Jason Aldean’s music video for “Try That in a Small Town,” filmed in front of the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, sparked intense controversy and debate upon its release. The filming location choice, combined with the song’s lyrics, ignited a firestorm related to racial insensitivity, glorification of violence, and historical context, ultimately raising questions about artistic intention and social responsibility. The decision to film there, regardless of intent, directly contributed to the widespread backlash.
The Courthouse as a Symbol: Why Maury County?
The immediate and arguably most significant reason Jason Aldean filmed “Try That in a Small Town” in front of the Maury County Courthouse is its symbolic weight, particularly in the context of American racial history. The courthouse itself is a powerful symbol of the legal system, and its history, particularly in the South, is intertwined with issues of justice and injustice, especially regarding race.
The Maury County Courthouse carries this weight explicitly. It was the site of the 1927 lynching of Henry Choate, an 18-year-old Black man. This historical event, easily accessible through public records and local awareness, cast a dark shadow over the choice of location. While Aldean’s representatives claim they were unaware of the lynching, the argument rings hollow given the prevalence of historical markers and documented history in the area.
Beyond the Choate lynching, the courthouse, as the center of the county’s legal and political activities, represented the established power structure. Framing a song perceived as defending traditional values and small-town justice against perceived threats to that order (crime, protests, dissent) against this backdrop fueled the criticism that the video implicitly endorsed the maintenance of a social hierarchy, potentially at the expense of marginalized groups.
The argument that the location was chosen solely for its aesthetic appeal or perceived representation of small-town America simply doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Numerous other locations could have served the same purpose without carrying the same heavy historical baggage.
The Song’s Message and the Location’s Impact
The lyrical content of “Try That in a Small Town” further exacerbated the controversy surrounding the filming location. The song, which addresses issues of crime, disrespect for law enforcement, and perceived social decay, includes lines like:
- “Got a gun that my granddad gave me”
- “Try that in a small town, see how far you make it down the road”
These lyrics, coupled with the imagery of the courthouse, were interpreted by many as a veiled threat against those who challenged the status quo, particularly Black Americans and protestors. Critics argued that the combination of the song’s themes and the chosen location created a dog whistle, appealing to a specific segment of the population while simultaneously alienating and intimidating others.
The location amplified the song’s message, transforming it from a general statement about small-town values into a potentially charged declaration about racial power dynamics in the American South. The courthouse served as a visual reinforcement of a power structure that has historically been used to oppress marginalized communities, making the video’s message significantly more problematic.
FAQs: Addressing Key Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions that further explore the complexities of this controversy:
H3: Why Didn’t Aldean’s Team Research the Location’s History?
This is a critical question and a significant point of criticism. While ignorance is sometimes an explanation, it’s rarely an excuse. A modicum of due diligence would have revealed the courthouse’s history, including the lynching of Henry Choate. The lack of such research demonstrates a stunning lack of awareness and sensitivity, contributing to the perception that the choice was either intentional or recklessly negligent. It highlights a failure of social responsibility on the part of Aldean and his production team.
H3: What was Jason Aldean’s Response to the Backlash?
Aldean issued a statement denying any intention to promote violence or racism. He claimed the song was about the importance of community and respect for law enforcement. However, this response did little to quell the controversy. Many argued that it failed to address the specific concerns about the historical context of the courthouse and the potential impact of the song on marginalized communities. The perceived lack of accountability fueled further criticism.
H3: Did the Music Video Get Removed from Circulation?
The music video was initially pulled from CMT (Country Music Television). This decision, presumably made in response to the public outcry, demonstrated the network’s awareness of the controversy and its potential impact on their brand. However, the video remained available on YouTube and other platforms, where it continued to generate discussion and debate.
H3: What is the Definition of a “Dog Whistle” in this Context?
In this context, a “dog whistle” refers to a message that appears innocuous to the general public but carries a specific and often coded meaning for a particular audience. Critics argue that the combination of the song’s lyrics and the courthouse location acted as a dog whistle, appealing to those who support traditional values and law enforcement while implicitly targeting those who challenge the status quo, particularly Black Americans and protestors.
H3: How Does This Controversy Relate to Broader Issues in Country Music?
This controversy highlights a long-standing debate within country music about representation, inclusivity, and the genre’s relationship to issues of race and social justice. Critics argue that country music has historically marginalized minority voices and often perpetuated harmful stereotypes. The “Try That in a Small Town” controversy is seen as another example of this pattern, reinforcing the need for greater diversity and awareness within the industry.
H3: What Role Did Social Media Play in Amplifying the Controversy?
Social media played a crucial role in amplifying the controversy surrounding the music video. The outrage spread quickly through platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok, with users sharing their opinions and dissecting the song’s lyrics and the significance of the filming location. Social media also provided a platform for marginalized voices to share their perspectives and challenge the dominant narrative.
H3: Was the Song Successful Despite the Controversy?
Despite the controversy, “Try That in a Small Town” experienced significant commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and generated millions of streams and views. This success, however, is not necessarily an endorsement of the song’s message. It may reflect a combination of factors, including the song’s catchy melody, Aldean’s established fan base, and the attention generated by the controversy itself.
H3: What are the Broader Implications of This Controversy for Artistic Freedom?
The controversy raises important questions about artistic freedom and social responsibility. While artists have the right to express themselves, they also have a responsibility to consider the potential impact of their work, particularly on marginalized communities. The line between artistic expression and harmful rhetoric is often blurry, and this case highlights the need for careful consideration and sensitivity.
H3: Could Aldean and His Team Have Made Different Choices?
Absolutely. They could have chosen a different filming location that didn’t carry the same historical baggage. They could have revised the song’s lyrics to be more inclusive and less inflammatory. They could have engaged in more thoughtful dialogue with critics and addressed their concerns in a more substantive way. The failure to do so exacerbated the controversy and damaged Aldean’s reputation.
H3: How Did the Controversy Impact the Town of Columbia, Tennessee?
The controversy brought unwanted attention to Columbia, Tennessee, and its history. While some residents defended the town and its values, others expressed concern about the negative publicity and the potential impact on the town’s image. The controversy also sparked discussions about race relations and the need for greater understanding and reconciliation within the community.
H3: What Lessons Can Other Artists Learn from This Situation?
The “Try That in a Small Town” controversy offers several valuable lessons for other artists. These include the importance of thorough research, sensitivity to historical context, awareness of the potential impact of their work on marginalized communities, and a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue with critics. It also highlights the need for critical self-reflection and a commitment to social responsibility.
H3: What’s Next for Jason Aldean?
The long-term impact of the controversy on Jason Aldean’s career remains to be seen. While he retained a significant fan base, the controversy undoubtedly tarnished his image and raised questions about his judgment. His ability to navigate these challenges and demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility will likely determine his future success.
Conclusion: A Call for Deeper Understanding
The “Try That in a Small Town” controversy is more than just a disagreement over a song. It’s a reflection of deeper societal divisions and a reminder of the ongoing need for dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation. The choice of the Maury County Courthouse as a filming location, regardless of intent, amplified the song’s message and ignited a firestorm that exposed the complexities of race, history, and artistic responsibility in America. While the debate continues, one thing is clear: the incident serves as a potent reminder of the power of symbols and the importance of understanding their historical context. The incident highlights the urgent need for greater sensitivity and awareness within the entertainment industry, and a continued commitment to promoting inclusivity and social justice.