The performance of a number from the Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade had America all a-Twitter. It had the bigots out in force, at least judging from headlines such as this one, with all its old-fashioned loaded language: Here is a video of the performance of the song “Raise You Up/Just Be”:

Among the reactions:

Pretty sure I don’t need @MacysDayParade lecturing my family about diversity via “Kinky Boots”. Let the kids be kids. — MacTheDave (@MacTheDave) November 28, 2013

Let parents decide when to discuss certain topics with their kids instead of springing it on them in Macy’s Parade. #kinkyboots — Jeff Wolfe (@wolfejeff) November 28, 2013

This parade shows exactly what is wrong with America. #kinkyboots #embarrassing — Ashton Good (@33TheWall) November 28, 2013

At least one comic got into the act:

Watching the Kinky Boots number. On the sidewalk in front of Macy’s parents explaining trannies to their kids! #wellsonitsachickwitha.. — Colin Quinn (@iamcolinquinn) November 28, 2013

Most common reaction on Twitter seemed to be typified by this Tweet:

My heart aches over America’s negative reaction to Kinky Boots at the Macy’s Day Parade. “You change the world when you change your mind!” — Eric Solis (@Space_Man_Doc) November 29, 2013

But what’s interesting is to see the conversation on Twitter AFTER the publicity about the “bigots” reacting to Kinky Boots:

@wthomasadkins @MacTheDave Newsflash: You can support love and acceptance w/out exposing kids to borderline-pornography in the streets — Kyle Kunkler (@KyleKunkler) November 28, 2013

@KyleKunkler @MacTheDave Calling that “borderline-pornography” shows your ignorance and bigotry. Congratulations and Happy Thanksgiving. — wthomasadkins (@wthomasadkins) November 28, 2013

@wthomasadkins @KyleKunkler I love straight people and gay people, but I didn’t find it to be appropriate for my 3 kids all under age 6. — MacTheDave (@MacTheDave) November 28, 2013

This controversy is ironic for me, given my review of Kinky Boots when the show opened in April, which begins: “Is it a shock to say that “Kinky Boots” just isn’t kinky enough?….“Kinky Boots” is professionally put together, it’s entertaining…and it’s both safe and familiar.”

I’m baffled that parents feel they need to “explain” to their three-year-olds performers wearing red boots, but not, say, a 100-foot Pillsbury Doughboy.

Update: Non-exclusive statement from Harvey Fierstein, who with songwriter Cyndi Lauper adapted the movie of Kinky Boots for the stage: “I’m so proud that the cast of KINKY BOOTS brought their message of tolerance and acceptance to America’s parade. Ten years ago I was humbled to ride a float dressed as Mrs. Claus and it was the thrill of a lifetime. Congratulations to Macy’s, on leading the world, not only with your salesmanship, but also your humanity.” (He must not have shopped there recently.)

So now people are reportedly shopping at Macy’s to show their support of human rights. Who says miracles no longer exist?

Second update: Floating around online is this terrific sermon about Kinky Boots by Virginia-Highland Church Senior Pastor Michael Piazza of Atlanta. He preached this about six weeks before the to-do at the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

 
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