New Yorkers are known for delivering messages with a no-holds-barred, in-your-face flair, but some are better at dishing it out than taking it.
Bruce Springsteen found that out when the Big Apple’s police leaders and mayor’s office went ballistic over his bold new protest song “American Skin.”
The song, also known as “41 Shots,” protests the 41 shots police fired at unarmed immigrant Amadou Diallo last year in the vestibule of his apartment building. Four New York police officers were found not guilty of manslaughter after saying they mistook Diallo’s wallet for a gun.
Angry that Springsteen is opening that can of worms–or bag of bullets–again, New York’s Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association called for a boycott of Springsteen albums and concerts, including a ten-night stand at Madison Square Garden. The head of one state police union went further. He publicly referred to Springsteen by the street vernacular for a bag of dirt that has sexual intercourse.
Not surprisingly, the boycott has done little but add priceless publicity to Springsteen’s tour. On opening night at the Garden, the song brought a few boos, which reportedly were drowned out by many cheers. The sky did not fall in.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the political fence, Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer and other foes of the National Rifle Association fired away at the NRA’s bizarre proposal to open a theme cafe in Times Square.
Schumer denounced the proposed “NRASports Blast,” which would feature a wild-game menu and video shooting galleries. The City Council fired off a resolution to stop the eatery from taking “root,” as if it were some dastardly weed.
Fortunately the council resolution is only symbolic. Gotham’s City Council would dishonor itself if it blocked a restaurant because it did not like the owner’s political views.
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani scoffed at the proposal, saying, “I don’t think it’s going to happen.” Whether it does or not, NRA head Wayne LaPierre can claim a victory of sorts. So can Springsteen. Both have gotten their messages out and quite effectively, judging by the way they have gotten under the skin of their critics.
