5 takeaways from the Lil Nas X’s ‘Satan Sneakers’

There is probably a lesson in that this gentleman’s key audience is kids, and he’s bemoaning this, apparently, all the way to the bank. I seem to remember that Sesame Street had an issue with Katy Perry (no relation that I know of) where astute observers saw the lyrics and said “wait a minute.”

It seems to me that from “Drag Queen Story Hours” to this kind of thing, we can no longer assume that those whose work is to work with children care about whether what they’re doing will prematurely expose them to adult situations—or for that matter, plain perverse situations where no sensible adult would desire to partake. Given that libraries and schools are mostly funded at the local level, that’s a great reason to get involved in your local schools, libraries, and the local political process as a whole.

I’ve got no easy solutions when it’s something like Nickelodeon, PBS, or the Disney Channel spreading these things, though. Simple thing is to stop subscribing, but of course that’s tough to do for PBS.

First: I have never heard of this guy until the headlines about the sneakers. Admittedly, I don’t get out much, and try to ignore the “entertainment” section of news feeds if I can help it. (Anyone know of any good filters so that your news feed won’t show any references to key words like “Kardashian” or “Markle”?)

Second: I just got my PA child work clearances, which comprises four requirements: (1) PA DHS child abuse check; (2) PA state police criminal check; (3) FBI fingerprint check (since I’ve not lived in PA >= 10 years); and (4) hours of mind-numbing online training. And all I can think is, “Did this guy get his clearances?”

Michael, good point, and I think the answer is “it depends”. I’m sure some libraries and schools screen well. Others (e.g. in Houston about a year back) have been caught granting the opportunity to people on Megan’s List.

Regarding this gentleman, my understanding is that simply producing gross music and having a sinful but legal lifestyle won’t trigger the background checks. I’d love to be wrong, but….