Jason Aldean’s recently released song titled “Try That In a Small Town” has sparked controversy. However, former “Bachelorette” contestant Shawn Booth and country star Chuck Wicks believe that the song is being unfairly twisted and labeled as racist. In a discussion on Booth’s podcast, “In the Booth with Shawn Booth,” the duo delved into the issue of polarization in America and shared their perspective on the controversy surrounding Aldean’s song.
Booth and Wicks argue that Aldean’s song is not hateful towards Black people, as some critics have claimed. Instead, they interpret it as a song about community solidarity. The choice to include footage of looting from the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests was intended to highlight the destruction of storefronts and small businesses, which both Wicks and Booth consider criminal and wrong. They emphasize that connecting the song to race is a misinterpretation and could indicate racist tendencies in the accusers themselves.
Both Booth and Wicks vouch for the songwriters and production team involved in creating the song and music video, as they personally know most of them and attest to their lack of bigotry. As Wicks is married to Aldean’s sister, Kasi Williams Morstad, it’s worth noting that his opinion may be subject to bias. However, the pair concludes that the controversy surrounding Aldean’s song is a reflection of the larger issue of extreme polarization in America, where everything is viewed in black and white, without room for nuance or complexity.
To provide further context, the controversy surrounding Aldean’s song and the subsequent backlash represents a larger societal tension. The current climate in America is characterized by a growing divide between different ideological and political factions. Extreme viewpoints dominate, leaving little space for open dialogue and understanding. The polarized climate further intensifies issues, such as the misinterpretation of Aldean’s song, ultimately affecting its reception and chart performance.
It is important to note that Aldean himself has defended his work and distanced himself from any notion of racism. Despite the controversy, the song initially ascended the charts but has since experienced a decline in ranking, currently sitting at number 21. The divisive nature of the discussion surrounding the song has likely contributed to its fluctuating success.
In conclusion, Jason Aldean’s song “Try That In a Small Town” has become embroiled in controversy, with accusations of racism overshadowing its intended message of community solidarity. Shawn Booth and Chuck Wicks assert that the song is being misinterpreted and manipulated for personal or ideological gain. They criticize the extreme polarization in America, which has resulted in a lack of nuance and understanding. Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the song reflects the larger societal issues that plague the country, as differing viewpoints are often met with hostility and lack of empathy.