Hey Brent,

Thanks for your response. I just had a few thoughts, sorry if they’re a bit scattered:

1. I think you’re downplaying the language by calling it “bad language.” Racial slurs aren’t the same as saying the word shit. It might seem trivial but the point of the article was that the language itself, especially just in everyday life, is problematic. Judging by Tyler’s continued use of it (“Buffalo,” etc.) he obviously holds on to a view that I disagree with.
2. The part about both applauding and chastising, as you put it, I don’t feel is disingenious in the slightest. Human beings and artists do good and bad stuff alike, and I think it’s ok to discuss that. I’m curious, the section I wrote on Earl’s regret of his lyrics, if Tyler suddenly stopped using homophobic language and said something like “I see how it hurts people and causes problems of such and such nature” would you still feel the same on my perspective?
3. “Anyone who feels threatened by any musician’s output has little to no business writing about music.” We, then clearly just disagree about this kind of thing. Personally, I don’t know if I’d call it threatened, I’m just questioning it. Do you feel the same way about songs that are obviously homophobic rather than just use what’s considered socially as homophobic language? How do you feel about Tribe’s “Georgie Porgy” or Brand Nubian’s “Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down?”
4. The thing about Syd and the gay community I think we actually are more alike than you think. The point of the piece wasn’t to be overly paternalistic by any means. I applauded them for their desire for complete artistic expression and just noted how the public’s response and the stigma (whether deserved or not) was wearing on them. It wasn’t a moral thing, just pointing out that it’s difficult to do.
5. I think you’ve kind of missed that the point of my article was partially to discuss Tyler’s intent. Some people think that if you use what’s considered homophobic language you are homophobic and I was trying to talk about why he used that language as a way that wasn’t homophobic! I’m surprised judging by your viewpoint that you don’t appreciate that I’m trying to talk about the nobility behind Tyler’s actions there. I personally think his strategy is wrong (personally) but I spoke about how attractive it is.
6. On the dirty mouth/high fashion comment. In a way, I’m actually trying to do something similar to what you’re talking about. Trying to discuss Tyler’s intelligence and talent was my intent.
7. And just a last point, I personally, find homophobic language problematic. That doesn’t mean I’m trying to ban it, but I think it deserves discussion and critique. If you don’t feel the same way, this article is clearly not for you. And that’s totally fine.

I definitely appreciate your comments and I wanna thank you for reading the piece and giving feedback!