Everything but country

We often assume that because we live in Albany, an extremely liberal community, we are free from blatant prejudices. However, a new type of discrimination is on the rise here at Albany High, and this time it’s musical.

There’s never been much of a country scene here. Let’s face it— the Bay Area isn’t exactly Nashville. It’s better known for hyphy, and those punks over on Gilman.

However, one would think that in an area that prides itself on its so-called “open-mindedness” there would be a little more tolerance for music that doesn’t fall into the categories of either rock or rap. Even classical music can earn a respectful nod from non-listeners– whereas country cannot. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve asked someone what sort of music they like, and they’ve replied, “Everything but country.”

I don’t mean to say that people aren’t entitled to prefer one music genre over another, or that these opinions shouldn’t be voiced. However, when people angrily dismiss an entire genre solely on the grounds that it’s for “hicks, Republicans, and evangelical Christians,” I get slightly peeved.

The idea that all country music is on the far right of the political spectrum is a gross generalization that simply isn’t true. Yes, there are country artists of the conservative persuasion, but country also has its share of liberals. Take, for example, Steve Earle, a country musician and liberal activist, whose music was featured in Michael Moore’s film Fahrenheit 9/11. Additionally, rock has its share of registered Republicans, such as Alice Cooper and Ted Nugent.

As for the notion of Christianity being the dominant theme of country lyrics, that’s just another false generalization. Yes, there are country artists who sing about Jesus, but not all do. Christain faith is also featured in just about every other music genre.

And saying country is for “redneck hicks?” While we’re at it, let’s say that all rock fans are unemployed heroin addicts, rap fans are devious hoodlums who want to steal your stereo, and classical fans are pompous, monocle-wearing rich folk with very large sticks lodged in their rectums.

In all seriousness, the acceptance of this sort of musical prejudice is a slippery slope that leads to further prejudice based not on musical preferences, but on more serious issues like race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Disturbing cultural implications aside, those who sequester themselves from country music are missing out. If rock supremacists would get over their ill-founded ideas about what constitutes decent music, they would realize that there is so much great stuff out there. In an article on Pitchforkmedia.com, Stephen M. Deusner aptly states that “the crap-to-gold ratio is no more substantial than any other genre– it’s just that the difference between the crap and the gold seems greater.” So please, for your own sake, quit bashing country and expand your musical tastes.

For awesome country, in addition to every other genre of music in existence, check out KALX Radio (90.7 FM).