The song is neither racist nor homophobic. The story - from the standpoint of its narrator - is one of marginalization and isolation. The message neither elevates whites to a position of superiority, nor condemns homosexuals/homosexuality. The "small town white boy" is expressing anger and uses offensive terms. The song is about recognizing and hearing that anger, without necessarily endorsing or approving the racist and homophobic undertones.

Just my humble opinion, as always.

This post was edited on 3/29/16 at 12:30 pm

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Posted by Big Scrub TX

Member since Dec 2013

33750 posts

Posted on 3/29/16 at 12:15 pm to Ace Midnight

quote:
The song is neither racist nor homophobic. The story - from the standpoint of it's narrator - is one of marginalization and isolation. The message neither elevates whites to a position of superiority, nor condemns homosexuals/homosexuality. The "small town white boy" is expressing anger and uses offensive terms. The song is about recognizing and hearing that anger, without necessarily endorsing or approving the racist and homophobic undertones.

I agree with this. I would compare it to rap lyrics which supposedly don't "endorse" but attempt to portray reality on the street.

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Posted by Baloo

Formerly MDGeaux

Member since Sep 2003

49645 posts

Posted on 3/29/16 at 2:17 pm to Ace Midnight

The problem is that the narrator is clearly Axl, who was the midwestern farm boy who caught the bus to LA. It's his reaction to LA, and yes, he is putting himself in a position of superiority. It's not a character, it's autobiographical.

Still, the song is legitimately terrific.

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Posted by Kayhill Brown

Member since May 2010

940 posts

Posted on 3/29/16 at 3:05 pm to Ace Midnight

quote:
The song is neither racist nor homophobic. The story - from the standpoint of its narrator - is one of marginalization and isolation. The message neither elevates whites to a position of superiority, nor condemns homosexuals/homosexuality. The "small town white boy" is expressing anger and uses offensive terms. The song is about recognizing and hearing that anger, without necessarily endorsing or approving the racist and homophobic undertones.