"One person does not represent an entire demographic."
Everyone out there is willing to alter that statement to fit their beliefs. In this case, George Hopkins does not represent the Cadets. Yes, at one point he did represent the Cadets, but he did not represent their integrity and he still does not to this day.
For those of you who do not follow the drum corps news, George Hopkins recently resigned as the director of the Cadets because of sexual misconduct allegations from nine women. This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself.
"'The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps: A history of alleged sexual abuse.' While this headline is not an example of victim blaming, it does still shift the blame onto the organization. This is unfair to the abundance of amazing people who have and do continue to march Cadets who do not condone this behavior. This article is not about the abuse the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps did to these women it is about the actions of a despicable human being who deserves to have his name plastered on this headline so everyone knows what he did. 'George Hopkins: A history of alleged Sexual Abuse.'" Andrea Rouse.
As a music major with many friends involved in drum corps, and friends that are fans of it, this subject is all over my news feed of any kind of social media. Amidst all of it, that post has been shared the most out of everyone. And it is because her words are 100% true. The Cadets, organizations supporting it, members, and directors of the organization do not support that behavior. Since these allegations have come to light, George Hopkins has resigned. It is good to see that someone that can play such a damaging role is not in charge of such a wonderful drum corps.
Unfortunately, with the society we live in, this will probably not be the last. Many different drum corps will face the same problem. Hopefully, now that these brave women have come forward with their accusations, others will not be afraid to speak up. Your voice will be heard. We are listening for you. We are on your side.
If there is anything that you take from this article, let it be that George Hopkins is not an exception and he will be held accountable for his actions whether he wants to or not. Do not blame the organization he was once associated with. Without knowledge of the events, there is nothing they could do.
George Hopkins belongs in the demographic of rapists, not in the demographic of legendary Cadet members.
