Today in Tyler, The Creator: Tyler, The Creator responds to Tegan And Sara's accusation of misogyny in predictable way
Since day one of the Odd Future media blitz, the L.A. crew has forced music writers to provide often-defensive intellectual arguments as to why they’ve so fervently championed such a fiercely offensive group. Last Friday, Sara Quin of duo Tegan And Sara posted a long letter that took that critical community to task over this rape-y elephant in the room, questioning why everyone seems to be glossing over (or explaining away) lyrics that delve into twisted, violent fantasies of sexual assault, arrive littered with homophobic slurs, and revel in other calculated shock tactics, and wondering aloud why they’ve yet to receive any sort of backlash for it. In part, Quin asks:
“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?… In any other industry would I be expected to tolerate, overlook and find deeper meaning in this kid’s sickening rhetoric? Why should I care about this music or its “brilliance” when the message is so repulsive and irresponsible? …
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.”
Since that letter was posted, Tyler, The Creator has, of course, responded on his Twitter feed in exactly the way you'd expect.
And thus the debate rages on, we guess.