...About an hour [after the sign went up], a message from a woman named Rebecca, whose Facebook profile was an image that read TEAM USA, popped up in Cox Farms Facebook Messenger inbox: Whatever your own personal agendas are none us want to see them on display at a place we once enjoyed going to for tradition. Its TRULY disappointing.
The vitriol only intensified in the hours that followed, which baffled Aaron. Who, other than a white supremacist, would be offended by a message condemning white supremacy? She also understood, though, that this is America in 2018, a time of such fierce division that even voicing opposition to the ugliest beliefs could be twisted or taken out of context. ... Their first experience with real controversy came in 2000 when conservative activists accused the farm of promoting gay rights because of two rainbow flags that flew over tunnels made of hay. The flags hadnt been bought for that reason, but Aarons parents, Gina and Eric, learned what they symbolized and embraced the idea. Aaron, a lesbian, had come out to them five years before the upheaval.
At some point it looked like we could be facing a significant impact on our business, Aaron recalled, but the family didnt flinch, and instead rallied supporters to their cause.
It was a record-breaking season, she said. By far the best wed ever had.
Aaron, whose partner is of mixed race, also didnt back down after the threat of a boycott three years ago over the Black Lives Matter poster she put in a window of their home, which stands in the middle of the sprawling property. ... For Aaron, though, the blowback presented an opportunity. To change peoples minds, even by just a degree or two, required communication that was respectful but honest. And here was a chance to talk to people who disagreed with her lots of them.
Resist white supremacy is not an inclusive message, complained Patty Weston Meizlish. When you single out a group of people you exclude them. This is a sad message.
Yes, generally speaking, we are comfortable excluding white supremacists, responded Aaron, who studied psychology at Smith College in Massachusetts. If you know some who would be interested in dialoguing with us, please have them contact us!
Shannon Lee Sibley contended that she also supported fighting hate groups but wouldnt spend her money at the farm because it would never post a Blue Lives matter sign in support of police.
Youre right, Shannon we do not support Blue Lives Matter. . . . police lives are already and by default valued in our society, she wrote. Black lives are not, so we believe that a declaration that Black Lives Matter is necessary and important.
So black supremacy is okay then? asked Lisa Lewis. This is not a message of love, this is a message out to divide people even more. I would never ever visit your farm because you try to force your views on your customers. That is WRONG no matter what you say.
Lisa, when we talk about white supremacy, were referring to a systemic racism that is much deeper and more pervasive than any individual or group could be, Aaron replied. Black people do not have the institutional power in our society to benefit from so-called black supremacy. It just doesnt work like that.