The Rosa Parks vs. Outkast case, that is. I read about it here.
I’m a little disappointed. I’d rather have seen this case tried on its merits, because I’m sure it would have been found wanting.
This is a First Amendment setback. Maybe only a minor one, but a setback nonetheless.
I’m not sure how this is a loss of First Amendment rights. You and I can still talk about Rosa Parks, we just can’t make money by using her name. It annoys me more that the courts are saying that my name could be used by someone else, without my permission, in a money making venture, and that it’s the First Amendment that allows this.
She is a public figure, and that makes her name fair game. Or should. Did, until now.
There is an instrumental piece called “A Movement For Rosa.” I now have this desire to remix it into that Outkast song.