Jason Aldean’s ‘Try That in a Small Town’ Sparks Media Commentary on Rural-Urban Divide

Jason Aldean’s hit song “Try That in a Small Town” sparked differing commentary about rural-urban divides across the media spectrum this week.

For Context: The song received criticism for being racist and encouraging violence, but Aldean issued a rebuttal, saying “There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it… and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music — this one goes too far.” The song’s lyrics can be viewed here.

Violent Right-Wing Fantasy: An opinion for Washington Post (Lean Left bias) called the song “an exercise in belligerent rural hostility,” and a right-wing “fantasy of violent retribution against outsiders.” It said the song’s “disturbing” nature is commonplace for right-wingers who make art.

Naive Generalization: An opinion writer for The Tennessean (Center bias), who says he grew up in a small town, said the song “creates division, not unity,” and is a naive generalization that oversimplifies small towns as “aggressively conservative.” The writer said the song showcases a type of “lopsided propaganda” that prevents country music from being for everyone.

Not About Race: An opinion for The Federalist (Right bias) said the song is “a rebuke of the left’s 2020 summer of rage that, ironically, torched and looted countless black neighborhoods and businesses.” It said accusations of racism are false flags, and the track “is an assertion that rural Americans can and will defend themselves if faced with the same leftist political violence” cities saw in 2020.