"Accidental Racist": Stumbling Through the Motions of Racial Reconciliation. Issue 1 (1st January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hatch, John B.
• Is Part Of: Communication quarterly. Volume 64:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 118
• Publication Date: 2016-01-01
• Subjects: Dialogue -- Neoliberalism -- Race -- Reconciliation -- Rhetoric of Music; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.205
• DOI: 10.1080/01463373.2015.1103281
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-3373

Abstract

Abstract : This article examines country star Brad Paisley's controversial musical dialogue with rapper LL Cool J about race. First, I compare "Accidental Racist" with "Ebony and Ivory" in light of McPhail's notions of rhetorical coherence and complicity. Second, I interrogate Paisley's problematic construction of racial division in light of Gresson's work. Next, I consider how the inclusion of Cool J's voice at least partly challenges Paisley's southern White perspective. In light of Hatch's theory of reconciliation, however, Paisley's pseudo-apology proves self-serving and Cool J's forgiveness is cheap. In the end, their contrived country/hip-hop dialogue dances to the tune of neoliberalism and fails to resonate with either of their core audiences, despite their well-meaning intentions.