The Battle Over Beliefs: How Floridians React to DeSantis' Policies post-Disney Consequences
The recent cancellation of a Disney work project in Florida has sparked intense discussions and highlighted the current political climate that Governor Ron DeSantis has created. This polarizing move by DeSantis has pitted his ardent supporters against those critical of his policies. Here, we explore how Floridians are reacting to the cancellation of a job opportunity that would have brought about 1000-2000 jobs to the state.
A CISW Student's Perspective on Safety and Authenticity
Will Larkins, a soon-to-be college student living in the Orlando community of Winter Park, has shared his personal experience. He highlights the challenges of living as a gender-fluid individual in light of Florida's recent strict policies. For Larkins, who often questions what to wear, the impact of DeSantis' policies on his daily life has become particularly apparent.
Since the new laws were passed, I have felt more unsafe living authentically. Bullying is not new, but the new anti-LGBTQ laws have emboldened bigots, making life harder for me under Governor Ron DeSantis' watch. Larkins expresses his frustration and concern about the future of LGBTQ rights in Florida.
DeSantis' Policies and Their Impact
DeSantis has taken significant steps to restrict LGBTQ rights, ban educational programs on racism, end access to abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, and make it easier for people to carry guns. Despite these controversial actions, he has also been credited with creating pro-business policies that have helped the state thrive economically during the pandemic.
Many argue that Republicans blame Disney for these policies, labeling them as overly sensitive or woke. However, it is notable that DeSantis has been persecuting Disney for years, long before the recent cancellation of the work project.
Complaints About DeSantis and Resident Experiences
When asked to defend the actions of Florida's governor, many complainants appear to be from outside the state. In response, a native Floridian, Rebecca Blackwell, provides a personal perspective.
She says, They will neatly forget that DeSantis has been persecuting Disney for years… Blackwell also provides a thought-provoking perspective on the reasons why people move to Florida. Most people complaining about Florida's governor aren't from here. What's keeping you here? I'm a native but have lived all over courtesy of the military. My personal experience has been that people from other parts of the country move somewhere they visit and like - the character climate or whatever. When they get there, they fundamentally change the place they move to complain about it and then move back wherever they came from. Leaving natives to deal with the damage.
Blackwell concludes by suggesting that newcomers should learn to embrace Florida and if they don't like it, there are countless other places to go where people value the things you do.
Conclusion
The cancellation of the Disney work project in Florida highlights the complex and evolving political landscape in the state. As the debate continues, it is crucial for all parties involved to consider the impact of their actions on individuals and communities.