In the aftermath of the Zimmerman trial, some people (e.g. Jesse Jackson, Stevie Wonder) are calling for a boycott of Florida. Jesse Jackson even went so far as to isolate Florida as a type of apartheid state.
Let’s just take a moment to examine how absurd that idea is.
First, Florida is one of the popular tourist destinations in the United States, and even attracts a host of international tourists. It is an especially popular destination for college students on spring break, as well as for most people living in the Eastern United States (while California and Hawaii are the main tourist spots for the Western United States). In fact, Florida is practically the Hawaii of the East Coast (and the lower 48 for that matter). The beaches, natural wonders, and entertainment form the basis of Florida’s tourism industry, of which a significant portion of its economy is dependent. It rarely gets cold there, which not only is good for its tourism industry, but also agriculture (especially citrus fruits). Its warm weather also attracts many retirees. So I don’t think too many people are going to boycott Florida.
Second, Florida is one of the more business-friendly states, and has no individual income taxes. In addition, its state government is small in size compared to some other state governments.
Third, Florida is one of the most culturally diverse states in the country, due to its location. Cubans, Puerto Ricans, and Haitians are just a few of the many ethnicities making up Florida’s population. Florida has come a long way since the days of segregation, which shows that Jesse Jackson and others like him are living in the past, or simply refuse to let the past go.
I wonder if the call to boycott Florida is directed towards just African-Americans, or all minorities, or all Americans. And is this boycott aimed at people outside of Florida? Does Jesse Jackson expect African-Americans (and possibly those of other races) to move to some other state?
