I ran across this article a couple days ago on a new song called "Accidental Racist" which is by Brad Paisley and LL Cool J: http://thoughtcatalog.com/2013/deconstructing-accidental-racist/
In my opinion, its a very strange mix but its interesting because it brings into perspective two views of contemporary racism. Many of the lyrics encourage "forgetting" what has happened in the past however I don't think that forgetting is going to help stop racism and discrimination. Our history is a part of us and is an opportunity to learn and prevent such things from happening in the future. However, I agree with the article in that it is good that more music, media, movies, tv shows, etc. are discussing racism. Talking about it is extremely important and hopefully this song will spark some good conversation concerning racism. Additionally, just having the title "Accidental Racist" might promote thought and people might start to contemplate what racism means in modern United States. Racism nowadays is very different than it was years ago in a great deal of ways in that it is harder to identify because often times people may not even realize that they are racist or just try to veil their racism because they know that it is social unacceptable. I just found this song and article very interesting and wanted to share it with the class!
Although it is important for society to begin to discuss race, this song is not the place to start. First, it is filled with stereotypes of whites and blacks. Paisley depicts himself as a white man, ordering an (expensive) drink at Starbucks, shifting blame for current state of racism to his ancestors. Also, Paisley makes it clear that the man who is waiting on him is African American. This places Paisley as a white man from middle to upper class and places the African American in a lower, working class. Within the first line of this song it is clear Paisley is feeding into the stereotypes of the position of blacks and whites in society.
ReplyDeleteThen, we get to LL Cool J's rap portion. He continues to feed American stereotypes by placing himself and his fellow African American as poorly dressed, chain wearing individuals who live in the hood. His rap section is an overgeneralization of the black population of America. Finally, Cool J addresses Abraham Lincoln as the man who freed him. Clearly he is confused about what all happened from the civil war to 2013.
An other problem with this song is the categorizing of the North and South. Paisley clearly turns this song into a Southern issue by discussing the confederate flag and how he is proud of his southland history. Then LL Cool J makes it clear that he is speaking of a man from the North who is far removed from the idea of southland and southern pride. This song would be more discussion on race in the South (which I believe Paisley intended) if they had chosen a black souther rapper to play LL Cool J's part. Also, this part of the song makes the overgeneralization that the North is black and the South is white.
Clearly there are some issues with this song and I really feel that it is a hollow interpretation of how racism is currently depicted in America. Therefore, it is not a good song to use as a jumping point for a discussion on race. I think it will only allow people to further justify their racial stereotypes. I do like how the article picked apart the title of the song and discussed how we are all taught to be accidental racists because of the white privilege that exists.