Sara Quin: “A call for change“

When will misogynistic and homophobic ranting and raving result in meaningful repercussions in the entertainment industry? When will they be treated with the same seriousness as racist and anti-Semitic offenses? While an artist who can barely get a sentence fragment out without using homophobic slurs is celebrated on the cover of every magazine, blog and newspaper, I’m disheartened that any self-respecting human being could stand in support with a message so vile. …

If any of the bands whose records are held in similar esteem as Goblin had lyrics littered with rape fantasies and slurs, would they be labeled hate mongers? I realize I could ask that question of DOZENS of other artists, but is Tyler exempt because people are afraid of the backlash? The inevitable claim that detractors are being racist, or the brush-off that not “getting it” would indicate that you’re “old” (or a faggot)? Because, the more I think about it, the more I think people don’t actually want to go up against this particular bully because he’s popular. Who sticks up for women and gay people now? It seems entirely uncool to do so in the indie rock world, and I’ll argue that point with ANYONE.

I was blissfully unaware of Odd Future until last week, when Sady pointed at Sara’s article in her own masterpiece. Then I went and pulled a couple of their pieces off YouTube, and you know what? It wasn’t any good. Though I wasn’t in any way, shape or form particularly disposed to like them based on their — let’s call it what it is, fucking obnoxious behavior — I can’t say I found the music that interesting anyway. Maybe it’s because I’m old or uncool. Maybe I don’t get it. I dunno: I like to think I have pretty eclectic and diverse taste in music, but this was just… lame, somehow. That Tyler is a fuckhead doesn’t really enter into it, but it helps me feel better about apparently being uncool.