What’s alarming about something that’s been a consistent part of the country music canon for more than a half century? And, doesn’t it make perfect sense that, as Music Row and the country marketplace has begun to accept and include more performers of color and out queer writers, producers, and artists, that there would be a negative reaction from the staunch diehards who resist change and progress (especially when that progress means inclusion of folks who don’t fit into the white, good-ol-boy stereotype that has dominated the industry for so long)?

Still, there are more black country artists than ever getting airplay, charting, and performing for appreciative audiences. And, there are also outspoken peers standing in allyship along side those artists and on behalf of LGBTQ+ folks, too. Garth Brooks, Kasey Musgraves, Maren Morris, for examples.

So, let’s not be shocked or despair when performers like Jason Aldean drag their knuckles while their bigoted fan base cheers. Aldean and his wife are putting up a futile last gasp at returning to a shameful past. And… it’s been documented that many small town folks reject Aldean’s message and disavow the idea that a small town can’t be as inclusive and welcoming as any other place.