avatarAnthony Carranza

Summary

A Little Roos drag story video has gone viral after a woman confronted a children's boutique owner about a drag queen reading event, sparking a debate on anti-drag legislation and the 1st amendment rights.

Abstract

The video showcases a woman inside Little Roo's children's boutique who was outraged by a local drag queen being scheduled to read stories for children. The video gained viral status, garnering significant likes and shares. The controversy caught the attention of the media and the Chaska Mayor confirmed that the event is not violating any ordinances. However, a bill in Minnesota is being drafted to classify drag shows as adult entertainment. The situation highlights the selective outrage syndrome, dehumanization, and the importance of holding conversations to understand different perspectives.

Opinions

  • The woman in the video expressed her opinion that a drag story event for children is inappropriate.
  • The business owner defended their decision to organize the event and mentioned that they host various events, including a Christian read-aloud.
  • The author of the post criticizes the selective outrage syndrome and emphasizes the importance of education and familiarization with unfamiliar concepts.
  • The author believes that individuals have the right to host events and sell products at their discretion, despite others disagreeing with it.
  • The post suggests that the woman in the video engaged in hate speech, and her claims were not based on facts.
  • The post also questions the role of algorithms in promoting certain content on social media.
  • The author implies that anti-drag legislation may be a result of misinformation and lack of education on the subject.

Little Roos Drag Story Video Goes Viral

Screenshot of Facebook event for the upcoming Drag Story Time in Chaska, MN on July, 8, 2023.

If you have not heard the controversy, let me provide the video that started the conversation. The video has caught fire and gone extremely viral.

The person claiming to be an attorney said they will inform the city council. In addition, she added that “You can’t have sexual-based entertainment for children.”

This exchange happened in the Little Roos store about a week ago. They host readings for children and it is a small business. They have benefitted from the accidental exposure given the tone and hate this person dished out in the video.

According to the daily, Star Tribune, Chaska Mayor confirmed this event organized is not violating any ordinance.

The metrics the video has attracted are mind-blowing. Here they are below for you:

  • Likes: 751.5k
  • Comments: 33.7K
  • Saved/bookmarked: 17k
  • Shared: 3,915.

I would not be surprised if more media outlets are present given the magnitude of a drag story read.

Anti-drag legislation sweeping the entire nation

Unfortunately, as you know controversy, hate and fear are what generate clicks. Makes you wonder when people design algorithms are they aware of the consequences for boosting certain posts on social media.

As reported by a People news report about the anti-drag legislation, in Minnesota there is a bill in the works aimed at classifying drag shows as adult entertainment.

This is one of the many instances that instead of holding conversations, we jump to the extremes. Furthermore, the selective outrage syndrome is another problem sweeping our screens all the time. When will it be mitigated or curated? It is one thing to have 1st amendment rights, but another to quickly dehumanize others.

When businesses choose to sell certain products, host certain events or organize a read aloud it is at their discretion. You can disagree with it, but you can’t go around making it a bigger deal than it is.

I think it is important we hold conversations, get educated and familiarized with what sounds and feels different. We are too quick to judge and demonize others.

Takeaways

The purpose of the post is to inform you about it, that’s it. I am neither taking a position nor saying it is okay. It is up to the store to organize their events as they see fit, yet what the person in the video said is once again hate speech. It is her opinion and not her facts. She should understand that.

In the video below the business owner took to TikTok and clarified the nature of these free events they organize.

The owner of the store clarified she invites all sorts of people to do read aloud. For example, a mom or a dad can come do a read aloud. Moreover, she mentioned she hosted a Christian read aloud.

So what do you think is really at the core of this debate? There is only you who can answer that question.

Little Roos Drag Story
Chaska Mn
Drag Story Time
Read Aloud
Social Media
Recommended from ReadMedium