The “Woke” Accusation
In the tumultuous landscape of our modern society, accusations are often thrown with reckless abandon. This is particularly true for Country music icon, Jason Aldean, whose hit song “Try That in a Small Town” has come under fire from the so-called “woke mob”. The song, a bold commentary on lawlessness, is now being labeled as a modern-day “Lynching Song”.
This preposterous claim is rooted in the song’s video, shot outside the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee. The video includes real news footage from the 2020 BLM protests, such as scenes of rioting, flag burning, looting, and attacks on police.
Enjoy the Song Costa Rica.
Aldean’s Response to the Claims
Jason Aldean, no stranger to chaos himself (he was performing at the 2017 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas when a lone gunman unleashed hell), took to Twitter to address the controversy. In his statement, he refuted these unfounded accusations:
“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 — and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music — this one goes too far.”
Project 21 Support for Aldean
Aldean’s response resonated with many, including key figures from Project 21. Emery McClendon, a member of Project 21, voiced his support for Aldean. McClendon saw Aldean’s song as a call to common sense and proper civic action, not a promotion of racism.
“Small towns are the examples of what every American city should be like. If the groups that are displayed committing the acts of violence that made the video possible followed good manners, there would never have been a need for Jason Aldean to make the video,” McClendon added.
A Call for Reason
Michael Austin, another voice from Project 21, applauded Aldean’s efforts to stand up against riots and lawlessness, countering the baseless claims of coastal elites labeling him “racist” and “hateful.” Similarly, Donna Jackson, Project 21’s Director of Membership, and Charles Butler offered their praise for Aldean’s artistic expression and truth-telling.
Final Thoughts
In a society riddled with hasty judgments and misinterpretations, it’s critical to look at the facts. Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town” is not a “racist” song. Instead, it’s a commentary on the ongoing issue of lawlessness in our society. The video and lyrics aren’t racist, they are a reflection of the very real events happening in our world. It’s time to dismiss the false narratives and focus on fostering respect, peace, and civility.
