Apparently, Country Music Television (CMT) has gone woke, because they have displayed that they don’t understand context and nuance while caving to the perpetually offended.
Country singer Jason Aldean’s newest single “Try That in a Small Town” was essentially banned from CMT’s music video rotation because, apparently, the song was problematic for the - in recent years - delicate sensibilities of the country music establishment.
According to The Hill, CMT confirmed the video “has been removed,” but weren’t brave enough to give a reason why.
The outlet also reported the following about the controversy surrounding the music video:
The song, which was released in May, has been heavily criticized in recent days after the release of the video, which was filmed in the front of a courthouse in Colombia, Tenn., where a Black man was famously lynched in the 1920s. In the video, the courthouse is projected with images of violent protests and criminal acts, including demonstrations from the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in 2020.
“Cuss out a cop, spit in his face
Stomp on the flag and light it up
Yeah, ya think you’re tough,” Aldean sings.“Well, try that in a small town
See how far ya make it down the road.”
Okay, and? I understand the corporate establishment and propaganda media hate anything that conveys any level of American patriotism and defense of the country against those that clearly wish to destroy it only to build it back in their own false idol images. But when you deny reality in favor of an attempt not to offend people that probably don’t listen to Aldean’s music or watch his videos in the first place, all you’re doing is placating the mob who will eventually come for you.
Related:
Aldean, himself, responded to the criticisms on Twitter, saying that the song makes no reference to race, only volatility and destruction the BLM/Antifa riots during the Summer of Floyd brought to cities across the country.
In the past 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject to the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests. These references are not only meritless, but dangerous.…
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) July 18, 2023
Even people typically on defense for the left came to support Aldean for this particular song and music video.
“No where does Aldean ever mention race, or make this political in any way,” influencer Brian Krassenstein wrote. “There are legitimately bad things that people do and say. Aldean’s song is NOT one of them. People need to stop overreacting and start listening.”
Jason Aldean's Song Canceled!
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) July 19, 2023
As someone who thinks that the whole ANTIFA narrative that the right pushes is mostly exaggerated BS, I have to say that I think it's quite pathetic that CMT has basically canceled Jason Aldean's 'Try That in a Small Town' music video.
Before I… pic.twitter.com/Ez2Ck0uPSj
But there are still detractors of Aldean in this instance, including singer Sheryl Crow.
“There’s nothing small-town or American about promoting violence,” Crow tweeted. “You should know that better than anyone having survived a mass shooting.”
.@Jason_Aldean I’m from a small town. Even people in small towns are sick of violence.There’s nothing small-town or American about promoting violence. You should know that better than anyone having survived a mass shooting.
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) July 19, 2023
This is not American or small town-like. It’s just lame https://t.co/cuOtUO9xjr
But, with all due respect Ms. Crow, it IS American to promote defending yourself and your town from angry mobs who just want to watch the world burn.
For those that don’t adhere to the censorship mentality, here’s Aldean’s music video:
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Things that need to be said! The leftist media really doesn't want you to watch Sound of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/LE1ntl0VZP
— MRCTV (@mrctv) July 18, 2023