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Pop stars are not babysitters.
Pop music is not wholesome entertainment.
If you play mainstream music expecting to have your values reaffirmed, you will inevitably, eventually be disappointed.
These people arent, like politicians or superheroes, paragons of justice or hometown pride.
Their job is to reflect on their lives and sing about what they have learned.
It takes more than visibility and cultural savvy to be a role model, though.
We hand that title away too freely.
We expect too much.
We believe the world should accommodate our thinking.
We fight fiercely against perceived threats to the median wholesome values and traditions were raised with.
Bush about Ice-Ts Cop Killer in 1992, of backlash for the sexual liberation of Britney Spearss Oops!…
No one who heard WAP thinks Cardi B really likes uvula play.
The point is upending power dynamics and countering the male gaze.
Lil Nas is not a delicate provocateur, and hes trying something no one else has.
Weve had expert trolls in pop remember Rihannas prolific trash-talk era?
and weve had out-and-proud stars.
Each response spotlighted a different strain of tiresome moralist posturing: What about our children?
Gays want to make us just like them!
Devil worshipers are taking over the country!
But this reality cuts both ways.
these people are now having to jump at shadows to prove its actually happening.
But Old Town Roadwasnta song for kids.
Its reckless if you pay attention.
They want wholesome brands they can trust, and thats reasonable, and so much of it already exists.
You have plenty ofPeppa Pig, Jojo Siwa,Cocomelon,andTrollssongs to choose from.
