Recent discussions about shifting cultural trends in the United States have sparked varied responses regarding the resurgence of rural themes in music and television. The debate gained renewed attention following an opinion essay by Matthew Schmitz, which argued that the growing popularity of country music and Western-style TV shows signals a broader cultural vibe shift. Several letter writers offered perspectives that both support and challenge his views.
Ella Langley’s hit song “Choosin’ Texas” sparked particular interest, with some arguing its appeal transcends political or racial considerations. One correspondent from Salt Lake City noted that despite disliking country music and disagreeing with Texas politics, they appreciated the song purely for its musical qualities, highlighting its vocal performance, lyrics, and catchy melody. This comment emphasized that current musical preferences may simply reflect genuine artistic appreciation rather than political or cultural signaling.
Contrastingly, a Washington-based letter writer suggested that Schmitz’s view reflects an urban outsider’s stereotypes of rural America. They pointed out that the rise of rural culture in popular media occurs within the context of increasing racial diversity, not isolation from it. They cited examples of diverse artists such as Beyoncé, Shaboozey, and Chappell Roan, who incorporate rural themes in ways that challenge the traditional association of rural identity with whiteness. Moreover, they noted demographic shifts fueling population growth in the South and Mountain West, driven by Black and Latino migration. Television shows like “Landman” and “Dutton Ranch” were referenced as narratives exploring issues like climate change and capitalism in rural settings, complicating romanticized portrayals of the “Wild West.”
Another contributor from Oregon questioned the notion that rural culture holds a unique claim to authenticity. Drawing on personal experience living in both urban and rural environments, they argued that authenticity is subjective and not tied to geographic or cultural stereotypes. They highlighted historical population movements in both directions—urbanites moving into rural subdivisions and rural residents relocating to cities post-World War II—to illustrate the fluidity of identity and culture.
A final letter, from a Chicago resident nearing 95 years of age, expressed nostalgia for past generations of artists such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Leonard Bernstein. While acknowledging figures like Dolly Parton, they cautioned against overlooking concerns deemed more urgent by many Americans today, such as the impact of artificial intelligence on society.
Together, these responses reflect a multifaceted dialogue about American culture, suggesting that changes in musical and television tastes encompass a range of factors including artistic merit, demographic shifts, evolving notions of identity, and broader social concerns.