Jason Aldean is not shying away from the backlash he received over his song, “Try That in a Small Town,” which has been criticized by many on the left as being racist. During his concert in Cincinnati, Ohio, Aldean addressed the controversial song in front of a packed crowd.
In a video footage from the concert, Aldean can be seen pacing back and forth on stage while acknowledging the criticism he has faced. He states, “It’s been a long week, and I’ve seen a lot of stuff suggesting I’m this, suggesting I’m that.” However, he asserts that just because people have their own thoughts and opinions, it doesn’t make what they say true.
Aldean proudly identifies himself as an American who loves his country and wants to see it restored to its former glory. He expresses his frustration with the current state of affairs, stating that he wants things to go back to what they were before all the turmoil began. Aldean ends his speech by addressing cancel culture, noting that it can try to ruin someone’s life.
The video also shows Aldean performing his song outside the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee. This location holds historical significance as it was the site of the 1946 Columbia Race Riot, during which the first Black Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall, narrowly escaped lynching. By performing at this site, Aldean brings attention to the country’s troubled history with race.
However, the controversy surrounding Aldean’s song did not go unnoticed by liberals. The music video for “Try That in a Small Town” featured images of violent Black Lives Matter protests in cities across the country, highlighting the outcry against the murder of George Floyd by police officers. This led to calls for boycotts of the video and caused the Country Music Television (CMT) network to remove it from their airwaves. ABC, however, aired Aldean’s performance of the song during their broadcast of the “CMA Fest” concert in Nashville.
Despite the controversy, Aldean’s fans remain loyal and supportive. During his concert, they cheered and chanted “USA” in response to his statements. The controversy has even had a positive effect for Aldean, as it has propelled the song to the top of the charts.
In conclusion, Jason Aldean’s response to the criticism of his song “Try That in a Small Town” demonstrates his commitment to his beliefs and his refusal to be silenced by cancel culture. While his music video may have sparked controversy, Aldean’s fans continue to show their support. By addressing the controversy and performing at a historically significant location, Aldean inspires dialogue about the country’s past and the need for progress. Ultimately, the controversy has only strengthened Aldean’s standing in the music industry.