Fall Out Boy's Efforts to Combat Sexist, Racist, and Homophobic Behavior Draw a Parent's Ire

It's tough sometimes trying to be a hero. In the words of Fall Out Boy:

"being in a public position with a spotlight i think it is extremely important to use this pedistal to enlighten younger kids to certain things about the world. the only thing i said in charlotte was (quoted word for word): 'you can leave this show and say i think this guy is an arrogant jerk. or think this band is better than this one- because these are your opinions- i understand that. the only thing we consider unacceptable is for you to engage in sexist, racist or homophobic behavior. if you do and want to continue to we dont want you as a fan- return our merch and leave'."

Apparently a parent of fans in North Carolina doesn't see it that way. Some excerpts from an e-mail received by Island Records about the group's recent performance in Charlotte:

"Charlotte is not the demoralized city that liberal San Fransico and other cities across the North and West are...This was a concert, not some liberal homosexual rally. I predict that you have lost a lot of financial support in the last 24 hours. I am not the only parent with morals that had children at this concert...Your responsibility was to sing your songs. The music wasnt that bad, but when you opened your mouth to talk, you blew it...By the way, my children will not be a part of your sick idea of family."

All of the details can be viewed on Fall Out Boy's journal.

More Fall Out Boy:

• Fall Out Boy Profile
• Review - "Dance, Dance"
• Fall Out Boy Quiz

Album cover © Island Records.