displays I have seen/heard of in a while. I mean, come on, its almost 2010! Cant we just learn to get along, give peace a chance? I mean, this website is so offensive that I am actually going to refuse to link to it. I don't even recommend looking it up. Personally, I am a completely heterosexual female but seriously, I don't feel the need to protest other people's beliefs, rights and choices. I read up on this group, and I am left feeling upset, angry and shocked. Apparently they are well known for protesting almost every religion, race and lifestyle, going as far as to picket at funerals and the site of the 9-11 attacks. Thats just wrong on so many levels, not to mention incredibly hateful and disrespectful.
I have to give a lot of credit to the fans outside this show. According to some witnesses, the fans began to drown out the hate filled chants of the WBC with their own renditions of ATL songs as well as mottos like "Gay, Straight, Black, White, Same Battle, Same Fight". Frontman Alex Gaskarth took to his Twitter account as the riots raged by the bus, stating "I was just informed by picketers that I'm leading a generation of rebels to hell... no ma'am. I'm leading a generation of rebellion against the Empire!" and "If embracing all lifestyles will lead me to hell, then I'll see you all there. It's going to be one incredibly tolerant and happy inferno". Again? WELL PLAYED, ALEX! I could not have said it better myself!
The band is apparently still confused as to why they were chosen as a target, and I have to agree. I mean, they arent all that "frightening" compared to some bands out there. Marilyn Manson, that makes sense. ATL? Not so much. Why not picket your local high school, its about the same demographic as that show. In the end, the protesters were outnumbered by other groups, so they packed up and left. Not before filming this quick video.
What do you think of this story? Personally, I still cant believe all this hatred exists. Its sad, really.
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Way to handle a difficult situation, All Time Low! Whole new level of respect for these guys!
Rock On!
- Girl At The Rock Show
