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The world is filled with many different cultures; each holds celebrations in different ways. In New Orleans, parades called second lines occur for celebration. The second line has been part of New Orleans culture for over a hundred years. Recently, one of these parades was broken up in a culturally rich neighborhood; in the process, two musicians were arrested. Parading without a permit is a crime in Louisiana, and this was the case in Tremé. Second lines should be required to obtain a permit from the city to parade. To obtain a permit, the second line should have to notify the city of the time and place of the festivity, no fee should be charged. In doing so, both the city and its citizens will have bettered their society by allowing themselves to safely express their culture without infringing on others rights.
Tremé is a music wealthy neighborhood in New Orleans which was recently host to a second line where two musicians were arrested. (Rose) Since about 1830, when the community formed from French-speaking Creole colored slaves, jazz parades have been high in concentration. (U.S. Gov.) Many of these second lines are held after funerals, to celebrate with family and friends the life of the deceased, instead of dwelling on the death. Other second lines are held after a ‘Main Line’ parade usually hosted by clubs. So in order to protect this part of their culture without having to see friends and neighbors imprisoned, the citizens of Tremé, and all of New Orleans should feel obligated work together with the city.
Cities, especially historically musical ones such as New Orleans, should promote the cultural expression of its people. Raising the price of parading permits is the exact opposite of what should be done to preserve this culture. What should not be done is the exact same thing that has recently happened. In 2006, the N.O.P.D. announced that they will be increasing the price of permit fees,...