Right off the start, I admit this was something I was hesitant to write about due to the sensitivity of the topic, but at the same time, to not write on something that's been a growing issue and concern, only censors my thoughts and opinions, and I can't accept that as a resolution. So I apologize in advance to those I offend, and hope to get my point across in a politically correct fashion.
The latest fad in the younger generations is apparently something called called "Culture Cancel" where it's described as a modern form of ostracism in which someone is thrust out of social or professional circles – whether it be online, on social media, or in person. Cancel Culture originates often from good intentions, but instead of explaining how a person's behavior has been harmful to others and allowing them the opportunity to learn from their mistakes, it ostracizes a person and can leave them with doubts and poor self esteem.
In this day and age, we have become easily offended. As the years go by, it's increased to the point where a simple joke gets questioned, and we watch our actions more and more as not to offend others.
Lana Del Rey expresses her opinion and gets labelled a racist. Eminem gets the evil eye for a line on a song he sang with Beyoncé 8 YEARS AGO. Demi Lovato gets targeted for a social media account under her name making fun of Selena Gomez despite the fact there was no proof it was ever her account.
Music has ALWAYS had lyrics that had the ability to spark controversy. Garth Brooks wrote a song in 1993 called "the night will only know" - the lyrics are as follows:
That night will live forever Their first time to lie together
They were finally where desire dared them to go
Both belonging to another But longing to be lovers
Promising each other that the night will only know
Parked on some old backstreet They laid down in the back seat
And fell into the fire down below
But they would pay for their deceiving For a deadly web was weaving
Why they picked that spot that evening Lord, the night will only know
Well within the innuendos Just outside the steamy windows
The night was shattered by a woman's scream
Motionless and frightened The grip of fate had tightened
And with trembling hands they wiped away the steam
They saw a woman pleading Stumbling, begging and retreating'
Til she became the victim of her foe
And they watched her fall in silence To save their own alliance
But the reason for the violence Just the night will only know
And every paper ran the story She was stripped of all her glory
And the told exactly how the woman died
Abandoned and forsaken Too many pills were taken
And they ruled the woman's death a suicide
Bound by their behavior They could have been her savior
Now guilt becomes the endless debt they owe
But another crime was committed And it's never been admitted
Have the guilty been acquitted Lord, the night will only know
He also wrote "The Thunder Rolls" with an additional verse that described the wife planning to kill her husband for adultery. Where is he standing during all this Cancel Culture? Showing up in boots at a black tie affair to honor President Biden's inauguration.
It's a cruel world we live in, and at one time or another we are all feeling oppressed by others. Regardless of race, religion, or preference. Yes, the world has experienced racism, prejudice and greed. But it's been that way for centuries, and has brought us to experience the good and bad of the world we live in now. I hate to inform you all, but the holocaust happened. 9/11 happened. Slavery existed. Mankind has always lived with a history to be ashamed of. There is nothing we can do to change that history except learn from it, so we do not repeat it.
