The expectations of behavior in music and film vary depending on the protagonist. Some artists are allowed to express fictional and deviant behavior, which is enjoyed as a dramatization of their character. However, if the character represents a force of nature that we don’t associate with violence or harmful rhetoric, we tend to dismiss their portrayal as a real-life call to action. This selective overreaction to art is evident in the response to Jason Aldean’s song and music video, “Try That in a Small Town.” In the video, Aldean portrays chaotic scenes of lawlessness in American cities to emphasize that such behavior wouldn’t be tolerated in a small town.
Singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, among others, expressed indignation towards Aldean’s use of subtle threats and the depiction of small-town America’s feelings. Some left-wing outlets also expressed outrage, suggesting that there may be vigilantism if harm is brought upon residents of a small town. Crow criticized Aldean for promoting gun violence, especially considering his experience surviving a mass shooting.
These outlets accuse the song of using subtle language to appeal to racists, but this argument misses the mark. It seems they don’t fully understand the concept of dog whistles. The left-wing outrage mob claims to be motivated by curbing violent rhetoric in all its forms, including music. However, their response is noticeably muted when it comes to hip-hop music, which often portrays exaggerated violence and degradation of black individuals. By their own standards, supporting any art that advocates violence against black people should be seen as propaganda for white supremacy.
The fact is, violent individuals don’t need an anthem to commit crimes or terrorize innocent people. We’re supposed to believe that one lyrical message can lead to mass murder, but this is an exaggerated and baseless assumption. Just as we don’t truly believe that Al Pacino is Scarface, we should recognize that musicians are also playing a role and performing from a script. They are no different from actors in Hollywood.
So, why is Aldean’s song receiving so much criticism? There have been country songs in the past with violent depictions, yet this song seems to bother the media more. The reason is political and class-driven. The media elites in coastal cities dislike it when their environment is criticized by someone who represents the “backward-thinking” perspective of rural America. They don’t want to see their own world from an outside perspective, and they resent the idea that people in rural areas might consider themselves more moral.
Furthermore, the issue of guns plays a role. Defending oneself with a gun is frowned upon by the left, who believe that the police should be called instead. The fragile egos of leftists can’t handle artistic criticism from someone they’ve only recently become aware of, but they inherently despise Aldean because he represents the people they believe are beneath them.
In conclusion, the outrage over Aldean’s song is disproportionate and politically motivated. It’s essential to understand that artists are not always expressing their personal beliefs, but rather portraying a character and delivering a script. This selective outrage reveals a bias in the media and a refusal to consider viewpoints outside of their own bubble.
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