April 8th, 2013
05:34 PM ET
Brad Paisley and LL Cool J team up for 'Accidental Racist'Brad Paisley and LL Cool J broach sensitive topics in their new collaboration, "Accidental Racist," and it's left some critics hoping the entire song was an accident. The track is part of Paisley's new album, "Wheelhouse," and was sparked by the reaction the country star said he received after he wore a shirt with the Confederate flag on it to showcase his adoration for the band Alabama.
“I was called a racist on Twitter for that,” Paisley told The Tennessean. “That was the beginning of this song: Me thinking, ‘Am I a racist? Is that all it takes?’" [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4bq4hP35yc&w=560&h=315%5D And so, with "Accidental Racist," Paisley and LL Cool J are hoping to launch a dialogue about prejudice, the South and its history with race relations. Paisley sings from the perspective of a "a white man coming to you from the Southland, trying to understand what it's like not to be," as the lyrics say. The song paints the picture of a guy who walks into a Starbucks wearing a shirt like one Paisley himself has worn, and finding that it was like walking an elephant into the room. "Just a proud rebel son with an old can of worms, looking like I got a lot to learn," Paisley croons. "I'm proud of where I'm from, but not everything we've done, and it ain't like you and me can rewrite history. Our generation didn't start this nation." The country singer continues with"They called it Reconstruction. Fixed the buildings, dried some tears. We’re still sifting’ through the rubble, after 150 years." LL Cool J offers another point of view, rapping, "Dear Mr. White Man, I wish you understood what the world is really like when you're living in the hood. Just because my pants are sagging doesn't mean I'm up to no good; you should try to get to know me, I really wish you would." The rapper also says "Feel like a newfangled Django, dodgin' invisible white hoods." Opinion: Don't be offended by 'Accidental Racist' Chris Willman, who wrote the book “Rednecks and Bluenecks: The Politics of Country Music," told The Tennessean he fond the song "pretty radical," but Gawker saw it differently, likening it to an "11th grade A.P. History project." Salon found it "bizarre," and to The Hairpin, "the song itself is a lyrical disgrace filled with awkward non-apologies and faux-pensiveness over the history of racism in the south." Paisley has explained that he doesn't think they "answer the questions in this song," perhaps chiefly because he says he doesn't "know the answers." But, he told Entertainment Weekly, "Accidental Racist" isn't a stunt. “At this point, after all these albums and all these hits, I have no interest in phoning it in, and I think that [the song] comes from an honest place in both cases, and that’s why it’s on ['Wheelhouse'] and why I’m so proud of it ... This isn’t something that I just came up with just to be sort of shocking or anything like that. I knew it would be, but I’m sort of doing it in spite of that, really." Instead, he created it "because it just feels more relevant than it even did a few years ago," he said. "I think that we’re going through an adolescence in America when it comes to race. You know, it’s like we’re almost grown up. You have these little moments as a country where it’s like, ‘Wow things are getting better.’ And then you have one where it’s like, ‘Wow, no they’re not.’ ... This is a very sensitive subject, and we’re trying to have the discussion in a way that it can help.” Paisley's album "Wheelhouse" arrives Tuesday.
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hello!,I like your writing very a lot! percentage we keep in touch more approximately your post on AOL? I require a specialist on this space to solve my problem. Maybe that's you! Having a look forward to see you.
Awesome song! Why not....offended...maybe your the racist! REALLY...its 2013 folks...wake up!
If it's such a crime, then call the cops.
If it's not a crime, then what's the big friggin' deal? Let it go.
Remember when governments made a big deal about the things people said?
Now it's the free press that does this. How ironic.
Let it go.
This is America.
Let people say what they want.
End of discussion.
It's amazing how some can make this song out to be something with a racist intent. I'm not a southerner nor am I caucasian, but I can't deny the fact that this song simply states the truth about how some of our discriminations come to be and how silly it is to think that because our ancestors felt a certain discrimination or racism it does not define who we presently are. Instead of feeling defensive because of our position we need to simply try to place ourselves in someone else's position. It's the only way to truly understand one another.
=
It's a nice song. Pls hear it. I heard the song after I got to know about it in a Celebrity News site.
The confederate flag is a contreversial symbol which should no more be allowed to be flown similar to a Flag from Nazi Germany. What pride can be taken in the abuse of fellow human beings. Let's put it thisway would southerners appreciate yankees wearing T-Shirts having flags from the Civil War implying whatevr derrogatory phrase that could be applied to Southerners.
thanks
baaaaaa
how come she needs it.......cuz its a FAKE
great message, great song by a great artist, as Brad meets a sensitive topic head on, and adds LL Cool Jay to add some credibility. In fact, all of Wheelhouse is great – bought it yesterday, & listened to the whole thing 4 times thru. Accidental Racist is a great song with a great message. to the critics who think this song is less than great...I strongly disagree. You rock, Brad!
we've now that for months sweetie....try a new wardrobe and some makeup
have you heard The Song Brad Paisley Couldn't Write?
here it is http://www.vimeo.com/48495496
My take on this song...it's about forgiveness & compassion. They're not saying to forget the past, but, move on from it. Let bygones be bygones. Paisley said it best, "white people are still paying for mistakes that a bunch of folks made before we came". Throw the color thing out the window. We're all humans, why can't we all just get along? A little "me" on Earth would be great! 🙂
It is silly to dislike someone just because they look different. Everyone looks different. Whether it is their hair or skin or eyes. It's what makes life cool. Please don't dislike others just because of their different appearance. You and everyone are awesome : )
You are, too! Good day Nate! (well said, btw)
beautiful response....if only everyone felt that way..........
White people make me sick.
I agree. White people are gay.
that one is all bent up and out of shape. he needs to take it back to Walmart and exchange it for a different one.
Y'all just mad cuz u cant match my skill and u aint smart enuff 2 get the meaning of the song
"I got called a racist for wearing the confederate flag. Is that really all it takes?"
.... Yes. What a handytard.
Country music is #1 on every billboard because the vast majority of their audience is too ignorant to figure out what the internet is
Losers that listen to country music are uneducated fools.
Why is "racism" always viewed as a white person being racist toward a black person? Black people are some of the most racist people on the pplanet. But the term "racist" seems to only apply to whites. What a joke, and what a double standard.
White devils have no soul. A persons soul resides in the melanin in a persons skin. Melanin even gives off electricity. Scientist have proven this. White people have no melanin and therefore no soul. That is why you are white devils.
Our people descended from Kings and Queens in Africa. Our civilization existed before you whites even crawled out of the snow. Did you know all of civilization and discoveries originated in Africa? The European colonizers came to Africa and stole our civilization. Math, Science, Reading, History, all originated in our homeland. Not frozen Europe.
Wrong, racism is universal. Whites do it to whites. Visit South-East Europe go see a Serbian and say you are Bosnian, see what happens to you. Racism is a disease that is spread through ignorance. If you are ignorant, chances are you are also a racist, no matter what your color is.
Levon you idiot. If we all originated from Africa and spread throughout the planet. Where are whites from if not Africa? Stupid redneck trying to pass as a black man to stir some shiiit ain't you?
Just because I am gay don't think I'm
Not smarter than you.
Ohhh poor little Diddler! Look at the white man being oppressed!
Double standard... give me a break. Racism can come from ANYONE and anyone with half of a brain knows that. Quit acting like you're a victim.
Diller, you prove yourself as a racist because you lump all black people into one category saying that they are the most racist people on the planet. We are not a monolith, anymore than white people are.
We already knew tha, Diddler. Racism is universal
I keep reading that racism will always be around. You are so wrong. It will be around in your life time but humans will not be dumb and stupid forever. Less than 20 years ago we learned there were no multiple races on Earth, just one. Just us Africans who populated the whole planet and now we have all these different looks and shades and colors. 20 years only we've known the truth. Some don't know it yet. Some don't accept it yet but in 200 years everybody will know that, everybody will accept that and we will teach all future waves of humans that same truth. We are One race. Believe me, these stupid wars will stop and racism will be something of the past. I hate it that I was born 200 years too early.
We aren't like you white devils. No way no how. We have class style and elegance. You whites have aids.
I know you are just trying to get a reaction from people but nobody's going to get mad at your post. Just so you know though I am not white but you probably are Jamal loll
hello
Nope. Was there in 2001, saw B.B. King. He was great.
ha
You go outside wearing a t shirt with a Confederate flag on it and you don't know how it is offensive? You're a LIAR. You knew what it meant. You're just pretending to not know what it meant. You're not stupid... you're just trying to show how you feel about who was on the correct side of the Civil War. You and your slavers lost a hole.
And to many around the world the American flag represents imperialism, genocide, ignorance and opression.
should i return it
but you should stop shopping at Anthropologie.
1 for filth and 1 for you...
The stuff you can hear two blocks away Brainwashing HATE RAP is not racist. ?
hardly....
ha
hahaha
time too study the news.
So, I just took a few minutes to listen to this track. I must admit, it's pretty f'n terrible.
A Confederate Flag to me meant that there was a Southern Rock band playing in the bar that night with a flag backdrop on the stage. It wasn't a protest against America, in fact those good ole boys were as red white and blue American as they came, and many people of all shapes sizes and colors all danced to the fine music that was played.
Well, that's the thing. Back then, in our eyes, it was a symbol of southern music. We really didn't equate it with the war. Maybe it was part of our youthful ignorance. Today, though, you understand the feelings it can bring up with others.
as a whole is now much more sensitive and critical thinking skills have been replaced with instant updates on the Kardashians.
There are a few things that I am fairly certain of: there will always be some form of racism everywhere. Period. Some people must perpetuate hate, and it's wrong, but we have to learn to ignore those voices until they are blocked out by acceptance. Slavery was very, very wrong. It was wrong in the US, Russia, China, Africa, and everywhere in history there has ever been slavery. Just ask the Jews. The longer it is held on to like a crutch, the longer you allow the issue to stay alive. If you let it go, it disappears. I find that with the exception of very extreme cases, no one alive today has been directly impacted by US slavery. The Native Americans aren't getting their land back either, so don't feel bad, they're still getting the pointy end of the stick. There has to be forgiveness before there is progress. Most whites in the South were not slave owners, granted there are many ignorant people in the South who run their mouth, but we try to ignore the trailer park crowd. For poor whites, the Civil War was about the US government infringing on states' rights. For rich whites, who controlled politics and basically pushed the South into war, the war was about slavery and the loss of revenue. So the war was about both, rights and slavery, but it depends on how much money you had. There will always be ignorance, but you have to accept that and move on. It's probably a discussion we do need to have finally.
Well said and accurate.
Whites are evil devils filled with meanness.
Exactly. Very well said. We need to have the conversation and all sides need to acknowledge racism and bias toward the other. Racism is not a one way street.
hello
So Christopher Dorner did a duet with a Tejano artist?
My dumps taste better than they smell.
mike that is the most digusting, filthy joke and pic you have ever sent me....lol
Flying the Confederate flag doesn't mean you're a racist – it means you're a TRAITOR.
The Confederacy and all those who support it are treasonous. They went to war with the United States of America. They killed AMERICANS during the war and the United States won that war. We defeated the Confederacy and all the traitors that took part in it.
Flying those colors means you don't support the United States of America – it means you support TREASON.
It's not racist – or at least that's the least bad thing about it. TREASON AGAINST THE USA IS MUCH WORSE.
rrrrrrrrrt*farrrrrt*fart*
Okay, whoa, whoa. Granted, a lot of Neo-Confederates are a bit crazy, but treason is a little much
-
see how easy it is....*
-
It must have been quite some time since you guys have studied history. The Confederate States of America seceded on the grounds of States' Rights. While the issue of slavery loaded the gun of the Civil War, it was States' Rights that pulled the trigger. (States' Rights includes everything from funding, military, the National Bank, and slavery). They weren't scared that slavery would be banned in the South, but rather in the territories to the West. The Confederate Flag is a symbol of rebellion and States' Rights, not racism like it has become known for. You guys should really learn to confide in the youth, as while we may not be as wise, some of us are definitely more educated due to our fresher education.
An old argument that has been thoroughly disproven
great.
This sounds like a true train wreck.
I heard it this morning. It is as bad as you can imagine. The rap portion is cringe-inducing.
thanks
"know what YOUR values are, since liberal thinking and black people equal terror to you" Let me help you out there; every Christian is a liberal. It's a liberal religion. You are commanded to love your neighbor, turn the other cheek, forgive the trespassers, and a whole lot of other things that are hard at first but allow us to all live in peace and prosperity.
Wow... Really people? It's 2013 we should be flying to the moon and back. Im ashamed of most of the human race. We should be tackling bigger issues and striving for better things for equality.
I'm white and I have black friends. I listen to metal and country and they listen to R&B and rap. We dress different..We work together.. Laugh together and have lunch together. Why does this have to be a issue.. Does the media encourage the notion there should be a difference..
Stars and Bars should be flying high over the WHITE House...
A flag representing a long-dead rebellion by our southern half has no business over the white house
Guys, everyone drop your flags and watch My Little Pony, it is amazing.
I think Care Bears would be more appropriate!
Care Bears and My Little Pony are nice shows. It's good to be nice. Kindness counts.
I use to wonder what friendship could be,
until you all shared it's magic with me.
It really is good to be kind. Sure makes the world a nicer happier place.
this reminds me of the time my daughter was on the couch with her kindle singing "Oh my god Becky, look at her butt, it is so big"... and without missing a beat, rolls right into "We are Carebears"
good article..
I heart Princess Luna.
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Care Bears are gay. They are the gayest of all bears, even the really gay white ones from up north. The Care Bear with the rainbow on it’s belly? Gee Ayy Why. My Little Pony – also gay. Except for the unicorn. That one is fking awesome.
Bronies are the devil and less than people.
Get a grip people. It's a song! If you don't like it just listen to something else.
Pretty sure more people have been killed because of who they are or what they look like under the American flag than under the Confederate flag... But history is written by the winners
You probably didn't realize that your post was more about your point of view than any relevance to the topic. So with that in mind I'll throw some logic at you and see how well you can connect the dots...
#1 The story is about the Rebel flag, not the American flag.
#2 Displaying the Rebel flag is linked with racial activity not because of the things done by the south, but because of the things done by large groups of people using the Rebel flag as a symbolic gesture.
#3 To make a similar case for the American flag, please indicate which group(s) of people are using that flag as a symbolic gesture abdicating racial violence.
#4 Please avoid the non-sensical attempt to put military context in with racial violence here, it will only make you look foolish.
doughb: Do you mean "advocating" racial violence? Good post.
History....there is nothing like history; there are histories. Depends on who wrote what...and which of the histories you are familiar with...
I tried to explain racism to my 11yr old (from a History stand point) he looked at me and said "Why?"
He just didn't understand why people were treated that way. We learn what we live and I have taught my boys to respect everyone. "Why?" Good question.
Exactly – my daughters are same way – not able to understand the reasoning behind all the bad things we did. And I'm grateful for that – it shows the new generation is beyond that.
All that stuff happened because whites are evil. White devils are bad.
Great question from your son. You're raising him well.
There are certain things in our society that tend to offend a lot of people, due to the atrocities associated with them, such as the confederate flag, the swastika, the white hoods of the KKK, or just the propaganda associated with white supremacy groups. I got to admit that I didn't really like the song, but the message was true to this day. It definitely has sparked a lot of conversation on racism, which I'm sure that was the plan. I've said it before, I'm a live and let live kind of person. I treat everyone I meet with respect. Too bad there are still folks out there that think that their slanted views are more valid than those of us who believe in equality for all. To deliberately try to anger those around you, because you can't move on, is just wrong. I'm not saying you can't be proud of where you are from, but think about the message you are sending when are doing it. It's 2013, not the1960's.
Yes, it is too bad that most people do not know anything about the real criminals...like the bankers and the politicians. The symbols you mention are used to focus peoples attention...the real criminals thrive in anonymity and being that they have all the money and own the media outlets...well, I think most people get it...to bad they know so little about it.
"Paisley has explained that he doesn't think they "answer the questions in this song," perhaps chiefly because he says he doesn't "know the answers." Not only does he not know the question, but no one does, so how is anyone supposed to answer a question when no one knows what the question is in the first place. the point is Just as that dumazz Rodney King said is "can't we just all get along?" START NOW.
If everyone would behave, it would do a lot towards improving race relations. That means some folks in saggy pants needs to stop playing the knock out game and shooting babies in strollers and some folks with confederate flags need to stop dragging African-Americans behind pickup trucks. Everyone at a stop light could turn down their stereos so that they aren't making the rear view mirrors of their fellow motorists vibrate to a beat. You in the Hoop-D, do ya feel me? Oh, and Mr. 1%, at a four-way stop, the most luxurious car does not automatically go first. Oh and smoker dude, your smoke is getting sucked in by everyone else's AC. And, HR people please note H1B Indians were oppressed by Britain not the US. Don't disguise your program to replace Americans in the workforce as an affirmative action / diversity thing. Thanks.
best post ever.
for a good reason...
I remember living in a small town in deep East Texas and going to an integrated school in the 80s during the Dukes of Hazard time period, Everyone there had each others backs, even though the blacks were mostly poorer, but not overwhelmingly and everyone thought the dukes cars was awesome. The point is that we didn't have the convenience of pointing fingers over things that really didn't matter in the long run, but rather we just lived and mostly got along. We didn't have racial pride, ethnic pride, gang pride, we had town and school pride.
The song is awful. So is most country music, but this song is worse than normal. It's not even about racism–it's about stereotypes, based on how a person dresses. Not all white people wear cowboy hats and not all black people sag their pants. That presumption alone is racist.
Stereotypes usually have a kernel of truth. It's best to avoid anyone who looks like someone you've seen in the movies New Jack City or Deliverance, or on any TV episode of COPS.
You are so right. I had a close black friend who listened to country and wore cowboy hats and had a skinny white nephew who listened to rap and wore his pants mid way for awhile.
I just sat at a gas station listening to a rapper sing about all kinds of disgusting crap (don't even want to repeat it). I would much rather listen to "Accidental Racist" than to some jerk singing about killing and raping people, doing drugs etc, etc. To each his own though..... if you don't like this song, don't listen to it, just like I choose not to listen to the rappers.....
Hey, we all should really be focusing on something with a lot more importance....such as, figuring out how the hell they put that tasty creamy filling in them smooth moist Twinkies without leaving a trace?????......HOW??????
confirmed your facts are based on zero- 3 turds is a looser, though. that's a FACT, jack.
she thought we were going too let it go again.
I am always amused at how people from the North assume that racism is uniquely southern. As if! There are just as many racists in the North and West coast as there are in the south. The Northern elite just pretends to hide it better.
I dont call a person a racist because they wear the Green/Red/ Yellow colors showing support of a continent that sold their people into slavery so dont call me a racist for wearing the Confederate flag for a nation that outlawed slavery in their consitutuion BEFORE even the USA did. Try reading history. It can open ones eyes to the lies that are told and retold till everybody finally believes them. Obama has this down pat!
confirmed your facts are based on zero-
I am a 73 year old Arkansas born and raised white man. My wonderful wife of 25 years is a beautiful Arkansas born and raised Black woman. We live in peace and harmony with our fellow Arkansas folks of all colors here in North Little Rock. We have a president elected by a majority for a 2nd term whose father was a a black African. Considering my senior year in high school was during the integration of Little Rock Central I can confidently state we have made progress.
Do we have a long way to go? All one has to do is read the comments in these posts to see how far we have to go before race is a non issue.
God bless
and GOD BLESS!
Very well said, thank you!!!
You and your wife need to be on every TV and Radio show in the country!! Please keep spreading the word! My prayers are with you both!
Ain't love grand? Go dude!
Who cares about the controversy? It's just a really lousy song.
Wearing a Confederate flag doesn't make you racist (necessarily). But it does make you a buffoon and a traitor to the United States.
Uh, no... It doesn't.
Buffoonish comments like yours make people look like buffoons.
So I live in the South, but I took a trip to New York one time and bought an I love New York shirt. I like it so much I wear it around town quite a bit. Does that make me a traitor? Does that make me love my home state any less?
Wearing the stars and bars isn't treason. It's the state flag of Alabama. And a person doesn't deserve to be struck by lightning just because he calls someone the N word. Neither one is smart or particularily sensitive, but the world doesn't end just because someone did it.
@Really – Wearing an "I love NY" shirt, doesn't make you a traitor. It means you hate 32 ounce cups of soda.
...or you're a fan of Alabama. Not a traitor.
I'm a big fan of country and western music and I love Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney and Alan Jackson. They're good genuine people and the best in the business and I doubt for one moment that these artists are racists. I love LL too cause he's as genuine and down to earth as they come.
Based on what? Where are you gathering that they're genuine? LL said that he was going back to Cali, and then in the same song, he said that he didn't think so. WHO KNOWS WHERE HE'S COMING FROM?
If two white kids are driving down the street listening to Kanye West's big hit, "Gold Digger", are they allowed to sing along?
...hope not because that song is as terrible as this one.
What is Christopher Dorner doing with Brad?
...about to put a cap in his a$$.
After listening to this song and reading these comments, I started to reflect on my own inner struggles with this topic and how we, as a society, along with those in the music industry whose experiences...farrrrrrrrt*farrrrrt*fart*
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efyouseekaY
only for a booty call and riding in the passenger seat with no debit card.
kapeesh
don't get too comfy...
Anyone who wears or flys the confederate battle flag is ignorant to the facts of the matter and what it represents which is nothing American and as far as I am concerned are traitors. It still amazes me that 500,000 southern boys were willing to die so that RICH white land owners could keep their cheap labor and don't give me the crap about "States Rights" and the "War of Northern Aggression", those reason are just not supported by the facts and history and no one can convince me that the world would have been a better place if the confederate States won.
Ignorance is the word that most defines the south
you lost-letter, garbage, hatred all answered...don't flatter yourselves...
the cheesesteak fatty and pick up a history book.
If you think that is ALL the war was about, read a history book.
What's really funny is most people who think those who fly Confederate flags are ignorant are the ones who haven't done their research at all. For instance, there was not ONE business in the South that dealt with the transportation of slaves to America. All Southerners who had slaves got them from northern companies. This means that if you fly any flag of a northern state that existed at the time, then you support going to other countries, taking people from their lands and then selling them as slaves in America.
See how stupid that sounds? The Confederate flag has a lot of meanings, the most prominent (among intelligent people) is the support of states' rights, which is very valid since the Federal government was ONLY created for two purposes...providing national defense and disputing state conflicts.
So to automatically assume a person flying the Confederate flag is a racist is actually a way to show how unintelligent you are, not him/her. Yes, there are a lot of backwards Southerners who still believe in outdated ideas...but if you haven't noticed that is the case everywhere in America and across the world. To single out one group of unintelligent people means I can assume you support every other group who may be racist towards a group of people, or who may believe in genocide, or who may believe in women being inferior, and the list goes on. Hey, you assume something with no proof so I can to.
I would say the same about anyone that sags or doesn't take the sticker off of their baseball cap.
daz what u think...
humtake posted the following drivel:
"For instance, there was not ONE business in the South that dealt with the transportation of slaves to America. All Southerners who had slaves got them from northern companies. This means that if you fly any flag of a northern state that existed at the time, then you support going to other countries, taking people from their lands and then selling them as slaves in America."
Even if what you say is correct, importation of slaves ended in 1808. It has no bearing on the situation in 1861, when the slavers seceded in a childish tantrum over the outcome of the 1860 election.
And no one objects to flying the flag of a particular state. Rather, they object to people flying a foreign national flag that represented slavery, treason, and subversion against the United States of America.
If you think someone's ignorant for wearing clothes a different way than you I would say your the ignorant one.
" For instance, there was not ONE business in the South that dealt with the transportation of slaves to America." Aw, what BS. Ships came right in at the docks and sold 'em at the slave markets, which are often still visible. You homeschooled experts just kill me. Where are you, Kansas?
Ships owned by Northern companies, docked at Southern ports to sell their cargo (the cargo we happen to be discussing was human slaves).
Ships owned by Southern companies, also docked at Northern ports to sell their cargo (that cargo, however, was not human slaves).
The fact that the ships docked in the South to sell the slaves, does not make those ships property of Southern companies.
I find it funny that you would denigrate home-schooled children using poor logic, and incorrect history.
Thank you Brad & LL for saying what a lot of us have felt for a long time.
All white men need to learn what white women already know. Black men are great.
And black woman?
All women love us
–
only for a booty call and riding in the passenger seat with no debit card.
Great for what, raping and killing their own people? Remember the top 2 killers of young black women in the US today are AIDS, and Femicide (murder by partner). With 1 in every 15 black men having HIV at some point in their lifetime.
You seem to have a lot of "facts" and "figures" at hand regarding black folks, AtlantaNative. You seem to be obsessed. Usually people who can spout off that kind of information so readily are obssessed to the point of being members in some kind of organized group, like, I don't know - a hate group?
nails and hair on tap....shortly
It serves them right for being such PC weenies.
People who hate enjoy their hatred. They don't want a dialogue, they just want to drive the people they hate into the ground.
t3chsupport
♪I'm a little bit country...
♫And I'm a little bit rock and roll!
April 9, 2013 at 10:41 am | Report abuse | Reply
agreed.
My story is nothing but the ugly truth, 2 bad most of you naive liberals cant handle the truth. Lack of morals is a problem for all races, but Especially for inner city young black men!! Do you deny this when murder is the #1 killer of young black men in America, and Femicide is the #2 killer of young black women in the US after AIDS? Or do you call facts "racist" as well.
I'm not sure what you are arguing here. Are you saying that a "lack of morals" is the reason for the violent death "data" you presented regarding young African American men and women? I hope not, because a statement like that is certainly racist.
however my facts are -
So, your facts show a lack of morals? Nice logic. You are too afraid, troll. Grow some, get on with your life, and stop worrying about what the big black man is going to do to you.
–
you seem more interested in dividing races then anything else with all of the down talk towards black men in general. i think you sound childish, lost and confused. i blame your parents and who ever else influenced your flawed way of thinking.
A more pertinent question is why the American black community has done nothing about the situation. They are in the position of making and supporting the necessary changes, but, 50 years after MLK Jr's famous speech things are no better and are getting worse. Black women have made amazing strides, just as caucasian women have, but black men are still at the bottom of most social and educational scales and tops in prison population as a percentage of population. Why? Has-beens like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are still blaming caucasians, long after that excuse has become irrelevant and anachronistic.
GREAT!
Too bad our nation is still chocked full of intentional racists.
Definition of CHOCK-FULL
: full to the limit
I am White and proud.Does that make me a Racist ?
You got me there. Grammatical semantics. Sure glad you took the time to distract from the real issue of racism in this country.
"grammatical semantics" - what a howler!! LMAO!! Ha, ha. PR, you are banned from commenting further.
It is a sad thing that we as Americans , be it Black or White still over 200 yrs later , have to hear about what happened in the south , I am from the south and proud to say so ! And as an American I think it's sad that the Stars and Bars is being forced to no longer wave as part of our history. People need to understand that we ( white people ) did not start slavery , it was their own chiefs/tribe leaders that sold them into slavery, yet still today the blame is still out their . Bad people come in all race's , Its time we stand together and work on the real problems in today's society , and stop blaming , or holding history over people who had nothing to do with what happened ! As for Brad and L.L.'s song , if you listen to the words you would see it's not raciest ! Lets put the past where it belongs , IN THE PAST, and work for what matters in today's world , Jobs , housing , and a Government that works for the people , ALL OF THE PEOPLE !!!!!!!
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"we ( white people ) did not start slavery , it was their own chiefs/tribe leaders that sold them into slavery," Wow, if you really believe that, you need to do some reading. You heard some white guy on FOX say that, right? Slavers used to invite black villagers onboard their ships, then lock them in and sail away. They bought POWs and people whose villages had been raided by Arab slavers, and brought them to America where they suffered and died. And yet, white people are still blamed? Aw, how unfair. I guess they were just trying to help.
sounds about right
What a sad old argument is the "but the CHIEFS SOLD them into slavery!!!"... Sad.
Yeah, sure, they might have sold them into slavery, but WHO WAS BUYING??? WHO ESTABLISHED THE GLOBAL SLAVE TRADE at the time??? White Europeans and white European colonists.
Sure, white people may not have started the concept of slavery (one that is thousands of years old), but we surely could have STOPPED it before it proliferated. But we didn't. If you permit it, you promote it...and boy did we promote slavery.
I was born in the South, too. Texas, in fact. And if there is one thing that Southerners need to learn is that, regardless of the outcome of our Civil War, the South is a PART OF THE UNITED STATES now, with one flag, not two. History and heredity are important but they will never trump progress and enlightenment.
What a sad case you are Jim. Blame slavery on the african leaders? you are an asshat
By that "logic" Jim, if I push you off the top of a tall building please understand that it's the ground that killed you, not me.
I agree with you PR... Even though our African Leaders started slavery, the White Americans & White Europeans did exploit it. I just wish now we all stop using our horrific past as a crutch and blaming others for individual mistakes... Racism is still alive and well today it's not as noticable as it was 50 plus years ago. However, all of us are American we need to recognize that what happened in the past needs to stay in the past and not continue on with this rhetoric of hate and despair.
People are missing Jim's point. Africans were enslaved by Africans, (which still happens today). although unlike today, they were then sold to merchant ships to be sold around the world. Slavery existed before Roman times. The European countries evolved to ban slavery, which is why we consider it morally wrong today ( the European mind set), but slavery still exists today in other counties. Jim's point is that it's not just black or white issue people in the US think it is because all races around the world have engaged in slavery. But it's the western counties (aka white people) who finally ended it.
And seriously the comments about women are a whole other can of worms! Southern white women were just as much slaves as any black person. Southern white males just learned to sugar coat it so they didn't end up with a cast iron skillet upside their heads and a sugar coated epitaph! Please people! Get an education!
"Southern white women were just as much slaves as any black person." Be fair; chores were hideously hard back then. Fabric had to be bleached and starched and ironed, after it was washed by boiling it in a washtub in the yard. You hung it on clotheslines, then got back to plucking the chickens for dinner. Go out and pick some corn and beans, and get busy shucking them, and don't expect the useless men to help, am I right?
You are trying to project modern values onto a completely different society from 150 years ago. Women in the Southern aristocracy were expected to be helpless showpieces, and they lived that role every day of their lives. So did women in the northeastern aristocracy. This was the Victorian Era, and women of means were not supposed to be involved in the workaday world. That's what slaves and servants were for. Read any non-fiction or fiction originating in that era. The structure of society was radically different from ours.
I imagine 150 years from now women in the Middle East will be horrified to read about how their great-grandmothers were forced to wear burkas and submit to male dominance, but today that's the way things are in that part of the globe.
I love the intent of the song, but the lyrics of both artist are ridiculous and laughable. I feel embarrassed for them for even writing this song! LOL!
Agreed.
quite like an article about racism. Some people are so sh!t-all stupid they don't even realize they're racist! This should be a fun ride today.
Actually pretty boring. A lot of "oh no black people are scary ogres to me because I live in Iowa" posts, and a guy whose friend knew a guy whose sister lived across from a man who knew the lady who was frightened by some scary black men. True story!! Also, they say that wearing a racist image doesn't make them racists, but sagging pants are bad and frightening.
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the slob stamp
I'm glad people have the right to wave the Confederate flag and wear it on shirts. It's a good way to know that they are a moron without talking to them. It's also hilarious that a lot of these people are saying that it's they're way of showing "American pride", since the confederate flag is at it's core, unamerican. Remember why they had a flag of their own? It's because they wanted to secede. It's not about pride of history. It's about pride of race.
I always wondered why anyone wants to fly a losing flag anyway.
"why anyone wants to fly a losing flag anyway" They also still have Romney/Ryan signs on their lawns. Losing is a big part of Southern culture.
great show
It should be more like accidental entertainer
I just wish if people were going to make a comment they would at least get the facts straight. By facts i mean your not afraid to look at archives. Old letters. Diaries of soldiers and so forth and not just repeat what your liberal teachers taught you in school
Ninety six percent of southerners owned no slaves. A slave averaged2500.00 dollars in 1860. Way out of reach of the average person north or south during that time period. Lee owned no slaves although was given them when he married george washingtons decendants. Lees own free black gentleman said Lee was the greatest man he had ever known after the war was over and lee was dead. He used Lees name to raise money for a church that he pastored for many years. Stonewall gave money to start and keep a black church in Lexington Va. No big deal you say. Well at that time it was illegal to teach a slave to read and write and he was a Lt. general at this time. He also never owned a slave
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"Ninety six percent of southerners owned no slaves." Every farm had a barn full of them. What's your point? A full-grown, healthy slave cost a lot. A child was a lot cheaper. When they died, you buried them out back and got another one. Poor people didn't have slaves, and rich people had plenty of them, and you think this is somehow all right because not everyone did it?
♪I'm a little bit country...
♫And I'm a little bit rock and roll!
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my hair is growing yay
bikini season is almost here.
only the man will know for sure...
I don't get it. Here are two guys who come from different worlds as children, who find themselves living and working in the same world as adults. They both have successful lives and careers and each one is saying don't judge me by my clothes or the color of my skin. Take time to get to know me before you think you're above or below me. What could possibly be wrong with that.
Sometimes I think people use racism to create sympathy. The white guy says y'all get all this free stuff that I have to work for. The black guy says y'all get all the best schools, jobs, and housing, I got to take what I can get. Sometimes that's true, but it's rare.
You don't have to hate. It's a choice we make.
Learn from the past, live in the now, work to make the future better. That's what I think the song is trying to say.
I think the Confederate Flag is fine... as is the Nazi Flag. If you take away the hangings, gas chambers, concentration camps, and cross burnings; Nazis and Confederates weren't bad people. Be proud of your heritage.
Accidental? A confederate flag? That is total ignorance. He might as well just put on a KKK hood. Is this guy really that dumb? What in jeepers name did he THINK a confederate flag stand for? It sounds like this racist creep is just making an excuse for his horrible racism. Accidental racist? NO! He was RAISED that way.
Or we could simply look at it in the context of what Sherman's army did. Rape, pillage, murder. Good grief. It's as though the war crimes committed under the guise of holding he Union together is just....well, acceptable.
stay that way for awhile
time received...
thanks
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good show
God I wish people would get over themselves. Critics of the song need to search for something else to do with their lives. Not everyone who wears the confederate flag is in the KKK or even a redneck, nor are all the guys wearing saggy pants ex-cons from the hood or gang-bangers. THAT IS WHAT THIS SONG IS ABOUT!!!!!!! Listen to the lyrics and don't get hung up on one word. The song specifically states that the singer is proud of his country (THE USA) but not proud of everything that we (as a Nation or even part of a Nation) have done.
your right it was about keeping the government out of the south, people need to stop being annoying liberals
Anyone who wears the confederate flag is a racist or a moron. To a racial minority it is the EXACT equivalent of a SWASTIKA to a Jew. It represents SLAVERY and those that fought to maintain slavery. What part of this is not clear to all those RACISTS in the SOUTH?
would that person who sent the letter be a racist? ....
He does not say he is proud to be from the US. He is proud to be a rebel. He is proud that his forefather rebeled against the north. He is proud that the South would rather destroy the USA than give up slavery. I woulod say being proud of these things is not good. I am white, but if I was black, I would take offense if someone was proud that their forefathers tried (in vain) to keep my forefathers in slavery. Not saying that everyone who wears a rebel flag feels this. It is hard to know which do and which don't. He does say he is proud to be from the South, he is proud to be a rebel! There is a difference between being proud to be a Germany and proud to be a Nazi.
we will fix all the lies, tricks and sabotage for peace...
This whole uber-PC thing is out of hand. Everyone is scrutinizing every little word, symbol or even glance to try and "catch" someone being racist, a bully or "inconsiderate". Newsflash: every human on this entire planet is racist or bigoted in some manner towards some other race, class, profession or something. Wearing a shirt with a confederate flag is not racist. That's called wearing a shirt. If he were racist, he would be on your lawn with a hooded robe, or telling you you're fired because he doesn't like black people. There's literally millions of people just looking for something to be offended about these days instead of using their time and energy to be productive. Sorry, the entire world cannot be wrapped in bubble wrap to appease your delicate sensibilities. You will be hurt, you will be offended, and you will run into people with different opinions, even racists or bigots. Deal with it.
Could not agree more. You can't bat an eyelash these days without someone taking offense or reading too much into it. It's getting old and tiring. I'm not saying there aren't racists or bigots out there, because there are, but quit assuming the worst when people speak differently than you, wear religious symbols, dress a certain way or you hear part of a conversation. It's not always about you.
thanks!
Am I not allowed to hate it for being one of the worst songs ever written? Or is that too "PC" for you? Lyricall, it's on par with that "Friday" song that that teenage girl made. Anyone who pretends to genuinely like this song musically is really reaching. You can agree with the message, which I'm sorry...is racist and unapologetic...but to act like the music is good is a joke.
Thank you, Saboth, for telling the truth. If our parents and other family members did not teach us to be prejudiced by either their words or actions, then the people we come into contact with while growing up and into adulthood will definitely influence the level of prejudice we develop. So, we're all messed up to some degree and need to remember to be responsible for our own behavior and reaction to others' BS when it presents itself.
thanks
Like wearing a shirt with a SWASTIKA on it, you mean. It is EXACTLY like wearing a KKK hood.
Jeepers. It is NOT being PC, it is being CONSIDERATE to your Fellow MAN.
It is what you should have learned from your parents about how to treat others – like you would expect to be treated.
Unfortunately, what THEY learned from their parents was HATRED and RACISM!!!
@StevenR:
Technically, if we really want to get into this, it's about freedom of expression. As long as you are not intruding upon the rights of another citizen, you have the right to express yourself through speech, written word, art, fashion, or any other means. There is no right to not be offended.
Additionally, even though you keep saying it's just about race, it's not. The Civil War was fought for a lot of reasons, and slavery was truly a very minor one. The people of the Southern states were sick of their meddling, overbearing federal government. They became a confederacy because they believed that was the the original ideal for the nation envisioned by the founding fathers. Maybe they were right, maybe they were wrong. But if you don't respect the full history of an event, the horrors that accompanied it will occur again.
Besides, just about every race/culture/ethnic group has been both the oppressed and the oppressor at some point in history. I could get really upset at the fact that the tribes of northern Africa enslaved the tribes of southern Europe for about 700 years, or I could climb down off my cross, use the wood to build a bridge and get over it.
and will be held accountable...
We'll have your IP soon.
Viva la Raza equals Brown Pride.
Black Power equals Black Pride.
White Pride equals racism.
Something wrong with this picture.
Less than ten percent of the earth's population is White, yet in the last nation on earth where Whites are the majority, we are expected to hang our heads in shame over some leftist freak's perception of "racism" and kowtow to anyone who is a member of a minority group.
Enough is enough.
while attending a cross-burning rally...
"the last nation on earth where Whites are the majority,"
Tell me about it – you should have seen Helsinki and Stockholm when I went over there a couple of years ago. It was like one big NAACP meeting!
"the last nation on earth where Whites are the majority"
Never been to Europe, huh? Or, I don't know, Canada? Australia?
You just proved Jerry's point exactly.
Don't worry Jerry in a short time whites will be the minority in the US and then we'll see where you stand friendo.
NO! It NOT white pride. It is WHITE SUPREMACY. That is NOT like black pride, gay pride or latin pride. Being PROUD of your heritage is one thing. HATING OTHERS is not PRIDE.
PLEASE make a note of it.
OK, I can't resist this. Last majority white nation? Let's check out Europe:
(I apologize in advance if the formatting is bad.)
Country Majority Percentage
_____________________________________
Albania Albanians 92%
Belgium Flemings 58%
Croatia Croats 89.6%
Czech Rep. Czechs 90.4%
Denmark Danes 90%
Finland Finns 93.4%
France French 84%
Germany Germans 81%-91%
Greece Greeks 93%
Ireland Irish 87.4%
Italy Italians 92.5%
Netherlands Dutch 80.7%
Norway Norwegians 85-87%
Poland Poles 96.7%
Portugal Portuguese 92%
Russia Russians 79.8%
Sweden Swedes 88%
Switzerland Swiss 79%
United Kingdom White British >85%
...So, what was that you were saying, Jerry?
Oh, I was waiting to see one of these comments. First off, there si a difference between pride and supremacy. Second, your facts are wrong; whites are still the majority in countries where they are natives, you know, like countries in Europe?
Hey PeriSoft, you forgot to mention Spain! Spaniards are white too for your information, buddy! They are European and just as white as the British or any other member of the white race or are you too naive to know that?
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How it feels to not be a what? It feels good. No self fullfilling delusions, no lame excuses for everything, no social isolation and meaningless, no weird deseases, it feels pretty good not being white!
It's about a flag? Did the Confederate flag ever cause anyone to lose their life, that is, the flag itself? If not, then how can there be a problem with the flag itself? If people caused the problem then they should be held accountable but not the flag.
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It is what the flag represented, it has a stigma attached to the flag as being a symbol of racism. If you see a KKK rally on the news or on tv in general they usually don't hold up the US flag they hold up the confederated flag. I agree with you that the flag is innocent however the symbol in which the flag represent does not make it so.
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The Nazi symbol is just a symbol, but almost everyone would freak out if you put that on your lawn...yes, it's just a flag, but it says something about who you are as a person. No one is saying you can't do it, but you can't blame them for making assumptions about the choice in flag you're making. Also, I'd argue that the confederate flag is unamerican, since they wanted to secede.
"Did the Confederate flag ever cause anyone to lose their life" People waving it killed millions of other people. Wait until the ninth grade and you will learn about your country's history. Unless you are home-schooled, and then it will be never.
That was the most unintentionally hilarious thing I have ever heard in my life! "Caught between Southern pride and Southern bling?" I'm seriously laughing so hard I'm crying. What a simplistic song... the Twilight of the music world. When country and rap is combined, should we call it rountry or crap?
I vas vearing mein svastika t-shirt ven I vent into zee deli for some lean pastrami, and it vas like nobody vanted to serve me at zee counter? I don't understand vhat I did wrong? Can't a guy get some love around here?
Eet's jest a zimbol! Juzt becaws I rezpek ze Reich doezn't make mee zome kint of Nazi ya? Eet's nawt ze zvastika's falt vat Heetler deed!
Etc etc... 🙂
(Apologies to any Germans around; the accent is just too fun...)
Ebony and Ivory... SNL version.
lousy team–
I truly think this PC business comes to an end. We live in America, have the freedom of speech, and hate...loath people telling us what we can say or wear. If you wear your feelings on your sleeve then leave the U.S. I don't feel a need to wear a Confederate flag, but if I did..that doesn't make me a KKK member. If blacks (notice I didn't use African Americans) want to wear a Black Panther shirt, who cares? PC had it's time, but we now have a black president and several women in key positions in our country's leadership, so enough with the petty whineing. We have more important problems to deal with in this country...problems that affect everyone. Working on these problems instead of dealing with this minutia, could actully bring us together instead of divide us.
"If you wear your feelings on your sleeve then leave the U.S."
– Said in an internet post where you are 'wearing your feelings on your sleeve'. Well done, hypocrite. We live in a country that is free, where you can't tell people that they aren't allowed to be offended by racism. Sorry, but your feeling aren't reflective of the population as a whole. If you have a problem with people being offended by the flag of racists (which it is, no matter how you put it), then you can leave the U.S. because it isn't going away any time soon.
"so enough with the petty whineing," he whined pitifully. Aw, did it get it's widdle feelings hurt? I kinda think ti did. Grow a pair, sonny, you can't go around insulting people all day and not expect it to be your turn next. Like someone just said, if you are going to wear your feelings on your sleeve, leave the US.
PC? Are you insane? It is called a CIVILIZED SOCIETY. You do not offend someone for no reason. This dirtbag was FLYING HIS RACIST FLAG, showing his true colors, THEN, when he realized he was losing his audience and would take a financial hit, he backpedaled and even brought in a TOKEN MINORITY to put on a show.
Not that I ever would buy this sheep turd music but I will make a point NEVER to even LISTEN to ANYTHING this JERK ever does.
I wish they'd put names under the photos - I can't tell which guy is which.
I agree...these two make a sweet looking couple...poster boys for life-without-parole magazine.
Why can't people discuss something with spouting the hateful remarks?
Hateful remarks about a hateful racist that is trying to be a mass-market performer? I say we put this dirtbag out of business. Sure, he has the RIGHT to wear his HATEFUL SYMBOLS and offend people but WE have the right to IGNORE his lousy music and put him back top living in his pickup on the side of the road, like a TRUE redneck.
stay clear of haters....
Good thing he can make music for himself and not everyone else. It just shows how sensitive Americans are over racism. It is now time to talk about it and get everything out on the table and work it out. The Civil War has been over for 150 years yet people still act like it is the 1860s with their stereotypes and hatred.
Sorry. The battle that the civil war represents is really not even over. Legally back in the 1960's (NOT the 1860's) you could discriminate between races. Even now we have hateful jerks like this guy (who's name I will not use to avoid giving him ANY publicity) that espouse racism – and NO, I DO NOT believe this token minority is anything but a cynical ploy.
great team–
Read the Beast by Dr. Marvin Dunn......the song speaks about the ugly truth that folks want to ignore.....Dr. Dunn captures the roots of this controversy quite eloquently.
Paisley may not be a racist, but his former fans certainly are. His career is over now, but he at least tried to do the right thing. Come on back to rock music, Brad. There' s not much money but you can keep your sideburns.
What's so totally LAME about this is the expression of white guilt.
I'm sorry but country music is supposed to be about rebellion, about regional pride and yes, to some extent about white culture. There is nothing more nauseating that seeing this 2-bit songwriter making excuses for white men in general and Southerners in particular.
Want to apologize for white history Brad? Leave the South and go live in Detroit where you'll get a real taste of "diversity" believe me, we won't miss you.
He will not lose his fans. Love your racist assumptions about country music listeners.....Pot meet Kettle.
"He will not lose his fans." He'll be dixie-chicked to death. He doesn't deserve it. And are you saying I'm nothing but a hugh jass?
@bannister, you call it white guilt, I see a man with enough cajones to look himself in the mirror ans see that maybe he does need to change the way he thinks. You could learn a lesson from Mr. paisley.
For as terrible as the song is, Brad articulated the intent of it and his interpretation of it pretty well in the ET interview. Song is awful though. He should have just had a press conference with LL or something.
I didn't grow up here but I've lived here long enough and I find it very interesting for Paisley to be reflecting his thoughts – wearing a confederate flag and walking in a Starbucks of all places 🙂
He is right to say that he didn't do anything and how come he is a racist – very interesting thought.
At the same time, LL says "just because my pants are sagging doesn't mean I'm up to no good" – that's an interesting thought too. My cousin used to wear this sagging pants with no belts 🙂 – he's an MBA, has a good job and making 6 figure salary!
I'm looking forward to listening to this song – America revisiting it's history.
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Perhaps the sentiment is well-meaninged, but it's a horrible song. The two didn't even bother to record the song together. LL sounds as if he was rapping over a poor cell phone connection.
"Meaninged????"
How difficult is it to use the correct word – "meant?"
Look at their smiles. You can just tell they are so happy together. Wishing them the best.
I hope they get married. It is just so romantic.
I'm so happy these two are together. They make an adorable couple.