If you haven't heard yet there is some controversy about singer Jason Aldean's recent song, Try That in a Small Town. He has been accused of racism and promoting violence. Mr. Aldean tweeted, "In the past 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song, and was subject to the comparison that I was not too pleased with the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests. These references are not only meritless but dangerous. There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it, and there isn't a single video clip that isn't real news footage."
My first reaction to this attack on his song was I wondered if the critics realized that the criticism was going to send the song's popularity through the roof because everyone would want to watch the video and form an opinion.
I'm assuming the idea that he is promoting violence is when he talks about having his grandfather's gun. In my small town, it's a law that every head of household has a gun. It's for self-preservation and defense. Maybe we would have less violence if the criminals knew we could defend ourselves.
My husband and I watched the video together and I said, this is a perfect example of a difference in perceptions. I come from a small town and I know that feeling of community he is talking about. If someone was in need that person only had to ask for help. That sense of community can be harder to form in a city where there is more fear of crime.
His use of good ole boys raised upright could have caused some issues. A good ole boy describes the way someone was raised. It doesn't mean the person is racist.
In my opinion, his song says that people in a small town are going to take care of each other, and stand up for what they believe is right, but because it is America you can form your own opinion.
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