Recently it has come to my attention that a polite, talented, young man was told to leave a public sidewalk by a local store manager. The boy was 'busking', which is the act of performing music or art in a public space for voluntary donations. The managers reasoning for telling the boy to move was that he was afraid that potential and current clientele would be offended by the simple act of this young man existing in a nearby space and the act of strangers giving him donations for the joy of hearing his music. In a world climate where our young people have so many issues to struggle with, it is disheartening to hear that someone potentially shattered the self confidence and future potential of this boy.
The signers of this petition want to assure any business owner or employee that we enjoy and look forward to folks of all backgrounds and talents to share their craft with us, the public, in public spaces. We are not offended, nor do we feel pressured into giving buskers money, but do so voluntarily as a sign of our appreciation for the ability to share in a special moment with each performer. Please take this as a formal request to not continue to interfere with buskers in public spaces in our city.
Respectfully,
The Citizens of North Adams MA and surrounding areas
