Welcome to the OnMilwaukee.com Sunday Sound-off, featuring a question, two different perspectives -- then opening up the topic to our readers' responses. Please use the Talkback feature below to contribute your thoughts on the issue.
Grammy-award winning rapper and actor Ludacris plays the Marcus Amphitheater tonight. Because of Ludacris' controversial lyrics -- Oprah Winfrey said he "marginalizes women" in his songs -- some think there might be the potential for disorderly behavior as well.
OnMilwaukee.com asked Summerfest if they plan to amp up security measures for the Ludacris show, but did not receive a solid answer.
"Summerfest does not disclose specifics on camera locations and security plans. As always, we will plan to staff appropriately throughout the entire run of the festival at both the Marcus Amphitheater and on all grounds stage areas to provide a safe concert and festival experience for all of our patrons," says John Boler, VP of sales and marketing.
What do you think? Should Summerfest hire extra security for the Ludacris show - or not?
No, it's not necessary. There is no reason to hire extra security for Ludacris, or any other hip hop group, other than fear. Ludacris fans are no different from fans of other Marcus Amphitheater guests and it's unfair to treat them any differently. Don't believe the hype, Milwaukee. Music is music and fans are fans.
Absolutely! Ludacris attracts a rowdy crowd that could potentially get out of hand. If this happened, it would tarnish Summerfest's reputation and prevent people from attending in the future. It's just realistic, not racist, to recognize that more security is needed for a hip hop show.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
